Timeless Rapture: Inspired Verse from the Shangpa Masters

TARANATA
During this age of conflict, Taranata was a great Buddha Vajra
Bearer whose renunciation and realization were indistinguishable
from those of Land of the Exalted’s accomplished masters. In glorious
Dévikotri, the wisdom dakini granted him her secret treasury, making
him her principal spiritual heir and the great leader of the profound path
of the extremely recent lineage. His [monastic] name was Kunga Nyingpo,
although he was renowned as the noble omniscient master Taranata.
Among the many vajra songs he imparted, at the age of twenty-three he
sang this to encourage himself while living at Samding:
Om Svasti!
Three Jewels, my place of refuge, to you I respectfully bow
And speak these words that well up in my mind:
I claim to meditate in a mountain retreat;
This makes a good impression in others’ eyes.
Yet if I examine myself, my mind has not mixed with the Teachings.
How can this be genuine practice of the sacred Teachings?
The time has come to undertake heartfelt practice.
Banish plans for this life, o heartless one!
I’ve busied myself teaching Buddhism, supervising others’ study and
reflection,
But when slight misfortunes occur, I spurn the sacred Teachings.
I’m known as a scholar, yet I waste my own human life.
How can someone like me be a holy spiritual guide?
The time has come to tame my own mind.
Point your finger at yourself, o heartless one!
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