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Milarepa
Age
of Defilement
Upon
Mount Bonbo, Milarepa instructed many Repas who were preparing to depart
for meditation in distant hermitages. Those junior Repas who wanted to
stay with the Jetsun then said to him, "We are now in an age of defilement.
For the sake of inferior and slow-witted persons like us, please preach
something appropriate to our needs."
In response,
Milarepa sang:
Hearken further,
my Son-disciples!
At this time
of defilement
That shadows the Dharma of Sakyamuni,
One should strive with perseverance,
And carve upon one's mind-stone
The word, "Diligence".
When you feel sleepy during Meditation, try
To pray hard with your awakened body, mouth and mind.
When the fire-spark of Wisdom dims, try
To inflame it with the wind of Mindfulness.
If you want to be freed from Samsara's prison,
Practise hard without diversion.
If to Nirvana you aspire,
Abandon then this world.
If from the depths of your heart
You want practise Dharma,
Listen to my words and follow in my footsteps.
If you want to consummate the (Supreme) Accomplishment,
Never forget that death will come,
If hard and long you meditate, all Buddhas
In the past, the present and the future
Will be well-pleased.
If you are ever straight-forward and upright in the Dharma,
You will receive the grace of your Guru.
If without error you understand these words,
You can be sure that more happiness
And joy will come your way,
For such is my experience.
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