In the second section of Buddha Path’s Preliminary Practice, we say:

From beginningless time, I have been born in past lives.
Until I attain Enlightenment, I will be born in future lives.

The first two lines of this section are to reinforce that our unenlightened living has no beginning. We have been born in countless lives – human, aninmal, as well as the other 4 realms of existence. Rebirth in future lives will continue until we awaken – until I attain Enlightenment.

So what do we consider Enlightenment. I must save for another day.

Oh! Another comment for the day:

I have recited the Preliminary Practice almost every day since June 2002 when we printed the first version of “the Buddha Path.” And yet it seems, repetition can cause me to overlook the essence of the words that I am repeating.

Actually, I think that this is one reason why repetition is so very important. It is seeing the deeper levels of our words that demonstrate the benefit of our regular practice. It is those occasional “Ahhhhh!” experiences which keep me coming back for more. It is the ever deepening understanding which gives me hope that I can progress within this lifetime.