Milarepa: From Darkness to Light – A Journey of Redemption

If you take a demon for a demon, it will harm.
If you recognize your own mind in the demon, it will bring liberation.
If you realize that the demon is emptiness, it will disappear.

Jetsung Milarepa

Milarepa (c. 1052-1135 CE) is an iconic figure in Tibetan Buddhism, revered as a yogi, poet, and a testament to the transformative power of spiritual practice. His life, a dramatic arc from darkness to enlightenment, is reflected in the “Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa.”

Born into a prosperous family, Milarepa faced tragedy early in life. But life is a constant wheel of change. Buddhism calls this “anicca” – impermanence, one of the fundamental truths. Everything in the world is subject to change: thoughts, emotions, material objects, and even life itself. Recognizing this is the key to liberation from suffering, since it is attachment to the impermanent that gives rise to pain.

The untimely death of his father led to his family being exploited by greedy relatives. Consumed by a thirst for revenge, young Milarepa delved into the dark arts of sorcery, harming many, which he later recalled with bitterness:

“In my youth, succumbing to anger,

I committed many dark deeds.

I brought down hail,

I sent pestilence…”

Song 4

Recognizing his wrongdoings and accepting impermanence was Milarepa’s first step towards redemption. He realized that nothing is eternal, not even his own darkness.

Seeking forgiveness, Milarepa turned to Lama Marpa Lotsawa. Seeing Milarepa’s potential, Marpa accepted him as a student but subjected him to harsh trials:

“My lama, learning of my sins,

Ordered me to build and demolish houses.

I built nine-story towers,

And he commanded me to destroy them.”

Song 28

The trials purified Milarepa’s karma and strengthened his spirit. He accepted the impermanence of his fate, understanding that suffering is a consequence of his past actions.

Milarepa Statue

Under Marpa’s guidance, Milarepa immersed himself in meditation and austerities. He lived in caves, in isolation and deprivation. His devotion and ability to see the changing nature of reality led him to enlightenment. One of the key tools on this path was meditation on the breath.

The “Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa” are a testament to his journey. They contain emotions, wisdom, experience, and insights. They speak of redemption, impermanence, the illusory nature of the “self,” and the peace found through understanding the true nature of mind.

“My mind is like the expanse of the sky,

Serene and boundless.

There is no place in it for thoughts and emotions, Only peace and clarity.”

Song 37

These lines describe the state of enlightenment. Milarepa realized that the true nature of mind is free from suffering, as well as from attachment to the illusions of permanence.

Awareness of impermanence is an essential part of the Buddhist path. There are specific practices that help develop this understanding, such as meditation on the breath. In this practice, we observe the ever-changing rhythm of inhalations and exhalations, how each moment of breath is unique and unrepeatable. This helps to see the transient nature of all things, to let go of attachments, and to find inner peace.

Milarepa’s story is a beacon of hope for those who seek to overcome difficulties and find inner peace. His teachings inspire us on the spiritual path and help us accept impermanence as an integral part of life.