B26-Master Milarepa (1028/40–1111/23)

This course recounts the life story of the Tibetan Buddhist mahasiddha Milarepa (1028/40–1111/23), as told by his most famous biographer, Tsangnyon Heruka (1452-1507), in “The Life of Milarepa”.  Milarepa was one of the first Tibetan mahasiddhas.  Mahasiddhas were adepts who realized supernormal powers through their spiritual practices. In addition to having supernormal powers, Milarepa is renowned for his:

• vengeful early life, leading to his becoming a Buddhist;
• extraordinary relationship with his guru, Marpa Lotsawa;
• arduous and ascetic spiritual practice;
• many wonderful songs of realization;
• attainment of buddhahood in a single lifetime.

Caveat:  Please note that we cannot independently verify whether Milarepa attained buddhahood.  The author of our text, Tsangnyon Heruka, clearly believed that Milarepa became a Buddha in one lifetime.  For example, on page 230 of The Life of Milarepa Tsangnyon Heruka says, “[Milarepa] was the best of men who, in one life and one body, attained the high state of the sovereign lord Vajradhara, possessing the four bodies and five wisdoms.”  We cannot, however, vouch for the truth of this claim.

The Life of Milarepa by Tsangnyon Heruka, trans. Andrew Quintman (Penguin Classics, 2010) is the required text for this course.  All page references are to that edition.

This interactive course is not available for those enrolled in the free membership program for AUDITING STUDENTS. It is only part of the paid membership program. Click on the “Curriculum” tab to review this course.  If you have not registered for a membership, please click on “Membership” on the top menu bar to select your membership and enroll in this course.  You are also required to complete the application form provided in course “G02-Spiritual Autobiography” prior to being admitted to either the BUDDHIST STUDIES or the XIUXING SEMINARY PROGRAMS and complete D35(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, The 128 Evil and Erroneous Views, a prerequisite for all biographies, and use those views to evaluate the text. You need to also review the chart in G03(A) showing the evolution of Buddhism to see how this patriarch fits into the overall structure of Buddhism in the world.

Click for detailed Users Guide under the “STUDENT MANUAL” in the website’s top menu bar for more information.

Prerequisites:  G02, G03(A), and D35(A)-128 Evil and Erroneous Views.