Gyalwa Godrakpa (1170-1249) was a great Tibetan meditation master who practiced and taught a nonsectarian approach to realization. Hermit of Go Cliffs is the first English translation of The Collected Songs of Godrakpa. These forty-four songs are presented here with the original Tibetan text, and Prof. Stearns' comprehensive introduction to the life, legacy, and poetry of Godrakpa.

Godrakpa's songs of realization are uniquely beautiful and accessible, and reminiscent of the poetry of his great predecessor Milarepa. His style is direct and simple: sometimes stern and sharp in tone, and sometimes lyrical and filled with allusions to the surrounding landscape and wildlife. Godrakpa expresses in his songs what he emphasized in his life -- a no-nonsense approach to the practice of meditation. He speaks repeatedly of impermanence, imminent death, and the danger of wasting time. He points to the meaningful goal of recognizing true reality within each person. Hermit of Go Cliffs will inspire students of Buddhism and meditation, and anyone interested in the poetic expression of experience.