Milarepa Quotes
Milarepa was a Tibetan Buddhist yogi, poet, and one of the most beloved figures in the history of Tibetan religion, the principal disciple of Marpa the Translator and the second patriarch of the Kagyu lineage. His autobiographical Life of Milarepa and the Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa, transmitted by his disciples, recount his early life as a sorcerer who avenged his family by destroying his enemies and his subsequent austere apprenticeship under Marpa, his long retreat in mountain caves, and his final attainment of awakening in a single lifetime. The quotes below are attributed to Milarepa, organized by topic.
Milarepa on God
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Attributed to Milarepa:
“The Buddha is not in the temple; he is in the heart that has cleaned itself of grasping.”
Milarepa on Knowledge
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“Having meditated on gentleness and on compassion, I have forgotten the difference between myself and others.”
From the song offered to Geshe Tsaphoua, as quoted in Meditation Techniques of the Buddhist and Taoist Masters (2003) by Daniel Odier , p. 104 -
“From the song offered to Geshe Tsaphoua, as quoted in Meditation Techniques of the Buddhist and Taoist Masters (2003) by Daniel Odier , p. 104”
Having meditated on gentleness and on compassion, I have forgotten the difference between myself and others. -
“When I drink at the stream of enlightenment, Or the cool blue waters of a mountain cascade, Which is the property of no one else, Strong tea and beer are both abandoned. Such easing of the pain of affliction Is the best way of taking drink– I've left tea and beer behind.”
Brian Cutillo and Lama Kunga Thartse Rinpoche, Drinking the Mountain Stream. Songs of Tibet’s Beloved Saint, Milarepa . Wisdom Publications. 1995. p. 51. ISBN 0-86171-063-0 . -
“Brian Cutillo and Lama Kunga Thartse Rinpoche, Drinking the Mountain Stream. Songs of Tibet’s Beloved Saint, Milarepa . Wisdom Publications. 1995. p. 51. ISBN 0-86171-063-0 .”
When I drink at the stream of enlightenment, Or the cool blue waters of a mountain cascade, Which is the property of no one else, Strong tea and beer are both abandoned. Such easing of the pain of affliction Is the best way of taking drink– I've left tea and beer behind. -
“I attain all my knowledge through studying my mind within, thus all my thoughts become the teachings of Dharma. So long as I do not become separated from my own mind, I am always accompanied by sutras. I have realized that all manifestations are Mind, and the mind itself is the illumination.”
p. 378 -
“I pray to all accomplished beings; I pray you to extinguish the Five Poisonous Klesas .”
Wikiquote
Milarepa on Life
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“As quoted in The Life of Milarepa: A New Translation from the Tibetan (1977) by Tsangnyön Heruka , as translated by Lobsang P. Lhalungpa, p. 12”
In my youth I committed black deeds. In maturity I practised innocence . Now , released from both good and evil , I have destroyed the root of karmic action and shall have no reason for action in the future . To say more than this would only cause weeping and laughter . What good would it do to tell you? I am an old man. Leave me in peace.
Milarepa on Mind
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“In my youth I committed black deeds. In maturity I practised innocence . Now , released from both good and evil , I have destroyed the root of karmic action and shall have no reason for action in the future . To say more than this would only cause weeping and laughter . What good would it do to tell you? I am an old man. Leave me in peace.”
As quoted in The Life of Milarepa: A New Translation from the Tibetan (1977) by Tsangnyön Heruka , as translated by Lobsang P. Lhalungpa, p. 12 -
“For those who do not guard their morals, Prayers are but wishful thinking. For those who do not practice what they preach, Oratory is but faithless lying.”
p. 17 -
“If ones tries to vanquish foes in the outer world, They increase in greater measure. If one conquers his Self-mind within, All his foes soon disappear.”
Wikiquote
Milarepa on Nature
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Attributed to Milarepa:
“The mountain cave is my temple; the wind and the rain, my chanting.”
Milarepa on Truth
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Attributed to Milarepa:
“Sing of the Dharma in the language of the people, or do not sing at all.”
Milarepa on Virtue
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Attributed to Milarepa:
“When you know that one thing is enough, you have understood the teaching.”
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Attributed to Milarepa:
“Wealth weighs the body down; renunciation lightens the soul.”