For most people, it is essential to understand these points. Whether to continue chasing material prosperity or to choose a more meaningful way of living is pivotal to where this life will lead us.

As a matter of fact, it is an extremely rare opportunity that we were born human, that we have encountered the teachings of the Buddha, and that we have had some time to practice. Nothing else in this world are is as extraordinary as such an opportunity.

We should know that the purpose of a car is not to burn fuel, but to provide transportation. Burning fuel is just a car’s way of living—it moves things while consuming gasoline. Likewise, the purpose of being human is not just eating, drinking and having fun. Eating and drinking are how people sustain their lives, but this is hardly their ultimate goal.

~ Luminous Wisdom 6: A Buddhist’s Way of Life