MILAREPA'S LAST INSTRUCTIONS

February 24, 2008

[Yesterday was the annual celebration of the life of Milarepa, a
great Tibetan yogi saint.]

MILAREPA'S LAST INSTRUCTIONS

Before Milarepa died, he gave his final instructions to the assembled
students. He said,
"When I die...don't build statues or stupas in my memory.
Instead, raise the banner of meditation. Reject all that increases
ego-clinging or inner poison, even if it appears good. Practice all
that benefits others, even if it appears bad. This is the true way of
dharma. Since life is short and the time of death unknown, devote
yourselves wholly to meditation. Act wisely and courageously
according to your innate insight, even at the cost of your life. In
short, act in a way that you will not be ashamed of."

From "Milarepa: A Warrior's Life" in THE COLLECTED WORKS OF CHOGYAM
TRUNGPA, Volume Five, page 359.

All material by Chogyam Trungpa is copyright Diana J. Mukpo and used
by permission.

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Ocean of Dharma Quotes of the Week: teachings by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche.
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