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Milarepa

99quotes

The Life and Teachings of Milarepa: A Tibetan Buddhist Master


Full Name and Common Aliases


Milarepa is the most commonly used name for the Tibetan Buddhist master Jetsun Milarepa (1052-1135 CE). His full name, Lozang Drakpa, translates to "The Glorious One" or "The Victor." He was also known as Tsultrim Gyalwa, which means "The Victor of Virtue."

Birth and Death Dates


Milarepa was born in 1052 CE, in the Nub Valley of modern-day Tibet. His exact date of death is unknown, but it is believed to be around 1135 CE.

Nationality and Profession(s)


Milarepa was a Tibetan Buddhist master, specifically a mahasiddha (great adept) and yogi of the Kagyu lineage. He spent his life practicing meditation, magic, and spiritual teachings in the Himalayan region.

Early Life and Background


Milarepa's early life was marked by tragedy and hardship. His father died when he was young, leaving his mother to care for him alone. When Milarepa was five years old, his family fell into poverty after a famine devastated their land. To make ends meet, Milarepa's mother sold herself into slavery to the local lord, who eventually died. Milarepa then had to rely on the charity of others just to survive.

Major Accomplishments


Despite the hardships he faced, Milarepa went on to achieve great spiritual success. He practiced intense meditation and asceticism for many years, which led him to develop his own unique style of tantric practice. This style emphasized the use of rituals, mantras, and visualization techniques to attain enlightenment.

Notable Works or Actions


Milarepa's most notable work is his collection of songs, poems, and teachings known as "The Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa" (also translated as "Songs of Milarepa"). These writings contain some of the most profound spiritual teachings in Tibetan Buddhist literature. Some of the key themes include:

The importance of compassion and loving-kindness
 The need to transcend attachment and ego
* The power of visualization and mantra recitation in achieving spiritual goals

Impact and Legacy


Milarepa's impact on Tibetan Buddhism cannot be overstated. He is considered one of the most important figures in the history of the Kagyu lineage, which has had a profound influence on Tibetan spirituality. His teachings emphasize the importance of compassion, loving-kindness, and self-realization.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Milarepa's quotes and stories have been widely shared because they offer valuable insights into the nature of reality and the path to enlightenment. He is remembered for his wisdom, his humility, and his unwavering commitment to his spiritual practice. His teachings continue to inspire practitioners around the world, who seek guidance on their own paths towards self-realization.

Milarepa's life serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and compassion in achieving great spiritual heights. Despite facing incredible hardships and obstacles, he remained dedicated to his practice and went on to become one of the most revered figures in Tibetan Buddhism. His teachings continue to inspire generations of practitioners, offering guidance on how to cultivate love, wisdom, and inner peace.

As a master yogi, Milarepa embodied the principles of Tibetan Buddhism: compassion, loving-kindness, and the pursuit of enlightenment. Through his songs, poems, and teachings, he shares with us his own experiences and insights, allowing us to tap into the transformative power of his spiritual journey.

Quotes by Milarepa

Milarepa's insights on:

The affairs of the world will go on forever. Do not delay the practice of meditation.
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The affairs of the world will go on forever. Do not delay the practice of meditation.
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I trained my spirit in method.
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I trained my spirit in method.
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When you run after your thoughts, you are like a dog chasing a stick.
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When you run after your thoughts, you are like a dog chasing a stick.
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When you are strong and healthy, You never think of sickness coming, But it descends with sudden force, Like a stroke of lightning. When involved in worldly things, You never think of death’s approach; Quick it comes like thunder, Crashing round your head.
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When you are strong and healthy, You never think of sickness coming, But it descends with sudden force, Like a stroke of lightning. When involved in worldly things, You never think of death’s approach; Quick it comes like thunder, Crashing round your head.
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All worldly pursuits have but one unavoidable and inevitable end, which is sorrow; acquisitions end in dispersion; buildings in destruction; meetings in separation; births in death.
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All worldly pursuits have but one unavoidable and inevitable end, which is sorrow; acquisitions end in dispersion; buildings in destruction; meetings in separation; births in death.
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Accustomed long to contemplating love and compassion I have forgotten all difference between myself and others.
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Accustomed long to contemplating love and compassion I have forgotten all difference between myself and others.
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In horror of death, I took to the mountains – again and again I meditated on the uncertainty of the hour of death, capturing the fortress of the deathless unending nature of mind. Now all fear of death is over and done.
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In horror of death, I took to the mountains – again and again I meditated on the uncertainty of the hour of death, capturing the fortress of the deathless unending nature of mind. Now all fear of death is over and done.
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Do not entertain hopes for realization, but practice all your life...
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Do not entertain hopes for realization, but practice all your life...
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When you run after your thoughts, you are like a dog chasing a stick: every time a stick is thrown, you run after it. Instead, be like a lion who, rather than chasing after the stick, turns to face the thrower. One only throws a stick at a lion once.
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When you run after your thoughts, you are like a dog chasing a stick: every time a stick is thrown, you run after it. Instead, be like a lion who, rather than chasing after the stick, turns to face the thrower. One only throws a stick at a lion once.
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#running
My religion is to live and die without regret.
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My religion is to live and die without regret.
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#buddhist
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