Early Life of Lama Marpa Lotsawa in Tibet
Marpa Lotsawa (མར་པ་ལོ་ཙཱ་བ་ཆོས་ཀྱི་བློ་གྲོས་) was born in the Water Mouse year in the Lodrak region of southern Tibet. His father, Marpa Wangchuk Woeser (དབང་ཕྱུག་འོད་ཟེར་), and mother, Gyalmo Woser (རྒྱལ་མོ་འོད་ཟེར་), raised him in an environment of wisdom and beauty. Lama Marpa initially learned Tibetan writing and reading from a Nyingma teacher, but his temperamental nature led to substantial financial losses for his family. One day, amidst feelings of aimlessness and frustration, he decided to pursue Buddhist studies and translation work in India. With support from his family and friends, who gathered gold and prepared provisions for his journey, Marpa Lotsawa set off on his life-changing quest.
Marpa Lotsawa’s Journey to Nepal and Encounters to Buddhist master
On his way to India, Marpa Lotsawa stopped at Nyendui Monastery in Upper Tibet, where he met Nyen Translator. He then visited Nyengulong Monastery to meet with Dromtonpa Shakya Yeshe, planning to study translation and Buddhism. However, finding Dromtonpa’s approach too strict, he left for India, passing through Nepal. In Nepal’s dense forests, Marpa Lotsawa met Naropa’s disciples, Gitewa and Bidawa, whose teachings on Vajrayogini and other esoteric practices deeply influenced him. Deciding to return to Tibet to gather more gold, Marpa Lotsawa faced admiration from many female disciples and laypeople back home. He exchanged a black horse, a lion-carved sandalwood saddle, and other items for gold, amassing a total of fifty taels.
Marpa Lotsawa’s Sustaining Studies in Nepal
Marpa Lotsawa spent three years in Nepal, studying logic and translation, and receiving teachings on the Diamond Sutra and Tara’s practice from Gitewa. After his funds ran out, he returned to Nepal, where his parents from Lhodrak and disciples from western Tibet sent him money from the sale of their properties.
Meeting Lama Naropa
Upon learning of lama Naropa’s return, Marpa Lotsawa, accompanied by Hui Lion, visited him at Viharakhari Monastery. Marpa offered a gold mandala and respectfully introduced himself as ‘Choekyi Lodoe’ (Dharma Wisdom). Delighted, Naropa inquired about his initiations, and Marpa shared his experiences in Nepal. Naropa then imparted teachings on Chakrasamvara, Vajrayogini yoga, central channel heat methods, and Mahamudra practices to Marpa Lotsawa.
Lama Marpa’s Perseverance in Seeking Esoteric Teachings
Overcoming Poisonous Rivers
Following Naropa’s instructions, Marpa Lotsawa braved a perilous journey, crossing boiling and toxic rivers that caused his skin to peel off like a snake’s. Despite this harrowing experience, his determination remained unshaken.
Meeting with Jowo Atisha
Marpa reached the western banks of Rosha Monastery but didn’t find Master Jowoje. After inquiring, he finally met Jowoje in the city of West Rosha, where he received teachings on the Father Tantras, Illusory Body, and Clear Light, and practiced the Five Paths. At the Jetavanarama Stupa, Marpa and Nyen Translator engaged in a debate about the Vajrayogini practice, with Marpa emerging victorious. Nyen Translator remarked, “The teachings on channels, winds, and bodhicitta require great magical transformation, all of which can be found in the Vajrayogini practice.”
Seeking Mahamaya Teachings
Marpa Lotsawa approached Naropa for teachings on the Mahamaya Tantra. Naropa, an expert in Mahamaya, advised Marpa to seek these teachings from Kukkuripa. Accompanied by three yogis, Marpa crossed a small, boiling, and poisonous river to the south, taking half a month to reach the other side. In a dense forest, Marpa encountered a red-eyed birdman and inquired about Kukkuripa. The birdman, who Marpa suspected to be Kukkuripa himself, initially denied knowing him. Realizing that this was indeed Kukkuripa, Marpa quickly offered a mandala and requested teachings.
Receiving Teachings from Kukkuripa
Kukkuripa asked Marpa who sent him, to which Marpa replied, “My guru Naropa.” After a brief exchange, Kukkuripa led Marpa to his dwelling in the forest and imparted initiations. Over half a month, Marpa learned twenty-four completion stage practices and their auxiliary practices from Kukkuripa. Kukkuripa instructed, “Follow the inferior yoga of form with the three hand seals, use the profound secret mantra yoga to practice the three knowledge consorts as turning practices, and rely on the ultimate yoga with the five essential points as completion stage practices.” Marpa was blessed by Kukkuripa, who assured him of a safe journey.
Marpa’s Devotional Song
During a ritual, Marpa offered a song of realization, “The Sons of the Buddhas of the Three Times.” Guided by Naropa’s compassion, Marpa traveled for seven days to reach Polahari, ready to report his learning to Naropa. To his surprise, Naropa already knew the details and imparted further teachings. As dawn broke, Naropa departed like the rising sun, deepening Marpa Lotsawa’s devotion even further.
Lama Marpa’s Journey of Learning and Enlightenment
Victorious Debates and Quest for Wisdom
On one occasion, Marpa Lotsawa again encountered Nyen Translator and engaged in a discussion on the Mahamaya Tantra, emerging victorious. When asked about his source of knowledge, Marpa cryptically replied using a hidden name in a verse, hinting at his teachings from a great guru. Despite Nyen Translator’s interest, he couldn’t locate the master Marpa referred to.
Further Teachings and Encounters
One day, the great Indian scholar Acharya Agarosindhu arrived at Viharakhari Monastery, planning a pilgrimage to Mount Wutai in China. Marpa Lotsawa sought teachings on the collection of secret mantras. Naropa declared that Marpa’s time for receiving teachings was ripe and imparted initiations and teachings. After bidding farewell to Naropa, Marpa met Maitripa by the Ganges, where the landscape was fiery. Offering a gold mandala, Marpa received teachings on Mahamudra. Maitripa sang esoteric songs and imparted deep wisdom through his teachings.
A Song of Realization
During a ritual, Marpa Lotsawa presented a song of realization, expressing his reverence for his teachers and their profound teachings. Naropa advised Marpa to seek teachings on the Four Seats of Vajrayana from a wisdom dakini residing across a boiling, poisonous river in a hut. Braving the tumultuous river, Marpa reached the dakini, offered a gold mandala, and received initiations and teachings on the Four Seats, being named the Joyful Vajra. Additionally, Marpa sought wisdom from various other masters, resolving all his doubts.
Marpa’s Return to Tibet for Gold
Marpa Lotsawa informed Naropa of his need to return to Tibet to gather gold for offerings. Naropa reminded him to practice the secret teachings and accumulate merit as instructed. He also mentioned that Marpa had yet to ride the ‘Eightfold Path Horse’ in this life. On the twenty-ninth night, during a ritual, Marpa offered his remaining gold to Naropa, sang a farewell song, and received Naropa’s blessings and instructions to benefit sentient beings in Tibet.
Dreams and Insights at the Nepal-Tibet Border
While staying in Leshakar, a small border town between Nepal and Tibet, Marpa had a dream of two beautifully dressed Brahmin girls guiding him to a great Brahmin on a southern auspicious mountain. They carried him swiftly to the Brahmin, where he listened to the Doha songs of Vajrayana. This experience led to a deeper understanding of the Mahamudra teachings.
Return to Western Tibet
Upon returning to Tsurphu in western Tibet, Marpa was warmly received and taught for half a month, during which he was highly revered. At the request of Jokse, a local master, Marpa recounted his dream and the teachings he received, singing the Doha songs of the great Brahmin. This inspired and strengthened the faith of those who heard it.
Lama Marpa: A Journey of Trials, Teachings, and Transformation
Returning Home with Wisdom
Upon returning from Jhipu to Lhozhag, Marpa Lotsawa was warmly welcomed by his family and Acharyas, who recognized him as a wise master of Buddhism and didn’t dwell on his past. During a gathering at a local tavern, Marpa engaged in a heated debate with a sorcerer, which unfortunately led to the sorcerer’s accidental death. When questioned by the local authority, Marpa chanted the Manjushri mantra, leaving the questioner impressed despite not understanding the words.
Chance Encounters and Respectful Requests
One day, Marpa met Sakya Dorje, a pilgrim carrying scriptures on a white horse, by the river. Their conversation attracted a monk who, upon learning Marpa’s identity as Naropa’s disciple, showed great respect and invited Marpa to his home for teachings and offerings.
Marpa’s Healing and Teaching
Marpa then traveled to Pengyu, where he healed nineteen children and generously distributed gold. Many sought teachings from him, and he converted all offerings into gold.
Spreading Teachings in Dangxiong
The headman of Dangxiong, Marpa Gyayam, related to Marpa by clan, invited him to spread teachings in Dangxiong. Marpa was warmly received there, but his apparent interest in wealth raised doubts among some disciples. Marpa clarified that his intention was to honor his gurus and make offerings to Buddha statues and stupas, which restored everyone’s faith. To convince skeptical patrons, Marpa performed a miraculous act, reviving a dead lamb and a buffalo.
Dreams and Visions
One dawn, Marpa dreamt of numerous dakinis singing and dancing, which clarified some signs mentioned by Naropa. Awakening in tears, Marpa declared his intent to travel to India again. After completing remaining teachings in Dangxiong, Marpa set off with 300 taels of gold, acquired by trading items like a jade lion head and a horse.
Journey to Nepal and Sad News
In Nepal, Marpa offered half a tael of gold to Bidawa, who informed him of Naropa’s passing, saying, “The father goes as the son comes.”
Further Pilgrimage and Teachings
Marpa then met with his gurus Gitewa and Bidawa, making offerings and receiving teachings. In India, Marpa visited Shramana Hui Lion, offering gold and learning about Naropa’s final moments. Hui Lion gave Marpa a Vajrayogini thangka, a text, and a vajra that belonged to Naropa. Marpa grieved Naropa’s passing and sought guidance from Hui Lion, who advised him to meet other accomplished masters like Maitripa.
Visiting Maitripa and Witnessing Miracles
Marpa met Maitripa in a radiant red flower garden, where Maitripa’s presence was awe-inspiring. After offering a gold mandala, Marpa stayed for a month, witnessing extraordinary miracles. In a dream, he saw auspicious signs pointing him towards further teachings and enlightenment.
Marpa Lotsawa’s journey, marked by deep learning, miraculous acts, and profound dreams, reflects his dedication to Buddhist teachings and his role in bringing these teachings to Tibet. His life story is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and spiritual pursuit.
Marpa Lotsawa: A Tale of Spiritual Quest and Enlightenment
Seeking Wisdom in Sosha
In Sosha’s charnel grounds, Marpa Lotsawa met a bone ornament maker, offering a month of service. He prayed, “Conch shells blow atop the three mountains, guiding paths in the three valleys, a lamp burns in the treasure vase, enlightening all worlds. I pay homage to the auspicious Naropa.” Returning to Hui Lion, Marpa offered another month of service and prayed, “In the great plain of Nirvana, leading two blind men, opening the eyes of the obscured, seeing the extraordinary in dreams. I pay homage to the auspicious Naropa.”
Further Pilgrimage and Teachings
Marpa then visited the teacher Liripo for a month, seeking teachings from the great Brahmin. He also spent a month with Acharya Gaso Liripo, praying, “In the pure moon, the mirror of mind’s nature, in Viharakhari Monastery, I follow the guide, Naropa.” In August, Marpa made offerings in Viharakhari and also to five hermit yogis and six dakinis.
Visions and Revelations at Nalanda
While at Nalanda Monastery, Marpa sought Naropa and met nine Vajrayogini heart mantra teachers under a colorful tent by a sandalwood tree. He dreamt of Naropa riding a lion in the moon, accompanied by two dakinis. He also saw Naropa’s footprints on a crystal stone, shining brightly, and Naropa’s majestic face in a sandalwood forest. Marpa offered a human skull in a cave, feeling joy and emptiness, and all visions disappeared. Later, seeking Naropa again, he found him in Jingshan Monastery, emanating immense authority. Marpa prayed for Buddha’s compassion and, spontaneously saying, “Offering to the guru,” threw gold into the forest.
A Voice in the Wilderness
In his quest for Naropa in India, Marpa faced many hardships. A sudden voice said, “All for the disciple from the land of gold.” The gold he scattered returned to him, and the speaker vanished. Marpa, filled with hope, found Naropa again in Jingshan Monastery’s dense forest, surrounded by six bone ornament wearers. Marpa silently prayed “Great Compassion” and found Naropa under a sandalwood tree, offering a gold mandala and placing Naropa’s feet on his head in reverence.
He cried, “I’ve come from Tibet with hardship, rarely seeing my guru. Despite my struggles, my revered one is so stingy.” Naropa replied, “I have always been with you, but due to your karmic obscurations and heavy habits, you couldn’t see me. Now that these have cleared, you can see.”
Journey to Viharakhari
Together, they traveled to Viharakhari Monastery, where many wise dakinis made offerings to Naropa, praising Marpa as the ultimate purifier and secret companion. Marpa then stayed in Viharakhari, where Naropa said, “Marpa from Tibet, truly a no-one. Previously, the teachings were about the expedient methods of tantra, but now they relate to the oral transmission teachings.” Marpa made extensive offerings in Viharakhari. During an initiation in a colorful mandala, the guru’s wisdom spontaneously arose; after the vase initiation, the mantra wheel emerged from the guru’s mouth and merged into Marpa.
Marpa saw all phenomena as deities and dakinis, receiving the secret name Wrathful Vajra. Linked with wisdom, when blessed by Sendahar, the guru and consort united, and nectar flowed, cleansing Marpa’s channels, and inducing a profound meditation of joyous emptiness. The guru said, “When the crystal stupa was just a cubit high, countless divine beings made offerings, fulfilling the mandala. A sandalwood tree spoke and shone, revealing nine Vajrayoginis, bright and limitless.” Marpa followed Naropa for three months, clarifying doubts and learning previously unheard ear-whispered and ecstatic dakini practices, clearing delusions and suspicions.
Naropa summarized the essence of exoteric and esoteric Buddhism, stating, “The essence of Buddhism, like the cream of butter, is the teachings of becoming Buddha in a lifetime – the six oral instructions. Envision the guru as Buddha, follow his teachings diligently, and benefit sentient beings. Keep secrets from the unworthy, teach the worthy. As Dilopa prophesied about you, practice hand seals to mature disciples for liberation. May your disciples and their successors benefit others and propagate Buddhism.”
Lama Marpa’s Enlightened Path: A Journey of Mastery and Revelation
Grand Offering and Spiritual Encounters
Marpa Lotsawa, for accomplishing all teachings, gathered many accomplished male and female yogis for a grand offering. They all enjoyed sustenance, witnessed extraordinary signs of principal deities, dakinis, and protectors, which brought immense joy. Marpa offered a song of virtue in gratitude, pleasing his guru with lines praising the integration of mind’s nature and the inseparability of light and emptiness.
Naropa’s Profound Blessings and Prophecy
Naropa gifted Marpa 108 red lotus rosaries, signifying their inseparable bond. He prophesied that Marpa would be reborn in East India’s Brahmin caste and meet him in South India’s Mount Auspicious. As dawn broke, Naropa placed his left hand on Marpa’s head, singing a prophecy of past practice merits. Amidst a myriad of offerings, Naropa, surrounded by warriors and dakinis, ascended higher and higher into the sky.
Visions and Pilgrimage
The next day, Marpa prayed in the sandalwood forest, where Naropa appeared, imparting wisdom in the form of Vajra songs. Marpa then visited Maitripa, offering a gold mandala and reporting his experiences with Naropa. Maitripa, delighted with Marpa’s song of gratitude, gifted him a pair of golden Vajra bells and advised him to shoulder the responsibility of the Three-Times Buddhas’ nature and complete the offering mandalas for principal deities, dakinis, and protectors.
Further Teachings and Gifts
Marpa met with Kukkuripa, Gaso Liripo, the Dakini Bone Ornament Maker, Jhusulepo, Jowoje, and Shramana Hui Lion, offering prayers and seeking blessings. He also paid respects to various other figures and sacred sites in India.
Returning to Tibet
In Asa Garden, while bidding farewell to friends, Marpa felt it was time to return to Tibet. He had spent a total of sixteen years in India, under 108 gurus and 50 teachers, receiving profound teachings and initiations. He fondly remembered serving Naropa for three joyous years, receiving complete instructions and prophecies.
Homeward Bound with Revered Naropa’s Legacy
Returning to Nepal, Marpa participated in various rituals, singing Vajra songs. He spent a night in Nepal’s Bao Fa Temple, where Maitripa imparted the symbol of non-arising and taught the wordless Dharma. Marpa realized ineffable truths and experienced unprecedented feelings. In Radu, he composed poems for benefactors and met with Meton Tsonpo in Dacai, receiving offerings. Marpa Gyayam welcomed him back to Tibet, where Marpa established a monastery in Lhozhag on Yaruwa Rongwa Wa’s invitation, teaching songs from his time in India. In Chowo Long, he recited names of Indian gurus; on Odon Chuje’s request, he turned the wheel of Dharma, receiving extensive offerings. Chudon Wangai invited him to Duti, where Marpa sang songs of the path of Dharma’s hardships.
Marpa Lotsawa’s journey from Tibet to India and back, filled with spiritual encounters, profound learnings, and mystical experiences, marks a significant chapter in the transmission of Vajrayana Buddhism. His legacy lives on through his teachings, songs, and the profound impact he had on Tibetan Buddhism.
Lama Marpa’s Legacy: A Journey of Transformation and Enlightenment
Empowering Through Gestures
Marpa Lotsawa, as a transformation of the Vajrayogini in the path of tantric yoga, took nine female consorts (dakinis) who respected their guru and adhered to Samaya (sacred commitments). He gathered a wide range of disciples, herding cattle and sheep in Chowo Long Valley, establishing monasteries and cultivating fields. Due to his blessings and mantra power, there were no external or internal harms. The dakinis remarked, “In this life, we are devoted to supporting Dharma King Marpa’s grand vision.”
Raising the Tower and Imparting Wisdom
To eliminate obstacles and benefit future disciples, Marpa instructed Milarepa to build a nine-story tower, revealing teachings sparingly. When the tower reached seven stories, Marpa went to Oxon Bakam and only returned after its completion, teaching Milarepa that completing the tower symbolized having disciples like himself, with two more levels to complete.
Mystical Gatherings and Transformations
During a ritual, Marpa’s disciples were amazed by his ability to transform into various deities such as Chakrasamvara and Mahamaya. Marpa explained that he possessed the teachings of these deities.
A Festival Turned Tragic
A grand festival in Camel River region turned dangerous, and Marpa’s son, Jokse, was fatally injured. Naropa appeared and prophesied Jokse’s departure to the sky. Marpa performed a transference ritual, moving Jokse’s consciousness into a dead pigeon and then into a seven-year-old boy’s body, who revived and later became a renowned tantric master in India.
Marpa’s Final Days and Enlightenment
Marpa continued teaching, and one day, sensing his time had come, he experienced visions of warriors and dakinis escorting Naropa. On the tenth day of the first month in the Year of the Iron Hen, light emitted from Marpa’s heart to his consort, symbolizing enlightenment. At 82, Marpa passed away amidst a shower of flowers and rainbows, leaving relics and teachings as his legacy.
Marpa’s Prominent Disciples
Marpa’s lineage was carried on by his four principal disciples: Jokse (Milarepa), Jokten Wangai, Oxon Chuje, and Meton Tsonpo. Other key disciples included Marpa Gyayam, Lokha Jokse, Pengyu Nima Bem, and Xiangdun, among others. The most distinguished disciple, carrying forward the teachings, was the accomplished master Milarepa.
Marpa’s life and teachings, filled with miraculous events, profound transformations, and enlightening encounters, significantly shaped the practice and transmission of Vajrayana Buddhism, leaving an indelible mark on the spiritual landscape of Tibet. His legacy continues to guide and inspire practitioners on the path of enlightenment.