(The human body is difficult to obtain)

TANG PO GOM JA TAL JOR RIN CHEN DI
First, a precious human birth favorable for dharma practice,

THOP KA JIK LA TA RE DÖN YÖ JA
Is hard to obtain and easily lost. I must make this meaningful.

(Impermanence)

NYI NÖ CHÜ TAM CHAY MI TAK CHING
Second, the world and all its inhabitants are impermanent.

GÖ SU DRO WAY TSE SOK CHU BUR DRA
In particular, the life of each being is like a water bubble.

NAM CHI CHA MEY SHI TSE RO RU GYUR
It is uncertain when I will die and become a corpse.

TE LA CHÖ KYI PEN CHIR TSÖN PE DRUP
At that time only dharma can help, I must practice now with diligence.

(Karmic cause and effect)

SUM PA SHI TSE RANG WANG MIN DU WAR
Third, when death comes there is no freedom, and karma takes its course.

LE NI DAK KIR JA CHIR DIK PA PANG
Since I create my own karma, I should abandon all unwholesome actions

GE WAY JA WAY TAK TU DA WAR JA
And always devote my time to wholesome actions.

ZHE SAM NYIN RE RANG GYU NYI LA TAK
With this in mind, I must observe my mind-stream each day.

(The defects of samsara)

ZHI PA KOR WAY NE DROK DE JOR SOK
Fourth, just like a feast before the execution leads me to my death,

DUK NGAL SUM GYI TAK TU NAR WAY CHIR
Home, friends, pleasures, and possessions of samsara

SÖ SAR TRI PAY SHEY MAY GA TÖN TAR
Cause me continual torment by means of the three sufferings.

ZHEN TRI CHAY NE TSÖN PE JANG CHUP DRUP
I must cut through all attachment and strive to attain enlightenment.