Song on Renunciation
This song was sung to a young, well-dressed girl who after asking Milarepa about his father and mother, brothers and sisters, futher enquired: "But do you also have any samsaric companions, sons and belongings?" Milarepa then sang in reply:
At first, my experiences in Samsara
Seemed most pleasant and delightful;
Later, I learned about its lessons;
In the end, I found a devil's prison.
These are my thoughts and feelings on Samsara.
So I made up my mind to renounce it.
At first, one's friend is like a smiling angel;
Lster, she turns into a fierce exasperated woman;
But in the end a demoness is she.
These are my thoughts and feelings on companions.
So I made up my mind to renounce a friend.
At first, the sweet boy smiles, a Babe of Heaven;
Later, he makes trouble with the neighbours;
In the end, he is my creditor and foe.
These are my thoughts and feelings about children.
So I renounced both sons and nephews
At first, money is like the Wish-fulfilling gem;
Later, one cannot do without it;
In the end, one feels a penniless beggar.
These are my thoughts and feelings about money.
So I renounced both wealth and goods.
When I think of these experiences,
I cannot help but practice Dharma;
When I think of Dharma,
I cannot help but offer it to others.
When death approaches,
I shall then have no regret.