The Life and Teachings of Milarepa (4 of 4)

Milarepa is one of the most renowned practitioners in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition and most beloved by lay people. The story line of his life encompasses his difficult childhood, his vengeance seeking adolescence and young adulthood, his turning away from the “black arts” with repentance for his past deeds, his embrace of the Dharma Path, his conflicted and difficult relationship with his Dharma teacher, and his sincere and committed meditation practice that ultimately flowers with enlightenment. Overall a life that demonstrates that no matter what the “baggage,” healing and transformation is available to everyone.

Milarepa’s life has been an inspiration to Dharma practitioners for centuries, with most of his preserved teachings in the form of poems that he spontaneously sang to those who came to him for teachings. These Dharma song poems are true jewels of the Buddhist tradition and along with his life story were the subject of the Dharma Talks given by Fred at this four-day retreat.