Bareggio

Camminata in campagna da Bareggio all' agriturismo Riazzolo e a Battuello, all' andata lungo l'alzaia del canale scolmatore e al ritorno per sterrati e stradine tra le cascine. Il percorso attraversa l'agriturismo Riazzolo, alla domenica i cancelli erano aperti, gli altri giorni non so se sia possibile passare




No sooner had Milarepa finished than the Revered One, the Jet-
sun10 Marpa, appeared on a cluster of rainbow clouds resembling a
robe of five colors. With an ever-increasing [celestial] radiance suf-
fusing his countenance, and riding a lion with rich trappings, he ap-
proached Milarepa.
"Great Sorcerer,11 my son, why with such deep emotion," he asked,
"did you call to me so desperately? Why do you struggle so? Have you
not an abiding faith in your Guru and Patron Buddha? Does the
outer world attract you with disturbing thoughts?12 Do the Eight
Worldly Windsta howl in your cave? Do fear and longing sap your
strength? Have you not continuously offered service to the Guru and
to the Three Precious Onesa above? Have you not dedicated your
merits to sentient beings15 in the Six Realms?18 Have not you your-
self reached that state of grace in which you can purify your sins and
achieve merits? No matter what the cause, you may be certain that
we will never part. Thus, for the sake of the Dharma and the wel-
fare of sentient beings, continue your meditation."
Inspired by this sublimely joyous vision, Milarepa sang in reply:
When I see my Guru's countenance and hear his words,
I, the mendicant, am stirred by the Pri'u;~a in
my heartP
In remembrance of the teachings of my Guru,
Respect and reverence arise in my heart.
His compassionate blessings enter me;
All destructive thoughts18 are banished.
My earnest song, called "Thoughts of my Guru,"
Must surely have been heard by you, my teacher;
Yet am I still in darkness.
Pray, pity me and grant me your protection!
Indomitable perseverance
Is the highest offering to my Guru.
The best way to please Him
Is to endure the hardship of meditation!
Abiding in this cave, alone,
Is the noblest service to the 1;)akinisJ19
To devote myself to the Holy Dharma
Is the best service to Buddhism-
To devote my life to meditation, thus
To aid my helpless, sentient fellow beings!
To love death and sickness is a blessing
Through which to cleanse one's sins;
To refuse forbidden food helps one to attain
Realization and Enlightenment;
To repay my Father Guru's bounties
I meditate, and meditate again.
Guru mine, pray grant me your protection!
Help this mendicant to stay ever in his hermitage.
Exalted, Milarepa adjusted his robe and carried a handful of wood
back to his cave. Inside, he was startled to find five Indian demons
with eyes as large as saucers. One was sitting on his bed and preach-
ing, two were listening to the sermon, another was preparing and
offering food, and the last was studying Milarepa's books.
Following his initial shock, Milarepa thought, "These must be mag