It can seem suspicious when a lama like myself, seated upon a throne, is teaching people that they must have faith and
devotion
for the lama.
Khenchen-Thrangu-Rinpoche-The-Life-Spiritual-Songs-of-Milarepa
Mount Kailash is very famous.
The snow covered peak is a symbol of the
purity of the Buddha's teachings. Mansarovar lake is very famous, being filled with water is a symbol of the cessation ofphenomena into a state ofequanimity.
I am the famous Milarepa. An old man lying naked is a symbol ofthe abandonment ofthe concepts of perceiver and perceived. I sing because all appearances appear to me as books, as teachings. Then I give these teachings in the form of songs. That is why Milarepa is famous.
In my realizatio. n and experience, outer appearances and the internal mind are inseparable. Thus, by gaining power over the mind I have gained
60
? The Encounter with Naro Bonchung at Mount Kailash
power over external appearances and can accomplish miracles.
I have no need of miracles such as yours that depend upon the help ofa deity. As my miracles are superior to yours, Mount Kailash belongs to me. If you practice the Buddha's dharma that will be beneficial to all. If not, as you are defeated by my miracles you must go and live somewhere else.
Then Milarepa performed another miracle. He lifted up the entire Mansarovar lake upon his fingertip, without causing any harm to the creatures that lived in its waters.
Naro Bonchung said, "This time your miracle is a little better than mine, but I was here first, therefore we should consider this a draw. You say that I should leave ifl refuse to practice Buddhism, but I will never abandon the Bon tradition. Therefore I will perform another miracle and ifyou can do a better one I will leave this place and go and live somewhere else. "
Then Naro Bonchung proceeded to circumambulate Mount Kailash counter-clockwise,43 while Milarepa circumambulated clockwise, until they eventually met each other.
Naro Bonchung seized Milarepa's hand and said, "You must circumambulate counter-clockwise. " Milarepa answered, "No you must go clockwise," and they pulled each other in opposite directions leaving their footprints on stone as they did so. Due to the superiority ofMilarepa's powers Naro Bonchung was made to go round the mountain clockwise.
When they had nearly finished going around, Naro Bonchung said, "Now this next time we should go counter-clockwise," but Milarepa said, "Well, that depends entirely on how strong you are. If you pull me along I'll have to go. " So Naro Bonchung
61
? The Life & Spiritual Songs ofMilarepa
replied, "Well, we can find out which one ofus is the strongest by seeing who can carry the biggest stone. "
Naro Bonchung carried a large stone to where they were, but Milarepa brought a bigger one and placed it on top. Naro Bonchung said, "You've defeated me twice, but twice is not conclusive. We must compete once more. " Milarepa answered, "There is no real contest between us, it's just like a game for me. I am bound to win, but so that future generations ofpractitioners can see the superiority of the dharma I'll do a another miracle. "
Naro Bonchung went to the eastern side of Kailash and Milarepa went to the western side. Milarepa extended his leg through and under the mountain and made a footprint in Naro Bonchung's retreat. Milarepa said, "Now you do the same thing back," but Naro Bonchung couldn't.
Naro Bonchung insisted that they should have another contest, as a few miracles didn't prove anything. Again they circumambulated in opposite directions until they met. It then began to rain heavily so Milarepa said, "We should build ourselves a shelter. "
Milarepa gathered rocks by simply pointing at them, and then told Naro Bonchung to bring some, but he failed to bring any by miraculous powers. Milarepa, just by staring at rocks, placed one on the right, one on the left, one at the rear and one on top as a roo? He then decided it was too high so he climbed on top and pressed it down with his foot, leaving a footprint on the stone.
After he had come down, he decided it was now too low, so he went inside and pushed it up with his hand leaving a handprint on the ceiling. In this way he created what is now called Zutrul Puk44 or "The Miraculous Cave" which can be seen today.
62
? The Encounter with Naro Bonchung at Mount Kailash
After this miracle Naro Bonchung conceded. Milarepa then sang a lengthy song explaining how these mirades could be done. He does this by explaining it in terms ofview, conduct, and result:
The Buddhist view is free from extremes and transcends the intellect. The beliefthat things are real is the source of thoughts and defilements. There is also the view that things do not exist. That is also a delusion. One might think that if there is nothing that exists, that there must be nothing. But if the existence of things has no reality, then their non- existence has no reality either.
The true nature of phenomena transcends existence and non-existence, and also neither existence or non-existence. The view that transcends these extremes also transcends the intellect, because it is
not a view gained by thoughts that conceive the identity ofsomething, but it is gained by the wisdom of meditation. This view is beyond the scope of the ordinary mind and therefore is a source of power to accomplish miracles.
There are two reasons why meditation is the source of miraculous power: non-distraction and objectlessness. Meditation is habituation to a state free of distraction. If meditation has an object on which the mind thinks, there will be attachment and that will give rise to the defilements that create the sufferings of samsara. Therefore I rest in a state of meditation that has no object, in which I directly see
the true nature. That meditation is a source ofpower to achieve miracles.
63
? The Life & Spiritual Songs ofMilarepa
Conduct can also yield the power ofmiracles and clairvoyance. I have a conduct that is free ofthe effort to reject or cultivate the various thoughts that arise in the mind. I rest relaxed in the true nature, which results in an uncontrived, relaxed, spontaneous manifestation ofpower to accomplish perfect miracles.
The result, the "self-liberation," also brings powers which when it is attained, causes the continuity of compassion, wisdom and power to not cease. There is a variety of qualities that are free from worldly attachment that are self-liberating.
This power ofthe result is derived from the direct recognition ofone's own true nature. It is not a new creation, the developing of it is not going to some other place. Ignorance and delusion are due to not realizing the true nature as it is. The direct recognition ofone's own true nature brings freedom from extremes and conceptual elaborations, and this leads to miraculous powers.
The purity of commitments (Skt. samaya) in which there has been no transgression also brings the power to achieve miracles. This is due to fulfilling the guru's instructions on meditation, diligence and
particular practices, and it is due to the commitments to be free ofany stain.
Practice is a source of the power to perform miracles, because all appearances are made to aid the development of realizations and experiences. If circumstances conducive to meditation occur, they can then facilitate diligence in meditation without the presence ofpride. When deleterious circumstances
64
? The Encounter with Naro Bonchung at Mount Kailash
and obstacles occur, they don't overpower or depress the practitioner, but are themselves made the basis for meditation. Therefore difficult circumstances are preferable in terms of the development of powerful meditation that has the power to perform miracles.
I, the yogin Milarepa, have the power to do miracles. This is due to my diligence, dedication, and endurance. When there are difficulties I do not feel afraid. My diligence does not last for just a month or year, but continues until the final goal is attained.
Due to my miraculous powers the Buddha's teachings will prosper at Mount Kailash. This has occurred due to the kindness of the Buddhas.
65
? 8
Invitation from the King ofKathmandu ofMon
( 1 n chapter twenty-seven of The Hundred Thousand Songs of J /:Iilarepa,45 Milarepa was staying in solitude in a cave on Katya mountain in the Nyishang Gurta,46 in the area of Mon. 47 While there he was keeping silence and resting in a
continuous stream of meditation.
During that time some hunters came along and saw Milarepa,
motionless and staring. They thought he was a demon, and ran away, but then summoning up their courage, they returned ready to shoot him with their poisoned arrows. They asked him, ''Are you a human being or a demon? " but Milarepa did not respond at all. They fired their arrows at him but they could not pierce his body. They decided to throw him over a cliff, but they couldn't lift his body. They stacked wood around him and set it on fire, but Milarepa didn't burn. They carried him to a wide river and threw him in, but Milarepa, rose up out of the water, perfectly dry, still in the vajra posture, and floated back up to his cave and back onto his meditation seat.
The astounded hunters left the mountain and told the nearby inhabitants about this amazing yogin that was living there. Milarepa's pupil Chirarepa, who had only recently become his
67
? The Life & Spiritual Songs ofMilarepa
pupil when he was a hunter who had come across Milarepa on the mountain, said, "That must be my Tibetan lama that you are talking about. He is a true siddha. He even taught the dharma to my dog and the deer when I was hunting, making them sit together and meditate. "48
The reputation of Milarepa spread throughout Nepal. The King of Patan49 and Bhaktapur50 developed great faith and devotion towards Milarepa. The King dreamt that Tara told him, "You have Benares cotton and a yellow myrobalan51 fruit,. There is a great Tibetan yogin presently staying at the Katya cave. Ifyou offer these things to him it will be ofgreat benefit to you. "
The king sent a man who could speakTibetan to find Milarepa. When he came to Milarepa's cave and saw how he had forsaken material life and was remaining in meditation all the time, he felt great faith and was certain that he had found Milarepa.
Nevertheless, in order to avoid any . tnistake he asked, "What is your name? Isn't it terrible to live like this, without anything to eat or drink? Why have you given up all possessions? "
Milarepa replied, "I am Milarepa, the yogin from Tibet. There is a great purpose to not having possessions. " He then explained what he meant in a song:
I have no desire for wealth or possessions, and so I have nothing. I do not experience the initial suffering ofhaving to accumulate possessions, the intermediate suffering of having to protect and keep possessions, nor the final suffering oflosing these possessions. This is a wonderful thing.
I have no desire for friends or relations. I do not experience the initial suffering of forming a mental attachment, the intermediate suffering of
68
? Invitation from the King ofKathmandu ofMiin
having a disagreement, nor the final suffering of parting from them. Therefore it is good to be without friends and relations.
I have no desire for pleasant conversation. I do not experience the initial suffering of seeking conversation, the intermediate suffering ofwondering whether it will continue, nor the final suffering of the conversation deteriorating. Therefore I do not delight in pleasant conversation.
I have no desire for a homeland and have no flxed residence. I do not experience the initial suffering of partiality of thinking that "this is my land and that place isn't. " I do not experience the intermediate suffering of yearning for my land. And I do not experience the final suffering ofhaving to protect my land. Therefore it is better to have no flxed abode.
When Milarepa had sung this song, the man felt great faith in him and returned to the king and gave a detailed account of his meeting with Milarepa. The king said, "You must go back and invite Milarepa to come here. Ifhe refuses, offer him this Benares cotton and yellow myrobolan from me.
The king's emissary returned to Milarepa and said to him, "A Dharma king is reigning in Kathmandu and Patan. He has sent me to invite you there. You must come there. "
Milarepa replied, "I don't go into towns, and I don't know anyone who lives there. I certainly don't know any kings. I don't like flne food or drinks and I don't like having any possessions. I don't know any stories about dharma practitioners who die of hunger or cold. A lama who stays with a king will become lost. In
69
? The Life & Spiritual Songs ofMilarepa
obedience to Marpa Lotsawa's commands, I travel from place to place, practicing. It is best if you return to your king. "
The emissary said, "He is a very great king. You're just an ordinary lama, so he has only sent one man on foot to invite you. It would be better if you came back with me. " Milarepa replied, "No, that's not how it is. I'm not an ordinary person, I am a great king, a world-emperor, a Chakravartin. There is no one who is my equal, no one who is as powerful as me. "
The king's man said, "If you're a world-emperor, you must have the seven royal possessions of a chakravartin. So where are they? No, you're just an ordinary person. Ifyou're a wealthy king you'll have to prove it to me. " In reply Milarepa sang a song that taught the seven aspects of enlightenment as the seven royal possessions ofa chakravartin:
Your king and ministers yearn for happiness, but with a kingdom like mine, this life and all future lives are filled with bliss.
The first of the seven royal possessions is the precious wheel that can take the king anywhere swiftly and easily. I possess the precious wheel of faith. It takes me from samsara to nirvana. With faith and devotion I can enter any virtuous activity easily, so
that I am swiftly taken to nirvana.
The second royal possession is the precious wish-
fulfilling jewel that spontaneously fulfils one's own wishes and the wishes of others. My second royal possession is wisdom, the wisdom of ultimate and relative truth, which brings the attainment ofthe state of Buddhahood. By knowing the individual capabilities and aspirations ofbeings, I turn the wheel
70
? Invitation from the King ofKathmandu ofMan
ofdharma52 for them fulfilling the hopes ofall- the Hinayana vehicle for the lower pupils, the pratyekabuddha state for those of medium capability, and the Mahayana for those with superior capability.
The third royal possession is the precious queen who is very beautiful and adorned by a variety of jewellery. My third royal possession is good conduct - the dharma practitioner who maintains correct
conduct is beautiful, because he or she is free of the stains of faults. Correct conduct develops all good qualities, like being adorned by jewellery.
The fourth royal possession is the precious minister who maintains and improves the kingdom's wealth. I have the royal possession of meditation through which I gather the accumulations of merit and wisdom.
The fifth royal possession is the precious elephant that can carry the great burden of the emperor's wealth. I have my conscience, so that if someone benefits me I know that I must not ignore them, but repay their kindness. All beings have shown me kindness and so I must help them all. Ifl give them the Buddha's teachings they will eventually reach Buddhahood. Therefore I take upon myself the burden, the responsibility, of giving the Buddha's teachings to all beings.
The sixth royal possession is the precious horse, the emperor's mount, which takes him easily to any land he wishes to go. I have the royal possession of diligence, which takes me from self-attachment and defilements to selflessness.
71
? The Life & Spiritual Songs ofMilarepa
The seventh royal possession is the precious general, whose army destroys the enemies of the emperor. Some say that the precious general subdues enemies just through the power ofhis majesty. I have the royal possession ofwisdom due to learning and contemplation. I have the wisdom gained from hearing the Buddha's words and commentaries to
them and the wisdom gained from analyzing the teachings until certainty is achieved. This wisdom defeats incorrect views, which are the enemy.
Even if you are a king you need these faultless qualities that benefit beings.
The king's messenger said, "You truly follow the dharma. It is marvellous. The king told me to give you these offerings if you refused to come. " He then gave Milarepa the cotton and the yellow myrobalan. Milarepa accepted the offering and recited a dedication and wishing prayer.
Some time later, Rechungpa and a pupil of Milarepa named Shengomrepa came searching for Milarepa to bring him back to Tibet. They couldn't find him until they met some hunters who
. said to them, "You're not real yogins. A yogin should be like Milarepa. Weapons can't pierce him, fire can't burn him, throw him in the water and he won't sink, throw him off a cliff and he'll float right back up. The king even invited him to court and he refused to go. That's what a real siddha is like. " Rechungpa and Shengomrepa gave the hunters a gift, asked them where Milarepa was, and then went to him.
When they arrived, Milarepa gave Rechungpa and Shengomrepa a teaching on practice being essential and then returned to Tibet with them.
72
? 9
Entering a Yak Horn
( T h e thirty-eighth chapter of The Hundred Thousand Songs
J
is important because it teaches that the pupil must abandon pride and show respect to the guru. This may seem at first a strange thing to do, but respect for the guru is extremely important. Only ifone believes in the guru can one gain all the benefits and results of dharma practice.
It can seem suspicious when a lama like myself, seated upon a throne, is teaching people that they must have faith and devotion for the lama. But nevertheless, that is how the benefit ofthe dharma is obtained.
This chapter tells us that Rechungpa, Milarepa's moon-like disciple, (which means the next most important disciple after Gampopa, who was Milarepa's sun-like principal pupil) had gone to India.
One day, Milarepa realized in his meditation that Rechungpa had returned from India and was coming to see him. But he also noticed that Rechungpa had become affected by pride. Rechungpa was thinking, "My guru is of course a special person, but I've been to India twice and I've met many special gurus, and received profound instructions from them. I am no longer the same as I
ofMilarepa,53 is entitled "Entering a Yak-Horn. " This story
73
? The Life & Spiritual Songs ofMilarepa
used to be. In the past I had to undergo many hardships in my dharma practice, but now that I am a very special lama. I won't have to do that anymore. "
Milarepa, aware of Rechungpa's state of mind, miraculously transferred himselfinto the middle ofthe vast plain that Rechungpa was crossing and approached him. Rechungpa thought, "I am now someone who propagates the Buddha's teachings and helps many beings. That was the reason I went to India. Now my guru has come to greet me. He has greater powers ofblessing than I do, but I am more learned than he is. When I prostrate to him, I am sure that he will prostrate to me in turn. "
The Story ofDarmadode
Rechungpa had been given a staff by Tibupa to give to J\1ilarepa. Tibupa, had been Marpa Lotsawa's son, Darmadode, in his previous life.
Darmadode had died quite young. This came about when he had been practicing in retreat when he saw many people going to a festival. Due to the influence of the maras, Darmadode heard someone say, ''Why is such an important person as Darmadode not going to the festival? " Darmadode . then said to his parents, "Even the old people are going to this festival, so I'm going too. "
At the festival the maras caused him to have a fatal accident while he was riding a horse. Although Darmadode had received the instructions of trong jug, the transference of one's
consciousness into a dead body, he couldn't find a human body to enter, so he entered a pigeon's body instead and flew to the Shitavana charnel-ground in India. 54 There he transferred his consciousness into the dead body ofa young Brahmin, which he
74
? Entering a Yak Horn
then reanimated. In that new body he became known as Tibupa, because tibu means "pigeon. "
Tibupa possessed not only the instructions he had received as Darmadode, but he also passed on many instructions that he obtained in India. Due to this, he became known as "the trunk of the mantrayana tree. "
Rechungpa's Shortened Life
Rechungpa had met Darmadode in India, and was receiving instructions from him, when one day Tibupa told him to go to the market place. Rechungpa met a yogin there who said, "How sad, you are such a handsome Tibetan, but you have only seven days to live! "
Rechungpa was very frightened that he was about to die and told Tibupa what the yogin had said. Tibupa said, "Don't worry, go and see Ekamatrika Siddharajni. She's a hundred and fifteen years old, but looks as if she's only sixteen. She will give you the instructions for gaining a long life. "
Rechungpa went to her, received the instructions, practiced for seven days and then Amitayus appeared to him and asked. "How long do you want to live? " ''As long as I wish! " Rechungpa answered. "You can't do that," said Amitayus, "but you're in your forty-fourth year now, and you can live until your eighty-first year," which is exactly how long Rechungpa lived for.
Returning to our story, Rechungpa had brought Tibupa's staff to Tibet, and gave it to Milarepa when they met, and then prostrated to him. Milarepa however did not prostrate to Rechungpa, contrary to Rechungpa's expectation.
75
? The Life & Spiritual Songs ofMilarepa
Rechungpa asked, "What have you been doing while I was in India? How are the other yogins? " Milarepa, noticing signs of pride in Rechungpa, smiled and sang a song in which he said:
I am very well, because I am free from the sickness of thefive defilements that I had suffered from throughout beginningless samsara.
Abandoning distractions, I dwell alone, independent, without attachment to anyone. I am well and happy because I live in uninhabited places that are free ofworldly activities.
I am well and happy because I am free of the worries of scholarship, fame, and composing texts, and can accumulate any merit I wish.
In answer to that song, Rechungpa sang of his journey to India in which he said:
The way to India was long and dangerous. Nevertheless I underwent that hardship and achieved success. I met Tibupa and Ekamatsika Siddharajni. Also the yidam appeared to me and I received "the nine dharmas of the disembodied dakinis"55 from Tibupa, and therefore I am very happy.
Now that I have met my guru again, I can offer him these nine dharmas of the disembodied dakinis, and so I am very happy.
To dispel Rechungpa's pride, Milarepa replied with a song:
76
? Entering a Yak Hom
Do not boast so much. I will sing you a song, and if you think it's any good, keep it in mind.
These dharmas of the disembodied dakinis are the property of the dakinis. You mustn't go around saying that you have them; their possession should be kept a secret and passed on only to a worthy disciple. Ifyou teach these dharmas indiscriminately, the dakinis will be upset. Don't think your instructions are so special. If you do, your mind will turn bad.
If you give many high teachings, you will encounter an obstacle to your meditation. It is the arrogance o f thinking, "I have accomplished so much'' and it will result in abandoning a guru for a new one.
Don't be like that.
Then Milarepa used his miraculous powers to run offat great speed, taking Tibupa's staff and Rechungpa's texts with him.
Rechungpa was soon exhausted trying to catch up with him, and so he called to him to stop by singing a song in which he said:
I have the teachings of the dakinis. Please read them. I have the deity-meditation of Siddharajni, which I offer to you. I have many instructions for protection, health, and countering demons, which I offer to you. Accept them and stop for moment, I'm exhausted.
Milarepa stopped and sang a song in which he said:
For one who follows the path of the dharma, the teachings of the disembodied dakinis brings neither benefit nor harm.
77
? The Life & Spiritual Songs ofMilarepa
Tibupa has a greater connection with me than with you, and I am also a pupil ofSiddharajni. I have been many times to Tibupa's dwelling place to take
part in his ganachakras.
What you have to tell me is of no importance.
What we need to do now is go to a solitary place in the mountains and meditate.
Rechungpa began to think negative thoughts about Milarepa, thinking, "If this had been any other lama, I would have had a great welcome party on my return from India. What kind of welcome is one old man in a cotton robe. I'm going to go back to India! My meditation practice should now be conjoined with the enjoyment of sensory pleasures. "
Milarepa, being aware of Rechungpa's thoughts, pointed to a yak horn lying nearby and said, "Bring me that yak horn. " Rechungpa thought, "My guru always says that he doesn't need anything, that he has no attachment for anything, but now he desires to possess this yak horn. " He then said aloud to Milarepa,
"What is the point of carrying such a useless thing? You can't eat it, or wear it. "
Milarepa answered, "I have no attachment to it, but if I keep it, it will prove useful sometime. " They then carried on walking across the great plain ofTibet that was known as Palmo Pahang. While they were still in the middle of it, black clouds gathered and they were caught in a severe hailstorm.
As the hailstones began to strike Rechungpa, without looking to see what Milarepa was doing, he hid under his cotton robe. As the hail began to lessen he wondered, "What happened to my guru? " and peeked out. There was no sign of Milarepa anywhere. "Where has he gone? " Rechungpa wondered, looking all around.
78
? Entering a Yak Horn
Then he heard Milarepa singing, but the sound ofMilarepa's voice was coming from inside the yak horn.
Rechungpa thought, "This is the yak horn Milarepa was carrying" and tried to pick it up, but it was so heavy h<;_ couldn't move it. He looked inside and saw that Milarepa was sitting inside, singing. However Milarepa's bpdy had not become any smaller and the yak horn had not become any larger. Milarepa sang a song:
Rechungpa's view is like a vulture. Sometimes it's high up and sometimes it's low down. Don't run about so, your robe will be soaked. You should come inside this yak horn with me. It's very nice in here.
Rechungpa is like the sun and moon, it's sometimes clear, and sometimes obscured. Rechungpa's conduct is like the wind, it's sometimes gentle, and sometimes brisk. Don't run around out there, come inside this yak horn. It's very nice in here.
I've never been to India. I'm just an old man, so I sit in the back end of the narrow tip of the yak horn. You've been to India and you are a great scholar, so you should sit in the wide front end of the? yak horn, at the mouth.
Rechungpa thought, "Well, who knows? There might be room for me in there," but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't even get his hand in. Rechungpa started shivering with cold and sang into the yak horn a song in which he said:
It is true what you say about the lack of stability in my view, meditation, and conduct. But whether my
79
? The Life & Spiritual Songs ofMilarepa
robe is dry or soaked, you are my root guru, and I pray to you.
Milarepa came out from the yak horn and looked up into the sky. The clouds parted and the sun shone, drying Rechungpa's robe.
After sitting in this place for a little while, Milarepa said, "You didn't need to learn sorcery in India. I know how to do that. As for the dharma, I didn't go to India because I have the Six Yogas of Naropa, which are so profound that I am perfectly satisfied by having just them. But it is very good that you went to India and obtained the dharmas of the disembodied dakini as they will be needed by people in the future.
80
? 10
The Story ofGampopa
( J' ( l a r e p a ' s principal disciple, who was known as his sun- J . 1, ~ like pupil, was Gampopa. The account of how Gampopa met, learned from, and practiced under Milarepa serves as an example for us. If we can practice in the same way, we can become like Gampopa. This story is found
in the forty-first chapter in The Hundred Thousand Songs of Mila repa. 56
Marpa Lotsawa had prophesied, on the basis of a dream that Milarepa had, that Milarepa would be one of the four "pillars," that is, one of the four main pupils who would preserve and transmit Marpa's lineage. Marpa also prophesied that Milarepa would have an unrivalled pupil who would make Marpa's lineage flourish for a long time and he would benefit countless beings. Milarepa also received a prophecy from Vajrayogini, who said that he would have three pupils that would be like the sun, the moon and the stars. The pupil who was like the sun was Gampopa. Gampopa was also prophesied by the Buddha in the King of Samadhisutra,intheMahakaruna-pundarika57 sutra,andothers, where the Buddha said that there would be a physician monk in
the land of the Himalayas who would follow the Mahayana and benefit the Buddha's teachings and many beings. Gampopa is also
81
? The Life & Spiritual Songs ofMilarepa
known as Dagpo Lharje, which means "the Physician from Dagpo" in Tibetan.
Gampopa combined the teachings ofthe Kadampa tradition, which was one of the eight lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, with the teachings ofMilarepa. So Gampopa's lineage, called the Dhagpo Kagyu, contains both an introductory path for beginners and the profound path of the Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa. From this lineage of vast and profound instructions there have been many exceptional siddhas.
From about the age of fifteen Gampopa learned many practices. As his father was a doctor, he also studied medicine. He married a very beautiful woman, but she became very sick. Even though his examination of her indicated that her vital physical elements were exhausted, she still did not die, but clung onto life. Gampopa decided that she must be clinging onto life simply out of attachment to something and said to her, "There is nowhere that is free ofdeath. Give up your attachment to this
life. If you are attached to the land, I will offer it to a temple. If
you are attached to possessions, I will use them to sponsor
? ' 00? ,,
vutuous act1v1t1es.
She answered, "I don't have any attachment to land or
possessions, as the things of samsara have no essence, but I want you to practice the dharma well. " l}e promised her that he would. Then his wife died, and in accordance with his promise, he left home in order to follow the dharma.
He went to Penpo, a place to the east of Lhasa, where there were many masters of the Kadampa tradition. There he took monastic ordination and received the name Sonam Rinchen
(meaning precious merit). He studied many sutra teachings, such as the Sutralamkara and the Prajnaparamita. He also studied many tantras such as the Guhyasamaja. He received the general
82
? The Story ofGampopa
Kadampa teachings on impermanence, bodhichitta, sending and takingpractice (Tib. tong len), and many other instructions from numerous lamas.
He practiced these instructions and developed great wisdom, compassion, faith and diligence. He diminished his defilements and became an excellent monk. During the day he received teachings and contemplated them and during the night he meditated, attaining many good signs. For example, he had no insects on his body, and he could pass four or five days in a state of bliss in which he did not eat but felt no hunger.
One day Gampopa had a vision in his meditation of a dark- skinned58 yogin dressed in a cotton robe who put his hand on his head and spat upon him, and then his meditation and insight improved. He told the other monks of his experience but they said, "You are a good monk, so a vision of a yogin must be the manifestation of a Gyalpo spirit. 59 You must go to the abbot and
request the empowerment of the protector Acala60 so that its blessing will remove this obstacle to your practice. " Gampopa did as his friends advised and recited mantras and prayers, but nevertheless the visions of the yogin became more frequent. Gampopa thought, "Surely this can't be a delusion caused by demons. "
At that time Milarepa was teaching his pupils in the Boto Chipuk cave at Tramar. His older pupils said, "You are now quite old. If you leave us for another Buddha realm, we will need a regent to remove our obstacles, to make our practice progress, and have someone to whom patrons can make offerings so that they can accumulate merit. We need someone to whom you have transmitted the entirety ofyour instructions. Otherwise our lineage will have no future. "
83
? The Life & Spiritual Songs ofMilarepa
Milarepa answered, "I will examine my dreams tonight and tomorrow morning you should all assemble here. " The next morning Milarepa told them, "There is an exceptional disciple who can take care ofmy pupils and spread the Buddha's teachings. He is a Kadampa monk who is coming from the west. I dreamt last night that this pupil brought an empty crystal vase and that I filled it with the entire contents of a golden vase, filling it to the
brim. This is a good dream foretelling the future growth of the Buddha's teachings. " Then Milarepa sang a song, which contains many poetical images, but the principal meaning is as follows:
We practice the teachings of Naropa and Maitripa. You all know that they are very profound. If they are not meditated upon, there will be no profound result. But if we do meditate upon them, we can gain the
full profound result.
These profound instructions were obtained in
India by my root guru, Marpa Lotsawa. They are the instructions that Milarepa practices. In the future I will transmit these to one who is worthy.
Meanwhile, one day when Gampopa was circumambulating he saw three beggars, who were in fact emanations of Milarepa. While Gampopa was wondering whether to speak to them or not, he heard one say, "If only we had good clothes and good food so that our stomachs were completely stuffed, we would be so happy. "
Another of the beggars said, "It's not good to wish for food. If I could have a wish fulfilled, I would become like the Lord of yogins, Milarepa, whose food is meditation, whose clothing is a single cotton robe and the heat oftummo, and who meditates day and night in the Mahamudra state. When he wants to go
84
? The Story ofGampopa
somewhere, he just flies through the sky. I wish I could be with him, abandoning all care for this life, practicing as he does. And if that i~ not possible, I would wish to just see him sometimes to practice the dharma under him. That is the kind of wish you should make. "
On hearing this, Gampopa felt overwhelming faith in Milarepa and thought about him well into the night. When he woke up the next morning, he prostrated himself in the direction of Milarepa and prayed to him. He then invited the beggars into his room and gave them good clothes, food, and drink. He said to them, "Yesterday you were talking about someone named Milarepa.
purity of the Buddha's teachings. Mansarovar lake is very famous, being filled with water is a symbol of the cessation ofphenomena into a state ofequanimity.
I am the famous Milarepa. An old man lying naked is a symbol ofthe abandonment ofthe concepts of perceiver and perceived. I sing because all appearances appear to me as books, as teachings. Then I give these teachings in the form of songs. That is why Milarepa is famous.
In my realizatio. n and experience, outer appearances and the internal mind are inseparable. Thus, by gaining power over the mind I have gained
60
? The Encounter with Naro Bonchung at Mount Kailash
power over external appearances and can accomplish miracles.
I have no need of miracles such as yours that depend upon the help ofa deity. As my miracles are superior to yours, Mount Kailash belongs to me. If you practice the Buddha's dharma that will be beneficial to all. If not, as you are defeated by my miracles you must go and live somewhere else.
Then Milarepa performed another miracle. He lifted up the entire Mansarovar lake upon his fingertip, without causing any harm to the creatures that lived in its waters.
Naro Bonchung said, "This time your miracle is a little better than mine, but I was here first, therefore we should consider this a draw. You say that I should leave ifl refuse to practice Buddhism, but I will never abandon the Bon tradition. Therefore I will perform another miracle and ifyou can do a better one I will leave this place and go and live somewhere else. "
Then Naro Bonchung proceeded to circumambulate Mount Kailash counter-clockwise,43 while Milarepa circumambulated clockwise, until they eventually met each other.
Naro Bonchung seized Milarepa's hand and said, "You must circumambulate counter-clockwise. " Milarepa answered, "No you must go clockwise," and they pulled each other in opposite directions leaving their footprints on stone as they did so. Due to the superiority ofMilarepa's powers Naro Bonchung was made to go round the mountain clockwise.
When they had nearly finished going around, Naro Bonchung said, "Now this next time we should go counter-clockwise," but Milarepa said, "Well, that depends entirely on how strong you are. If you pull me along I'll have to go. " So Naro Bonchung
61
? The Life & Spiritual Songs ofMilarepa
replied, "Well, we can find out which one ofus is the strongest by seeing who can carry the biggest stone. "
Naro Bonchung carried a large stone to where they were, but Milarepa brought a bigger one and placed it on top. Naro Bonchung said, "You've defeated me twice, but twice is not conclusive. We must compete once more. " Milarepa answered, "There is no real contest between us, it's just like a game for me. I am bound to win, but so that future generations ofpractitioners can see the superiority of the dharma I'll do a another miracle. "
Naro Bonchung went to the eastern side of Kailash and Milarepa went to the western side. Milarepa extended his leg through and under the mountain and made a footprint in Naro Bonchung's retreat. Milarepa said, "Now you do the same thing back," but Naro Bonchung couldn't.
Naro Bonchung insisted that they should have another contest, as a few miracles didn't prove anything. Again they circumambulated in opposite directions until they met. It then began to rain heavily so Milarepa said, "We should build ourselves a shelter. "
Milarepa gathered rocks by simply pointing at them, and then told Naro Bonchung to bring some, but he failed to bring any by miraculous powers. Milarepa, just by staring at rocks, placed one on the right, one on the left, one at the rear and one on top as a roo? He then decided it was too high so he climbed on top and pressed it down with his foot, leaving a footprint on the stone.
After he had come down, he decided it was now too low, so he went inside and pushed it up with his hand leaving a handprint on the ceiling. In this way he created what is now called Zutrul Puk44 or "The Miraculous Cave" which can be seen today.
62
? The Encounter with Naro Bonchung at Mount Kailash
After this miracle Naro Bonchung conceded. Milarepa then sang a lengthy song explaining how these mirades could be done. He does this by explaining it in terms ofview, conduct, and result:
The Buddhist view is free from extremes and transcends the intellect. The beliefthat things are real is the source of thoughts and defilements. There is also the view that things do not exist. That is also a delusion. One might think that if there is nothing that exists, that there must be nothing. But if the existence of things has no reality, then their non- existence has no reality either.
The true nature of phenomena transcends existence and non-existence, and also neither existence or non-existence. The view that transcends these extremes also transcends the intellect, because it is
not a view gained by thoughts that conceive the identity ofsomething, but it is gained by the wisdom of meditation. This view is beyond the scope of the ordinary mind and therefore is a source of power to accomplish miracles.
There are two reasons why meditation is the source of miraculous power: non-distraction and objectlessness. Meditation is habituation to a state free of distraction. If meditation has an object on which the mind thinks, there will be attachment and that will give rise to the defilements that create the sufferings of samsara. Therefore I rest in a state of meditation that has no object, in which I directly see
the true nature. That meditation is a source ofpower to achieve miracles.
63
? The Life & Spiritual Songs ofMilarepa
Conduct can also yield the power ofmiracles and clairvoyance. I have a conduct that is free ofthe effort to reject or cultivate the various thoughts that arise in the mind. I rest relaxed in the true nature, which results in an uncontrived, relaxed, spontaneous manifestation ofpower to accomplish perfect miracles.
The result, the "self-liberation," also brings powers which when it is attained, causes the continuity of compassion, wisdom and power to not cease. There is a variety of qualities that are free from worldly attachment that are self-liberating.
This power ofthe result is derived from the direct recognition ofone's own true nature. It is not a new creation, the developing of it is not going to some other place. Ignorance and delusion are due to not realizing the true nature as it is. The direct recognition ofone's own true nature brings freedom from extremes and conceptual elaborations, and this leads to miraculous powers.
The purity of commitments (Skt. samaya) in which there has been no transgression also brings the power to achieve miracles. This is due to fulfilling the guru's instructions on meditation, diligence and
particular practices, and it is due to the commitments to be free ofany stain.
Practice is a source of the power to perform miracles, because all appearances are made to aid the development of realizations and experiences. If circumstances conducive to meditation occur, they can then facilitate diligence in meditation without the presence ofpride. When deleterious circumstances
64
? The Encounter with Naro Bonchung at Mount Kailash
and obstacles occur, they don't overpower or depress the practitioner, but are themselves made the basis for meditation. Therefore difficult circumstances are preferable in terms of the development of powerful meditation that has the power to perform miracles.
I, the yogin Milarepa, have the power to do miracles. This is due to my diligence, dedication, and endurance. When there are difficulties I do not feel afraid. My diligence does not last for just a month or year, but continues until the final goal is attained.
Due to my miraculous powers the Buddha's teachings will prosper at Mount Kailash. This has occurred due to the kindness of the Buddhas.
65
? 8
Invitation from the King ofKathmandu ofMon
( 1 n chapter twenty-seven of The Hundred Thousand Songs of J /:Iilarepa,45 Milarepa was staying in solitude in a cave on Katya mountain in the Nyishang Gurta,46 in the area of Mon. 47 While there he was keeping silence and resting in a
continuous stream of meditation.
During that time some hunters came along and saw Milarepa,
motionless and staring. They thought he was a demon, and ran away, but then summoning up their courage, they returned ready to shoot him with their poisoned arrows. They asked him, ''Are you a human being or a demon? " but Milarepa did not respond at all. They fired their arrows at him but they could not pierce his body. They decided to throw him over a cliff, but they couldn't lift his body. They stacked wood around him and set it on fire, but Milarepa didn't burn. They carried him to a wide river and threw him in, but Milarepa, rose up out of the water, perfectly dry, still in the vajra posture, and floated back up to his cave and back onto his meditation seat.
The astounded hunters left the mountain and told the nearby inhabitants about this amazing yogin that was living there. Milarepa's pupil Chirarepa, who had only recently become his
67
? The Life & Spiritual Songs ofMilarepa
pupil when he was a hunter who had come across Milarepa on the mountain, said, "That must be my Tibetan lama that you are talking about. He is a true siddha. He even taught the dharma to my dog and the deer when I was hunting, making them sit together and meditate. "48
The reputation of Milarepa spread throughout Nepal. The King of Patan49 and Bhaktapur50 developed great faith and devotion towards Milarepa. The King dreamt that Tara told him, "You have Benares cotton and a yellow myrobalan51 fruit,. There is a great Tibetan yogin presently staying at the Katya cave. Ifyou offer these things to him it will be ofgreat benefit to you. "
The king sent a man who could speakTibetan to find Milarepa. When he came to Milarepa's cave and saw how he had forsaken material life and was remaining in meditation all the time, he felt great faith and was certain that he had found Milarepa.
Nevertheless, in order to avoid any . tnistake he asked, "What is your name? Isn't it terrible to live like this, without anything to eat or drink? Why have you given up all possessions? "
Milarepa replied, "I am Milarepa, the yogin from Tibet. There is a great purpose to not having possessions. " He then explained what he meant in a song:
I have no desire for wealth or possessions, and so I have nothing. I do not experience the initial suffering ofhaving to accumulate possessions, the intermediate suffering of having to protect and keep possessions, nor the final suffering oflosing these possessions. This is a wonderful thing.
I have no desire for friends or relations. I do not experience the initial suffering of forming a mental attachment, the intermediate suffering of
68
? Invitation from the King ofKathmandu ofMiin
having a disagreement, nor the final suffering of parting from them. Therefore it is good to be without friends and relations.
I have no desire for pleasant conversation. I do not experience the initial suffering of seeking conversation, the intermediate suffering ofwondering whether it will continue, nor the final suffering of the conversation deteriorating. Therefore I do not delight in pleasant conversation.
I have no desire for a homeland and have no flxed residence. I do not experience the initial suffering of partiality of thinking that "this is my land and that place isn't. " I do not experience the intermediate suffering of yearning for my land. And I do not experience the final suffering ofhaving to protect my land. Therefore it is better to have no flxed abode.
When Milarepa had sung this song, the man felt great faith in him and returned to the king and gave a detailed account of his meeting with Milarepa. The king said, "You must go back and invite Milarepa to come here. Ifhe refuses, offer him this Benares cotton and yellow myrobolan from me.
The king's emissary returned to Milarepa and said to him, "A Dharma king is reigning in Kathmandu and Patan. He has sent me to invite you there. You must come there. "
Milarepa replied, "I don't go into towns, and I don't know anyone who lives there. I certainly don't know any kings. I don't like flne food or drinks and I don't like having any possessions. I don't know any stories about dharma practitioners who die of hunger or cold. A lama who stays with a king will become lost. In
69
? The Life & Spiritual Songs ofMilarepa
obedience to Marpa Lotsawa's commands, I travel from place to place, practicing. It is best if you return to your king. "
The emissary said, "He is a very great king. You're just an ordinary lama, so he has only sent one man on foot to invite you. It would be better if you came back with me. " Milarepa replied, "No, that's not how it is. I'm not an ordinary person, I am a great king, a world-emperor, a Chakravartin. There is no one who is my equal, no one who is as powerful as me. "
The king's man said, "If you're a world-emperor, you must have the seven royal possessions of a chakravartin. So where are they? No, you're just an ordinary person. Ifyou're a wealthy king you'll have to prove it to me. " In reply Milarepa sang a song that taught the seven aspects of enlightenment as the seven royal possessions ofa chakravartin:
Your king and ministers yearn for happiness, but with a kingdom like mine, this life and all future lives are filled with bliss.
The first of the seven royal possessions is the precious wheel that can take the king anywhere swiftly and easily. I possess the precious wheel of faith. It takes me from samsara to nirvana. With faith and devotion I can enter any virtuous activity easily, so
that I am swiftly taken to nirvana.
The second royal possession is the precious wish-
fulfilling jewel that spontaneously fulfils one's own wishes and the wishes of others. My second royal possession is wisdom, the wisdom of ultimate and relative truth, which brings the attainment ofthe state of Buddhahood. By knowing the individual capabilities and aspirations ofbeings, I turn the wheel
70
? Invitation from the King ofKathmandu ofMan
ofdharma52 for them fulfilling the hopes ofall- the Hinayana vehicle for the lower pupils, the pratyekabuddha state for those of medium capability, and the Mahayana for those with superior capability.
The third royal possession is the precious queen who is very beautiful and adorned by a variety of jewellery. My third royal possession is good conduct - the dharma practitioner who maintains correct
conduct is beautiful, because he or she is free of the stains of faults. Correct conduct develops all good qualities, like being adorned by jewellery.
The fourth royal possession is the precious minister who maintains and improves the kingdom's wealth. I have the royal possession of meditation through which I gather the accumulations of merit and wisdom.
The fifth royal possession is the precious elephant that can carry the great burden of the emperor's wealth. I have my conscience, so that if someone benefits me I know that I must not ignore them, but repay their kindness. All beings have shown me kindness and so I must help them all. Ifl give them the Buddha's teachings they will eventually reach Buddhahood. Therefore I take upon myself the burden, the responsibility, of giving the Buddha's teachings to all beings.
The sixth royal possession is the precious horse, the emperor's mount, which takes him easily to any land he wishes to go. I have the royal possession of diligence, which takes me from self-attachment and defilements to selflessness.
71
? The Life & Spiritual Songs ofMilarepa
The seventh royal possession is the precious general, whose army destroys the enemies of the emperor. Some say that the precious general subdues enemies just through the power ofhis majesty. I have the royal possession ofwisdom due to learning and contemplation. I have the wisdom gained from hearing the Buddha's words and commentaries to
them and the wisdom gained from analyzing the teachings until certainty is achieved. This wisdom defeats incorrect views, which are the enemy.
Even if you are a king you need these faultless qualities that benefit beings.
The king's messenger said, "You truly follow the dharma. It is marvellous. The king told me to give you these offerings if you refused to come. " He then gave Milarepa the cotton and the yellow myrobalan. Milarepa accepted the offering and recited a dedication and wishing prayer.
Some time later, Rechungpa and a pupil of Milarepa named Shengomrepa came searching for Milarepa to bring him back to Tibet. They couldn't find him until they met some hunters who
. said to them, "You're not real yogins. A yogin should be like Milarepa. Weapons can't pierce him, fire can't burn him, throw him in the water and he won't sink, throw him off a cliff and he'll float right back up. The king even invited him to court and he refused to go. That's what a real siddha is like. " Rechungpa and Shengomrepa gave the hunters a gift, asked them where Milarepa was, and then went to him.
When they arrived, Milarepa gave Rechungpa and Shengomrepa a teaching on practice being essential and then returned to Tibet with them.
72
? 9
Entering a Yak Horn
( T h e thirty-eighth chapter of The Hundred Thousand Songs
J
is important because it teaches that the pupil must abandon pride and show respect to the guru. This may seem at first a strange thing to do, but respect for the guru is extremely important. Only ifone believes in the guru can one gain all the benefits and results of dharma practice.
It can seem suspicious when a lama like myself, seated upon a throne, is teaching people that they must have faith and devotion for the lama. But nevertheless, that is how the benefit ofthe dharma is obtained.
This chapter tells us that Rechungpa, Milarepa's moon-like disciple, (which means the next most important disciple after Gampopa, who was Milarepa's sun-like principal pupil) had gone to India.
One day, Milarepa realized in his meditation that Rechungpa had returned from India and was coming to see him. But he also noticed that Rechungpa had become affected by pride. Rechungpa was thinking, "My guru is of course a special person, but I've been to India twice and I've met many special gurus, and received profound instructions from them. I am no longer the same as I
ofMilarepa,53 is entitled "Entering a Yak-Horn. " This story
73
? The Life & Spiritual Songs ofMilarepa
used to be. In the past I had to undergo many hardships in my dharma practice, but now that I am a very special lama. I won't have to do that anymore. "
Milarepa, aware of Rechungpa's state of mind, miraculously transferred himselfinto the middle ofthe vast plain that Rechungpa was crossing and approached him. Rechungpa thought, "I am now someone who propagates the Buddha's teachings and helps many beings. That was the reason I went to India. Now my guru has come to greet me. He has greater powers ofblessing than I do, but I am more learned than he is. When I prostrate to him, I am sure that he will prostrate to me in turn. "
The Story ofDarmadode
Rechungpa had been given a staff by Tibupa to give to J\1ilarepa. Tibupa, had been Marpa Lotsawa's son, Darmadode, in his previous life.
Darmadode had died quite young. This came about when he had been practicing in retreat when he saw many people going to a festival. Due to the influence of the maras, Darmadode heard someone say, ''Why is such an important person as Darmadode not going to the festival? " Darmadode . then said to his parents, "Even the old people are going to this festival, so I'm going too. "
At the festival the maras caused him to have a fatal accident while he was riding a horse. Although Darmadode had received the instructions of trong jug, the transference of one's
consciousness into a dead body, he couldn't find a human body to enter, so he entered a pigeon's body instead and flew to the Shitavana charnel-ground in India. 54 There he transferred his consciousness into the dead body ofa young Brahmin, which he
74
? Entering a Yak Horn
then reanimated. In that new body he became known as Tibupa, because tibu means "pigeon. "
Tibupa possessed not only the instructions he had received as Darmadode, but he also passed on many instructions that he obtained in India. Due to this, he became known as "the trunk of the mantrayana tree. "
Rechungpa's Shortened Life
Rechungpa had met Darmadode in India, and was receiving instructions from him, when one day Tibupa told him to go to the market place. Rechungpa met a yogin there who said, "How sad, you are such a handsome Tibetan, but you have only seven days to live! "
Rechungpa was very frightened that he was about to die and told Tibupa what the yogin had said. Tibupa said, "Don't worry, go and see Ekamatrika Siddharajni. She's a hundred and fifteen years old, but looks as if she's only sixteen. She will give you the instructions for gaining a long life. "
Rechungpa went to her, received the instructions, practiced for seven days and then Amitayus appeared to him and asked. "How long do you want to live? " ''As long as I wish! " Rechungpa answered. "You can't do that," said Amitayus, "but you're in your forty-fourth year now, and you can live until your eighty-first year," which is exactly how long Rechungpa lived for.
Returning to our story, Rechungpa had brought Tibupa's staff to Tibet, and gave it to Milarepa when they met, and then prostrated to him. Milarepa however did not prostrate to Rechungpa, contrary to Rechungpa's expectation.
75
? The Life & Spiritual Songs ofMilarepa
Rechungpa asked, "What have you been doing while I was in India? How are the other yogins? " Milarepa, noticing signs of pride in Rechungpa, smiled and sang a song in which he said:
I am very well, because I am free from the sickness of thefive defilements that I had suffered from throughout beginningless samsara.
Abandoning distractions, I dwell alone, independent, without attachment to anyone. I am well and happy because I live in uninhabited places that are free ofworldly activities.
I am well and happy because I am free of the worries of scholarship, fame, and composing texts, and can accumulate any merit I wish.
In answer to that song, Rechungpa sang of his journey to India in which he said:
The way to India was long and dangerous. Nevertheless I underwent that hardship and achieved success. I met Tibupa and Ekamatsika Siddharajni. Also the yidam appeared to me and I received "the nine dharmas of the disembodied dakinis"55 from Tibupa, and therefore I am very happy.
Now that I have met my guru again, I can offer him these nine dharmas of the disembodied dakinis, and so I am very happy.
To dispel Rechungpa's pride, Milarepa replied with a song:
76
? Entering a Yak Hom
Do not boast so much. I will sing you a song, and if you think it's any good, keep it in mind.
These dharmas of the disembodied dakinis are the property of the dakinis. You mustn't go around saying that you have them; their possession should be kept a secret and passed on only to a worthy disciple. Ifyou teach these dharmas indiscriminately, the dakinis will be upset. Don't think your instructions are so special. If you do, your mind will turn bad.
If you give many high teachings, you will encounter an obstacle to your meditation. It is the arrogance o f thinking, "I have accomplished so much'' and it will result in abandoning a guru for a new one.
Don't be like that.
Then Milarepa used his miraculous powers to run offat great speed, taking Tibupa's staff and Rechungpa's texts with him.
Rechungpa was soon exhausted trying to catch up with him, and so he called to him to stop by singing a song in which he said:
I have the teachings of the dakinis. Please read them. I have the deity-meditation of Siddharajni, which I offer to you. I have many instructions for protection, health, and countering demons, which I offer to you. Accept them and stop for moment, I'm exhausted.
Milarepa stopped and sang a song in which he said:
For one who follows the path of the dharma, the teachings of the disembodied dakinis brings neither benefit nor harm.
77
? The Life & Spiritual Songs ofMilarepa
Tibupa has a greater connection with me than with you, and I am also a pupil ofSiddharajni. I have been many times to Tibupa's dwelling place to take
part in his ganachakras.
What you have to tell me is of no importance.
What we need to do now is go to a solitary place in the mountains and meditate.
Rechungpa began to think negative thoughts about Milarepa, thinking, "If this had been any other lama, I would have had a great welcome party on my return from India. What kind of welcome is one old man in a cotton robe. I'm going to go back to India! My meditation practice should now be conjoined with the enjoyment of sensory pleasures. "
Milarepa, being aware of Rechungpa's thoughts, pointed to a yak horn lying nearby and said, "Bring me that yak horn. " Rechungpa thought, "My guru always says that he doesn't need anything, that he has no attachment for anything, but now he desires to possess this yak horn. " He then said aloud to Milarepa,
"What is the point of carrying such a useless thing? You can't eat it, or wear it. "
Milarepa answered, "I have no attachment to it, but if I keep it, it will prove useful sometime. " They then carried on walking across the great plain ofTibet that was known as Palmo Pahang. While they were still in the middle of it, black clouds gathered and they were caught in a severe hailstorm.
As the hailstones began to strike Rechungpa, without looking to see what Milarepa was doing, he hid under his cotton robe. As the hail began to lessen he wondered, "What happened to my guru? " and peeked out. There was no sign of Milarepa anywhere. "Where has he gone? " Rechungpa wondered, looking all around.
78
? Entering a Yak Horn
Then he heard Milarepa singing, but the sound ofMilarepa's voice was coming from inside the yak horn.
Rechungpa thought, "This is the yak horn Milarepa was carrying" and tried to pick it up, but it was so heavy h<;_ couldn't move it. He looked inside and saw that Milarepa was sitting inside, singing. However Milarepa's bpdy had not become any smaller and the yak horn had not become any larger. Milarepa sang a song:
Rechungpa's view is like a vulture. Sometimes it's high up and sometimes it's low down. Don't run about so, your robe will be soaked. You should come inside this yak horn with me. It's very nice in here.
Rechungpa is like the sun and moon, it's sometimes clear, and sometimes obscured. Rechungpa's conduct is like the wind, it's sometimes gentle, and sometimes brisk. Don't run around out there, come inside this yak horn. It's very nice in here.
I've never been to India. I'm just an old man, so I sit in the back end of the narrow tip of the yak horn. You've been to India and you are a great scholar, so you should sit in the wide front end of the? yak horn, at the mouth.
Rechungpa thought, "Well, who knows? There might be room for me in there," but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't even get his hand in. Rechungpa started shivering with cold and sang into the yak horn a song in which he said:
It is true what you say about the lack of stability in my view, meditation, and conduct. But whether my
79
? The Life & Spiritual Songs ofMilarepa
robe is dry or soaked, you are my root guru, and I pray to you.
Milarepa came out from the yak horn and looked up into the sky. The clouds parted and the sun shone, drying Rechungpa's robe.
After sitting in this place for a little while, Milarepa said, "You didn't need to learn sorcery in India. I know how to do that. As for the dharma, I didn't go to India because I have the Six Yogas of Naropa, which are so profound that I am perfectly satisfied by having just them. But it is very good that you went to India and obtained the dharmas of the disembodied dakini as they will be needed by people in the future.
80
? 10
The Story ofGampopa
( J' ( l a r e p a ' s principal disciple, who was known as his sun- J . 1, ~ like pupil, was Gampopa. The account of how Gampopa met, learned from, and practiced under Milarepa serves as an example for us. If we can practice in the same way, we can become like Gampopa. This story is found
in the forty-first chapter in The Hundred Thousand Songs of Mila repa. 56
Marpa Lotsawa had prophesied, on the basis of a dream that Milarepa had, that Milarepa would be one of the four "pillars," that is, one of the four main pupils who would preserve and transmit Marpa's lineage. Marpa also prophesied that Milarepa would have an unrivalled pupil who would make Marpa's lineage flourish for a long time and he would benefit countless beings. Milarepa also received a prophecy from Vajrayogini, who said that he would have three pupils that would be like the sun, the moon and the stars. The pupil who was like the sun was Gampopa. Gampopa was also prophesied by the Buddha in the King of Samadhisutra,intheMahakaruna-pundarika57 sutra,andothers, where the Buddha said that there would be a physician monk in
the land of the Himalayas who would follow the Mahayana and benefit the Buddha's teachings and many beings. Gampopa is also
81
? The Life & Spiritual Songs ofMilarepa
known as Dagpo Lharje, which means "the Physician from Dagpo" in Tibetan.
Gampopa combined the teachings ofthe Kadampa tradition, which was one of the eight lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, with the teachings ofMilarepa. So Gampopa's lineage, called the Dhagpo Kagyu, contains both an introductory path for beginners and the profound path of the Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa. From this lineage of vast and profound instructions there have been many exceptional siddhas.
From about the age of fifteen Gampopa learned many practices. As his father was a doctor, he also studied medicine. He married a very beautiful woman, but she became very sick. Even though his examination of her indicated that her vital physical elements were exhausted, she still did not die, but clung onto life. Gampopa decided that she must be clinging onto life simply out of attachment to something and said to her, "There is nowhere that is free ofdeath. Give up your attachment to this
life. If you are attached to the land, I will offer it to a temple. If
you are attached to possessions, I will use them to sponsor
? ' 00? ,,
vutuous act1v1t1es.
She answered, "I don't have any attachment to land or
possessions, as the things of samsara have no essence, but I want you to practice the dharma well. " l}e promised her that he would. Then his wife died, and in accordance with his promise, he left home in order to follow the dharma.
He went to Penpo, a place to the east of Lhasa, where there were many masters of the Kadampa tradition. There he took monastic ordination and received the name Sonam Rinchen
(meaning precious merit). He studied many sutra teachings, such as the Sutralamkara and the Prajnaparamita. He also studied many tantras such as the Guhyasamaja. He received the general
82
? The Story ofGampopa
Kadampa teachings on impermanence, bodhichitta, sending and takingpractice (Tib. tong len), and many other instructions from numerous lamas.
He practiced these instructions and developed great wisdom, compassion, faith and diligence. He diminished his defilements and became an excellent monk. During the day he received teachings and contemplated them and during the night he meditated, attaining many good signs. For example, he had no insects on his body, and he could pass four or five days in a state of bliss in which he did not eat but felt no hunger.
One day Gampopa had a vision in his meditation of a dark- skinned58 yogin dressed in a cotton robe who put his hand on his head and spat upon him, and then his meditation and insight improved. He told the other monks of his experience but they said, "You are a good monk, so a vision of a yogin must be the manifestation of a Gyalpo spirit. 59 You must go to the abbot and
request the empowerment of the protector Acala60 so that its blessing will remove this obstacle to your practice. " Gampopa did as his friends advised and recited mantras and prayers, but nevertheless the visions of the yogin became more frequent. Gampopa thought, "Surely this can't be a delusion caused by demons. "
At that time Milarepa was teaching his pupils in the Boto Chipuk cave at Tramar. His older pupils said, "You are now quite old. If you leave us for another Buddha realm, we will need a regent to remove our obstacles, to make our practice progress, and have someone to whom patrons can make offerings so that they can accumulate merit. We need someone to whom you have transmitted the entirety ofyour instructions. Otherwise our lineage will have no future. "
83
? The Life & Spiritual Songs ofMilarepa
Milarepa answered, "I will examine my dreams tonight and tomorrow morning you should all assemble here. " The next morning Milarepa told them, "There is an exceptional disciple who can take care ofmy pupils and spread the Buddha's teachings. He is a Kadampa monk who is coming from the west. I dreamt last night that this pupil brought an empty crystal vase and that I filled it with the entire contents of a golden vase, filling it to the
brim. This is a good dream foretelling the future growth of the Buddha's teachings. " Then Milarepa sang a song, which contains many poetical images, but the principal meaning is as follows:
We practice the teachings of Naropa and Maitripa. You all know that they are very profound. If they are not meditated upon, there will be no profound result. But if we do meditate upon them, we can gain the
full profound result.
These profound instructions were obtained in
India by my root guru, Marpa Lotsawa. They are the instructions that Milarepa practices. In the future I will transmit these to one who is worthy.
Meanwhile, one day when Gampopa was circumambulating he saw three beggars, who were in fact emanations of Milarepa. While Gampopa was wondering whether to speak to them or not, he heard one say, "If only we had good clothes and good food so that our stomachs were completely stuffed, we would be so happy. "
Another of the beggars said, "It's not good to wish for food. If I could have a wish fulfilled, I would become like the Lord of yogins, Milarepa, whose food is meditation, whose clothing is a single cotton robe and the heat oftummo, and who meditates day and night in the Mahamudra state. When he wants to go
84
? The Story ofGampopa
somewhere, he just flies through the sky. I wish I could be with him, abandoning all care for this life, practicing as he does. And if that i~ not possible, I would wish to just see him sometimes to practice the dharma under him. That is the kind of wish you should make. "
On hearing this, Gampopa felt overwhelming faith in Milarepa and thought about him well into the night. When he woke up the next morning, he prostrated himself in the direction of Milarepa and prayed to him. He then invited the beggars into his room and gave them good clothes, food, and drink. He said to them, "Yesterday you were talking about someone named Milarepa.
