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.