Hermann Kuhn
Anityasharanasamsaraikatvanyatvashuchyasravasamvaranirjara lokabodhidurlabhadharmasvakhyatattvanuchintanamanuprekshah (7)
Reflecting on the following perspectives (anupreksa) creates an alternative (new) outlook on our life:
- Everything we confront in this world is transitory and subject to change.
- As long as we focus on limiting themes of life, we attract restrictions (karma) and experience them.
- The sequence of bodily existences we presently experience significantly restricts our potential abilities.
- Only we cause all the situations and actions we experience.
- Our consciousness is fundamentally different from the non-living elements (matter, time, space etc.) that enable us to experience activity (karma) within this universe.
- Our present state of incarnation inhibits the perception of our real, majestic self.
- Our longing for limiting activities (karma) is the main cause for our bodily existence.
- We can stop this longing (for new karma).
- We can dissolve our prejudices, strong negative emotions, laziness, intolerance etc. (our existing karma).
- What do we expect of this universe?
- What is the purpose of reality - and do we live up to our part in it?
- How often do we gain access to effective methods that free us from all karmic restrictions? (7)
Fundamentally rethinking our own situation has become almost unfashionable in our times. The modern media highly effectively direct our attention towards the accumulation of material objects and the experience of fun. In consequence we are unaccustomed to reflect themes beyond the physical level or to ask why we act like this. Once our fascination with material objects lessens and we look for a different orientation, we often do not know where to start searching.
The Tattvarthasutra proposes twelve themes. Rethinking our life along these perspectives brings clarity about our own position, our goals in life and the roads leading there.
