Marpa - His Teachings

Marpa

Practice Dharma, and I will be Happy

In response to Milarepa's request to return to his homeland, Marpa said, "Oh Great Magician! There is no need for doubt and hesitation. I know you and you know me as well. If you are able to practice Dharma, I will always be happy no matter where I am, and you will always be happy no matter where you are. So be strong!"

Then Marpa sang this song:

I supplicate the lord Gurus.

Son, whose actions are in accord with the Dharma,
May your body attain the Nirmanakaya Buddha.

May your speech, the vajra recitation, by the taste of amrta,
Attain auspicious coincidence, the Sambhogakaya.

May the root of your mind and the branch of Bodhi
Blossom into the leaves of the Dharmakaya.

May the commands of the Guru, the vajra speech,
Remain in your heart without being forgotten.

May the blessings of the Yidams and Dakinis
Remain in the root of your life.

May the support of the Dharmapalas and Protectors
Guard you inseparably.

May the aspiration of profound auspicious coincidence
Be accomplished quickly.

May the kindness of all those who practice the Dharma
Accept you in all the three times.

At the top of Silma pass in Tsang,
The twelve local goddesses will receive you.

Tomorrow, along the roadside, as you depart,
The Dakas and Dakinis will see you off.

In the fatherland, in the houses and fields you long for,
You will find the holy Dharma of Impermanence and illusion.

Among your relatives, your aunt and sister,
You will find the oral instructions which destroy illusion.

In the rock cave of an unpeopled valley,
You will find the marketplace where samsara is bartered for Nirvana.

In the monastery of the body that perseveres,
You will find the temple of the divine Sugatas.

In the ganacakra of nettles, which brings no sickness,
You will find the amrta that pleases the Dakinis.

Through mastery of the essence of hatha yoga,
You will reap the harvest of precious results.

In your homeland, a land of little human love,
You will find undistracted spiritual practice for a little while.

In strict retreat, away from people and dogs,
You will find the torch by which the signs are quickly seen.

In your own food, which is not a handout,
You will find the inheritance of divine Bliss.

In the divine palace, cleared of shadows,
You will find the spectacle of the attainment of great benefit for oneself.

In the divine Dharma free from deceit,
You will find the Buddha activity of pure Samaya.

In the harvest which comes from obeying the command,
You will find the storehouse of all Siddhis.

In the holy Dharma, the life and heart of the Dakinis,
You will find the juncture of Samsara and Nirvana.

In the children of Marpa the translator,
There is the source of much good news.

In the perseverance of Milarepa,
There is the life-tree of the Buddha's teachings.

Thus he sang.