By emulating the examples of great personalities of the past, by pondering upon scriptural quotations and anecdotes taught by teachers, by employing all sorts of means, you should be able to develop a deep conviction that this present human body has great potential and that you shall never waste even a single minute of its use.
On the other hand, not taking any essence of this precious human existence, but just wasting it, is almost like taking poison while being fully aware of the consequences of doing so.
It is very wrong for people to feel deeply sad when they lose some money, while when they waste the precious moments of their lives they do not have the slightest feeling of regret. Such an in- difference comes as a result of not realizing the value and rarity of the precious human existence.
Therefore you should determine that on the basis of this precious human existence you have the capability and capacity to under- take the practice of dharma.
“Consciousness is eternal. Its continuity never ceases. But it is not permanent. Permanence refers to the fact that something does not change from moment to moment. And this, of course, consciousness does do. It is impermanent in this sense, but it is still eternal. The continuity of the moment never ceases”.
.. from “The Path to Bliss” by H.H. the Dalai Lama, translated By Geshe Thupten Jinpa.
