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Milarepa
The
Deer and the Hunter
When
Milarepa was sitting in meditation, a frightened deer dashed by,
followed by a ravening hound. By the power of his loving-kindness
and compassion (Metta-Karuna), Milarepa made them lie down one on
either side of him, and then preached to them. Then came the fierce
and proud huntsman, Chirawa Gwunbo Dorje, who was enraged by the
sight of the Jetsun and shot and arrow at him, but missed. Milarepa
sang to him and his heart began to turn to the Dharma. Then the hunter
saw that Milarepa was living an austere life and great faith arose
in him. He wished then to practice Dharma after talking with his
family but the Jetsun warned him that his present meritorious thought
might change and he sang:
Hearken,
hearken, huntsman!
Though the thunder crashes,
It is but empty sound;
Though the rainbow is richly-coloured,
It will soon fade away.
The pleasures of this world are like dream-visions;
Though one enjoy them, they are the source of sin.
Though all we see may sem to be eternal,
It will soon fall to pieces and will disappear.
Yesterday perhaps one had enough or more,
All today is gone and nothing's left;
Last year one was alive, this year one dies.
Good food turns into poison,
And the beloved companion turns into a foe.
Harsh words
and complaints requite
Good-will and gratitude.
Your sins hurt no one but yourself.
Among one hundred heads, you value most your own.
In all ten fingers, if one is cut, you feel the pain.
Among all things you value, yourself is valued most.
The time has come for you to help yourself.
Life flees
fast. Soon death
Will knock upon your door.
it is foolish, therefore, one's devotion to postpone.
What else can loving kinsmen do
But throw one into Samsara?
To strive for happiness hereafter
Is more important than to seek it now.
The time has come for you to rely upon a Guru,
The time has come to practise Dharma. |
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