Customer Reviews

The Hundred Thousand Songs Of Milarepa

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In May 1992 I discovered Volume Two of this title on a shelf at Border's in Philadelphia. I opened the book and saw these lines: "The woes of life succeed one another Like the sea's incessent waves -- One has barely passed, before The next one takes its place. Until you are liberated, pain And pleasure come and go at random Like passers-by encountered in the street." (page 635) I felt in love with the text. I read the book from cover to cover and spent three months to track down Volume One and read it. If there is ever a marriage between Passion and Devotion, this book is an example. I wish Garma were still alive.

Garma C.C. Chang, the translator of these songs, single-handedly preserved this book for the West, for it surely would have disappeared, overlooked by religious popularizers. The degree, Cha Gyur Khan-po, 'professor of translation,' was conferred upon the late Professor Chen-Chi Chang by his guru, a living Buddha, Kong Ka Lama, at the Kong Ka Monestary at Meia Nya, Tibet. The monastery is of the Kargyutpa School, which descended directly from Milarepa's line of gurus. C.C. Chang was more than a translator, however. He was among the greatest Buddhist scholars and teachers of the twentieth century. His studies of both exoteric and esoteric Buddhism are powerful because they are unvarnished. Unfortunately, not all his works are still in print. As he brought Milarepa to the West, he also brought what is perhaps China's greatest contribution to Buddhism (and recall, it was China that gave us Zen), the teachings of the 8th century Hwa Yen school, which is contained in C.C. Chang's book, still in print: The Teaching of Totality. I was deeply fortunate to have known Professor Chang, and I remember his reverence for Milarepa, his delight at the songs. I remember him imploring his students to delve deep into these teachings, from one of Tibet's greatest masters. Now there is this new edition. By itself, the story of Milarepa is magnificent, a tale of naive cruelty, healing, heroic effort and finally mercy and enlightenment. Milarepa is the psalmist of the Himalayas, and the late Professor's translation is a triumph of the heart. The book is a monument and a refuge.

Garma C.C. Chang created a fluid and readable translation of this classic work, which is useful to any student of religion and folk tales. Central to the translation is the message of transforming human frailty into buddhahood. As a poet and musician, Milarepa chose to guide through song. Milarepa was both radical and loving to all whom he encountered. Mila, too, amply revealed his human frailty during the process of enlightenment. He not only overcame a series of personal tragedies, but also evolved into the consummate example of mastering the poisons of anger and revenge - transforming enemies into friends and bringing many to the dharma.

Milarepa is highlighted as an example of how anyone can achieve enlightenment through hard work and perserverance despite his or her past. He shows us that we can all transform our hearts.

Milarepa is considered by Tibetans of all four of the main Buddhist sects (Nyingma, Kagyu, Gelug and Sakya) to be probably the most exemplary Buddhist practitioner in Tibetan history. A great sinner early in his life, he deeply realized impermanence and the constant immanence of death, and the limitless spiritual potential of human life, and practiced so intensely that he achieved complete Enlightenment. This book is a centuries-old collection of his "vajra songs" and spiritual teachings as he wandered through the mountains and villages of 12-century Tibet. To this day, these beautiful songs of realization are among the most popular topics of teachings by Tibetan lamas, particularly of the Kagyu sect.

This classic, originally a collection of folk narratives, is the myth and history of one of Tibet's legendary reclusive saints. The translation has a fluid and musical quality, and is easily accessible to the contemporary reader. There is much material here to fuel contemplation, particularly the stories concerning the courage to face inner fears and temptations. Meditators and followers of all spiritual paths will find the book most useful, but it is engrossing enough as a folk tale to keep anyone's attention. It is my personal favorite among the world's bibles, and I am delighted to see it reissued.

No point in trying to 'cap' the other reviews, which have given Chang's translation the credit it deserves. Much is the pity, then, that certain 'Tibetophile' snobs have faulted Chang's work - discriminating, it seems, purely because (a) Chang was Chinese, not Tibetan - and (b), working as an academic in an American University. I had the pleasure of corresponding with Chang while at Pen State Uni. 'Garma' Chang was a gifted translator, and no mere dry academic. He had practised with Lama Kung Ka -among others, and had the degree of Cha-gyur Khan-po conferred upon him, which means something like 'Master Interpreter/translator of the Tradition' - a background few academics have had to support their work.

Milarepa's enlightenment-poems meant something real and vital to the translator, who put his heart into the task of turning them into pellucid, expressive English. By the same token, Chang's study of the Hua-Yen (cf. The Buddhist Teaching of Totality) was permeated with the lively insight of one who had transmuted the living meaning of Buddhism from the ore of tradition. Chang Hsien-sheng came from a generation of Chinese Buddhists who knew the Dharma well, his Buddhist background and excellent command of English idioms making him an ideal translator. Chang's version of 'The Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa' was much more than a 'translation' - it was a labour of love, conveying well the whole spirit of Milarepa's life and work.This book conveys kalyanamitrata in the truest sense of the term. Highly recommended.

This book is a treasure. I humbly suggest to readers with any kind of spiritual inclination that reading this book with care, attention, and some willingness to learn will earn one a lifetime companion. The nature of that companion (oneself, God, the Buddha-mind...) I leave to the scholars.

Milarepa is interested in practice and real work in the phenomenal world, even as he abandons the imperatives of that world order. Meher Baba asserted that Milarepa had attained the highest state of consciousness (or being, if you prefer) possible for one in human form to attain. Milarepa is important. His teaching style and emphasis on nondualism bears useful comparison to Sri Ramakrishna (see The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna) and Meher Baba (see God Speaks).

Good stuff. Enjoy!

For a wonderful introduction to Tibetan Buddhism, or a source of limitless inspiration for the seasoned meditator, one could hardly find a more powerful, joyful, and evocative work.

This book almost single handedly converted me to Buddhism.

Milarepa's songs are some of the most inspirational and

educational scriptures the human race has produced. More than

great, this book is a lifelong treasure. It's also very fun reading as well as profound. Dont hesitate for

a second. Buy it, read it all, learn and enjoy.

Throughout my entire life, it has always been a good story that has healed the spirit of it sufferings, of its questions. Although I read this book from the beginning, at times I find I can open and read on any page, and find a dream in any set of words.