Milarepa - His Teachings

Milarepa

Worldly Affairs

Milarepa: "If one is really determined to free oneself from the sufferings of Samsara, such as birth, old age, illness, death, and so on, he will have peace of mind all the time and will not need to make any effort. Otherwise, he should bear in mind that the sufferings in a future life could be much more durable and long-lasting than those in this life, and the burden could also be much heavier. It is, therefore, of paramount importance to take steps to prepare for the next life. " This was said to some young men from his native country who asked how they could extricate themselves from worldly affairs. Then, Milarepa said: "Please hearken, and I will sing a song for you."

We sentient beings moving in the world
Float down the flowing stream
Of the Four Sufferings.
Compared to this, how much more formidable
Are the unceasing future lives in Samsara
Why not, then, prepare a boat for the "crossing"?

The state of our future lives is far more fearful
And deserving of far more concern
Than are the dreadful demons, ghosts and Yama,
So why not prepare for yourself a guide?

Even the dread passions - craving, hatred and blindness -
Are not so fearful
As the state of our (unknown) future,
So why not prepare for yourself an antidote?

Great is the Kingdom of the Three Realms of Samsara,
But greater is the endless road of birth-and-death,
So why not prepare for yourself provisions?
It will be better if you practise Dharma
If you have no assurance in yourselves.