No Birth, No Base, and Union

A Vajra Song of Milarepa

The true nature of appearances is that they've never been born
If birth seems to happen, it's just clinging, nothing more
The spinning wheel of existence has neither a base nor a root
If there is a base or root, that's only a thought

The true nature of the mind is union, inseparability
If you separate its aspects, you're hooked on some view
The sign of the true lamas is that they hold a lineage
The ones who make stuff up are just being dumb

The mind's basic reality is like the clear and open sky
But the dark clouds of thoughts just cover it all up
So let the lama's pith advice
Be the wind that blows those clouds away

Even confused thoughts themselves are clear light that shines so brilliantly
Experiences so bright like sun and moonlight
Without any direction, clarity shines timelessly
You cannot find it, so you can't say what it is

So many kinds of certainty shine like the stars in the sky
Whatever arises is the greatest bliss
Its nature is simplicity, the dharmakaya expanse
The six dependent appearances are empty naturally

This natural flow is effortless, there's not a klesha in sight
Within this basic state, completely relaxed
Wisdom without fixation abides continuously
The three kayas inseparable-the greatest miracle!

Under the guidance of Khenpo Tsültrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, translated by Anne Burchardi and Ari Goldfield, August 16, 1998. Translation revised April 21, 2002. Translation © 1998 Marpa Translation Committee.

This song is part of the contents published in Bodhi Vol. 5, No. 2 (Summer 2002). You can purchase this issue or subscribe to Bodhi at the Bodhi Dharma Store.