Reddit mentions of The Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa: The Life-Story and Teaching of the Greatest Poet-Saint Ever to Appear in the History of Buddhism

One of the greatest Tibetan yogins - Milarepa - sang many enlightening songs. You can find them in the collection of his songs titled "The Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa."

Some of them are presented in this selection for free reading.

Here are two of my favorites:

>At first, my experiences in samsara

>Seemed most pleasant and delightful;

>Later, I learned about its lessons;

>In the end, I found a Devil’s Prison.

>These are my thoughts and feelings on samsara.

>So I made up my mind to renounce it.

>At first, one’s friend is like a smiling angel;

>Later, she turns into a fierce exasperated woman;

>But in the end a demoness is she.

>These are my thoughts and feelings on companions.

>So I made up my mind to renounce a friend.

>At first, the sweet boy smiles, a Babe of Heaven;

>Later, he makes trouble with the neighbours;

>In the end, he is my creditor and foe.

>These are my thoughts and feelings about children.

>So I renounced both sons and nephews.

>At first, money is like the Wish-fulfilling Gem;

>Later, one cannot do without it;

>In the end, one feels a penniless beggar.

>These are my thoughts and feelings about money.

>So I renounced both wealth and goods.

>When I think of these experiences,

>I cannot help but practise Dharma;

>When I think of Dharma,

>I cannot help but offer it to others.

>When death approaches,

>I shall then have no regret.

The Six Resolutions

>When one has lost interest in this world,

>His faith and longing for the Dharma is confirmed.

>To relinquish one’s home ties is very hard;

>Only by leaving one’s native land

>Can one be immune from anger.

>It is hard to conquer burning passions

>Towards relatives and close friends;

>The best way to quench them

>Is to break all associations.

>One never feels that one is rich enough;

>Contented, he should wear humble cotton clothes.

>He may thus conquer much desire and craving.


>It is hard to avoid worldly attractions;

>By adhering to humbleness,

>Longing for vain glory is subdued.

>It is hard to conquer pride and egotism;

>So, like the animals,

>Live in the mountains.

>My dear and faithful patrons!

>Such is the real understanding

>That stems from perseverance.

>I wish you all to practise deeds that are meaningful,

>And amass all merits!