Milarepa

I bow down to all holy Gurus.

I am the man called Milarepa,

For possessions I have no desire.
Since I never strive to make money,
First I do not suffer

Because of making it;

Then I do not suffer

Because of keeping it;

In the end, I do not suffer

Because of hoarding it.

Better far and happier is it

Not to have possessions.

Without attachment to kinsmen and companions,
I do not seek affection in companionship.

First I do not suffer

Because of heart-clinging;
Then I do not suffer

From any quarreling;

In the end I do not suffer

Because of separation.

It is far better to have no affectionate companions.

Since I have no pride and egotism,
I do not look for fame and glory.
First I do not suffer

Because of seeking them;
Then I do not suffer

In trying to preserve them;

In the end I do not suffer

For fear of losing them.

It is far better to have no fame nor glory.

Since I have no desire for any place,
I crave not to be here, or there.
First I do not worry

About my home’s protection;
Then I do not suffer

From a fervent passion for it;

In the end I am not anxious to defend it.
It is far better to have no home nor land.

♦

From The Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa, edited and translated by Garma C. C. Chang, by arrangement with Carol Publishing Group.