The affairs of the world

The affairs of the world will go on forever. Do not delay the practice of meditation.

Jetsun Milarepa (རྗེ་བཙུན་མི་ལ་རས་པ) was a Tibetan siddha and is remembered for his remarkable determination and personal growth. His inspiring story traces the very familiar, human progression from confusion to clarity. He is generally considered one of Tibet’s most famous yogis and spiritual poets, whose teachings are known among several schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

When Milarepa found Marpa the translator, a Tibetan Buddhist teacher, the latter was able to see Milarepa’s potential, but knew that the young man would have to process his remorse and uncertainty before beginning his time as a student of the dharma. In order to guide him to a place of preparedness, Marpa set Milarepa to his legendary task of building, destroying, and rebuilding stone towers. This process was intended “to purify the negativity of his past actions, so that Milarepa could begin his studies with fewer obstacles.”

Marpa’s challenge pushed Milarepa “almost to the point of suicide before he agreed to take him on as a student.” Thus began Milarepa’s journey to becoming the yogi and poet that he is remembered today. He began his simple, solitary lifestyle, living in caves. He often wore little clothing, even in the winter months, and became known as “the cotton-clad one.” Though he did not seek students, word of his practice traveled, and he was sought out by many. It is said that Milarepa “engaged with whoever approached him,” and it is through his teaching that his spontaneous songs and poetry were shared. The acclaimed spiritual poetry of Milarepa is known of as The Hundred Thousand Songs. 

Source: shambala.com