I often procrastinate on my spiritual practices. Is there a reason why I should feel a sense of urgency about them?

Yes, Chapter 8 stresses the extreme urgency of spiritual practice due to the fleeting nature of life. It states that 'birth and death are always attached' and that life can depart in an instant, even without a whisper. The text compares our existence to a 'flash of lightning' or 'sea waves'—here one moment and gone the next. Time is depicted as relentlessly counting down our lifespan, and the final moment will not wait. Because this human body is a rare prize obtained through 'great good fortune,' every moment should be utilized for spiritual growth. The scripture warns that the only time truly gained is that which is spent in holy stories and contemplation; the rest is a waste. Therefore, one should not delay, as this precious opportunity for spiritual progress is incredibly brief and uncertain.