At the feet of Marpa the Translator, I bow
From meditating here and there in natural retreats

I’ve gained confidence that there is no arising
This swept away my taking past and future lives as two
Exposed all six realms’ appearances as false
And cut right through believing all too much in birth and death

I’ve gained confidence in everything as equal
This swept away my taking happiness and grief as two
Exposed the ups and downs of feelings as false
And cut believing there are some to have and some to shun

In inseparability I’ve gained confidence
This swept away samsara and nirvana seen as two
Exposed the exercise of paths and levels as false
And cut right through believing all too much in hope and fear

Sung by Milarepa in answer to benefactors who asked him how his realization had increased after having practised in different mountain retreats. Under the guidance of Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, translated and arranged by Jim Scott, Pullahari Monastery, Nepal, February, 1998, Tibetan page 298. Translation copyright 2012, Jim Scott