Other translations:

Four Attachments Difficult to Abandon

Through my father guru's kindness, I practice true Dharma,
Though I miss my loving parents, I've said goodbye to them,
Though it's hard to leave your homeland, I've left it behind,
But longing for my close friends still occupies my mind.

Food, wealth , and clothes are fleeting—I don't try to gather them,
There is nothing here to encourage me to be greedy or do wrong,
In austerity and with chü-len, I meditate in barren caves,
But desire to accumulate still occupies my mind.

I've met the greatest master—he's a siddha through and through,
I've received the pith instructions of the whispered lineage,
I meditate with diligence in an undistracted state,
But the wish to meet and learn some more still occupies my mind.

What I do is serve my father, how could I ask for more ?
And I practice on the path that leads to buddhahood in just one life,
I live in a sacred place, in mountain solitude,
But the wish to do lots of other things still occupies my mind.

Master Vajradhara, embodiment of Akshobhya,
Please grant your son your blessing that the way he thinks will change.
Sung by Rechungpa to Milarepa at Ramding Sky Cave.


Under the guidance of Dechen Rangdrol (Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche), translated by Ari Goldfield, Tekchen Kyetsal, Tenerife, Spain, April 29, 2003. Translation copyright 2012, Ari Goldfield.