Selections from the Holy Text of Tibetan Buddhism: Sixty Songs of Milarepa – Songs 11-13, Part 1 of 2

“When that time comes, what else can help but Holy Dharma? Though Dharma is the fount of victory. Those who aspire to it are rare. Scores of men are tangled in The miseries of Samsara (cycle of reincarnation); Into this misfortune born, They strive by plunder and theft for gain. He who talks on Dharma With elation is inspired, But when a task is set him, He is wrecked and lost. Dear patrons, do not talk too much, But practice the Holy Dharma.” “Do you not fear the miseries You experienced in the past? Surely you will feel much pain If misfortunes attack you? The woes of life succeed one another Like the sea’s incessant waves One has barely passed, before The next one takes its place. Until you are liberated, pain and pleasure come and go at random Like passersby encountered in the street. Pleasures are precarious, Like bathing in the sun; Transient, too, as snowstorms Which come without warning. Remembering these things, Why not practice the Dharma?”