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Milarepa
Further
Teachings on the Six Perfections
One
of the scholar-bhikkhus who had previously been Opposed to the Jetsun,
gradually acquired faith in him and eventually came to him for the Dharma,
requesting, "Now please be kind enough to instruct me in the essence
of the Six Paramitas."
In response,
the Jetsun sang:
I am not
well-versed in words
Being no scholar-preacher,
Yet this petitioner is sincere and good.
The Six Paramita
contain all Buddhist teachings.
To those who practise Dharma,
Wealth is but a cause of diversion.
He who gives his (wealth) all away,
Will be born a Prince of Heaven.
Noble is it to practise charity!
Moral discipline is a ladder to Liberation
Which neither monks nor laymen can discard
All Buddhist followers should practise it!
Buddhist patience, by the Patience-preacher exemplified,
Is it virtue which the Buddha cherished most
It is a garment difficult to wear,
Yet all merits grow when it is worn.
Diligence
is the short path to Freedom
And a necessity for Dharma-practice.
Without it nothing can be done.
Ride then upon the horse of diligence!
These four
Dharmas bring merit to men,
Being indispensable for all.
Now I will speak of Wisdom.
Meditation is a teaching between these two,
As it applies both to Wisdom and Merit practice,
By it all distractions are overcome
For all Buddhist practice, it is most important.
Wisdom-Paramita
is the teaching of Final Truth,
The dearest treasure of all Buddhas.
Enjoy it then without exhaustion,
It is the Wish-fulfilling Gem of Heaven,
Fulfilling the hopes of all sentient beings.
To those who can renounce activities,
Wisdom-Paramita will bring final rest.
This provision of Wisdom is most precious;
Whereby one will reach perfection step by step.
This is my
reply, Venerable Monk,
Remember and practise it with joy!
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