Verses by Milarepa

[Sujith]

There was some discussion about samvega in the latest rebirth thread, which was surprisingly very cordial. Maybe most us have finally realized that blowing hot air either based on faith, or the lack of faith, is just tiresome, after all.

So, some words by an ascetic who walked the Path…

At first, my experiences in Samsara
Seemed most pleasant and delightful;
Later, I learned about its lessons;
In the end, I found a Devil’s Prison.
These are my thoughts and feelings on Samsara.
So I made up my mind to renounce it.

At first, one’s friend is like a smiling angel;
Later, she turns into a fierce exasperated woman;
But in the end a demoness is she.
These are my thoughts and feelings on companions.
So I made up my mind to renounce a friend.

At first, the sweet boy smiles, a Babe of Heaven;
Later, he makes trouble with the neighbors;
In the end, he is my creditor and foe.
These are my thoughts and feelings about children.
So I renounced both sons and nephews.

At first, money is like the Wish-fulfilling Gem;
Later, one cannot do without it;
In the end, one feels a penniless beggar.
These are my thoughts and feelings about money.
So I renounced both wealth and goods.

When I think of these experiences,
I cannot but practise Dharma;
When I think of Dharma,
I cannot help but offer it to others.
When death approaches,
I shall then have no regret.

When one has lost interest in this world,
His faith and longing for the Dharma is confirmed.

To relinquish one’s home ties is very hard;
Only by leaving one’s native land
Can one be immune from anger.

It is hard to conquer burning passions
Towards relatives and close friends;
The best way to quench them
Is to break all associations.

One never feels that one is rich enough;
Contented, he should wear humble cotton clothes.
He may thus conquer much desire and craving.

It is hard to avoid worldly attractions;
By adhering to humbleness,
Longing for vain glory is subdued.

It is hard to conquer pride and egotism;
So, like the animals,
Live in the mountains.

My dear and faithful patrons !
Such is the real understanding
That stems from perseverance.

I wish you all to practise deeds that are meaningful,
And amass all merits !

[Yasoj]

Thank you so much @Sujith for these verses, I read them for the first time and they are very inspiring indeed! From which book by Milarepa are they coming from?

[Sujith]

I’ve attached the book.
60songs.pdf (512.9 KB)