Though grief in the Ocean of Samsara is preached, and its renunciation is urged, few people are really convinced and renounce it with determination. Though knowing that life will ever turn to death, few feel uneasy, or think that it will end. Though their life is blessed with good prospects, few can practise abstention for a day. Though the Bliss of Liberation is expounded and Samsara’s pains are stressed, few can really enter the Dharma Gate. Though the profound Pith-Instructions of the Whispered Lineage are given without stint, few without fail can practise them. Though the teaching of Mahamudra is expounded and the Pointing-out demonstration is exercised, few can really understand the Essence of Mind. To the hermit’s life and the Guru’s wish one can always aspire, but few can put them into practise. The perfect, skillful path of Naropa may be shown, without concealment, but those who can really follow it are very few. My dear lad, you should follow in my footsteps if in this life you want to do something that is worthwhile. 

-- Milarepa