Rinpoche Dzogchen Ponlop - The hundred thousand songs of Milarepa: a new translation

He serves as the bridge between the Indian traditions he received through his teacher, the great Marpa Lotsawa, and the Jetsuns own student, Lord Gampopa. the wellspring of the Dakpo Kagyu lineage. Lord Milarepas Hundred Thousand Songs is considered to be the finest example of gursongs of spiritual realizationand was composed in the original Tibetan poetic style. When we read this book, it would be wrong to regard it merely as literature or as an interesting text of historical value. We should, instead, consider how we can learn from his example and emulate his qualities in our own lives and practice. Jetsun Milarepa was an ordinary human being with many faults who, having committed grave misdeeds that included the murder of more than thirty people, turned to the dharma.

Then, through unwavering devotion to his teacher, single-pointed focus, enthusiastic effort, and limitless patience, he was able to attain the supreme goal of buddhahood in one lifetime. We, in contrast, are generally half-hearted in our pursuit of enlightenment. We are easily distracted and preoccupied with the eight worldly dharmas. Though we go through the motions of refuge, rituals, prostrations, and so forth, we often lack commitment and the steadfast devotion which Milarepa embodied. Until now, English readers wishing to read this fundamental text have relied on Garma C. C.

Changs translation, an excellent work by a devout Buddhist who was also a traveler, scholar, and linguist. However, that work was produced more than sixty-five years ago. I welcome this new translation. It incorporates some amendments and corrections and, in lively modern English, tries to capture the vivid vernacular of the original Tibetan. I pray that all who read this book may benefit and be truly inspired by Jetsun Milarepas extraordinary life and profound realizations. Seventeenth Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje Dharamsala, India January 4, 2017