Yearning for Mountain Solitude - Patrul Rinpoche

Having seen the bewildering scope of never-ending activities,

All so unnecessary and frivolous,

Within delusory perception of this world, this city of saṃsāra,

Abu's attention turns to the solitude of the mountains.

Having seen the constant frenzy of activity,

The futile clamour of busyness and distraction

In the dealings of the monastic community,

Abu's attention turns to the solitude of the mountains.

Anyone I look at is inexorably approaching death;

Anything I consider involves a denial of mortality.

Having seen such disenchanting extravagance,

Abu's attention turns to the solitude of the mountains.

Any friends I make increase my attachment and aversion;

Any form of interaction involves dishonesty and deception.

Having seen how companions lack the conditions for virtue,

Abu's attention turns to the solitude of the mountains.

Throughout the three realms, the hostile kleśas go on deceiving;

Among the six classes, the wheel of distraction continues to turn.

Having seen these means of engendering further suffering,

Abu's attention turns to the solitude of the mountains.

O Guru, unfailing protector, and Three Jewels,

When I reach a place of retreat, inspire me with the fortitude to remain there.

Grant your blessings and enable me to settle in the solitude of the mountains,

Somewhere that provides physical and vocal isolation,

And thereby inspire a true solitude of the mind.

---

Patrul Rinpoche (1808 – 1887) Tibet

Translated by Ane Tsöndrü and Adam Pearcey

Source: Lotsawa House

• saṃsāra - the cycle of death and rebirth
• kleśas - unwelcome mental states
• Abu - an affectionate epithet for the person in this poem