Material: Cloth. Print. Scroll. (Milarepa)

Size: Approx. 122 x 83 cm

Description:

Milarepa (c. 1040-1123) is one of the most legendary figures in Tibetan Buddhism. His life and teachings have profound significance in Tibetan Buddhism, especially in the Kagyu school. He is regarded as a model of spiritual achievement, symbolizing that through pious practice and repentance, anyone can be liberated from worldly sins and attain Buddhahood.

Origin and life of Milarepa

Milarepa was born into a wealthy family in western Tibet. When he was young, his family fell into poverty and his mother asked him to learn black magic to avenge his enemies. When he was young, Milarepa used black magic to cause the deaths of many people and committed serious crimes. Later, he felt deeply remorseful and determined to seek a way to liberation. By chance, he worshipped Marpa, the founder of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, as his teacher. Marpa tested Milarepa in an extremely harsh way, such as asking him to build and demolish stone pagodas many times to purify his sins. After arduous practice, Milarepa finally received Marpa's true teachings and practiced in seclusion in a cave for many years, becoming an enlightened great master.

Milarepa is famous for his poems (namely "Milarepa's Songs"), which express profound Buddhist principles in simple language and are widely circulated. His teachings emphasize "emptiness" and "compassion", and he uses his own experience to prove that no matter how great the sins committed in the past, liberation can be achieved through sincere repentance and diligent practice.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism

1. **Symbol of repentance and transformation**: Milarepa's experience of transforming from a sinner to a great master embodies the core teachings of "cause and effect karma" and "repentance purification" in Tibetan Buddhism. His story inspires practitioners to believe that no matter what the past is, there is a chance to change their destiny through practice.

2. **A model of asceticism and retreat**: Milarepa is famous for his ascetic practice in snowy caves, eating only nettles, which shows the ultimate ascetic spirit. His practice emphasizes inner enlightenment rather than external forms, which has a profound influence on the retreat tradition of the Kagyu sect.

3. **The inheritance of songs and teachings**: Milarepa's songs are a treasure of Tibetan Buddhist literature. Combining poetry, philosophy and practice guidance, they have become an important reference for later practitioners. His teachings emphasize "Mahamudra" and "Six Dharmas of Naropa", which are the core practice methods of the Kagyu sect.

4. **Universal inspiration**: Milarepa's story transcends religious boundaries and becomes a source of inspiration for those who pursue spiritual growth. His tenacity, piety and wisdom embody the universal value of human beings to overcome adversity and pursue truth.

Conclusion

Milarepa is not only a representative figure of the Kagyu sect in Tibetan Buddhism, but also a spiritual symbol of Tibetan Buddhism as a whole. His life story and teachings have inspired countless people, emphasizing the possibility of repentance, practice, and enlightenment. His hymns are still widely recited today as a guide for practitioners to realize emptiness and compassion.

Milarepa (printed thangka in cloth frame)