A Master’s Unyielding Spirit : Marpa Lotsawa
In the history of Tibetan Buddhism, Lama Marpa, also known as Marpa Lotsawa ( མར་པ་ལོ་ཙཱ་བ་ཆོས་ཀྱི་བློ་གྲོས་), made three remarkable journeys to India in pursuit of authentic Buddhist scriptures. His determination to spread Buddhism was unwavering, despite facing life-threatening challenges 13 times as he traversed snake-infested forests and poisonous rivers. Marpa Lotsawa’s spirit of selflessness and resilience continues to inspire many to this day. Interestingly, Lama Marpa never took monastic vows and is revered as a lay yogi in white robes.
Early Life of Marpa Lotsawa
Marpa Lotsawa was Born in 1012 AD in the Lhodrak region of southern Tibet. Originally came from a relatively affluent farming family. Intelligent and book-loving from a young age, Lama Marpa was known for his strong-willed and competitive nature, often leading to heated arguments and even physical confrontations. Recognizing his son’s potential and fearing that a political career would lead to a violent disposition, Marpa Lotsawa’s father encouraged him to pursue a spiritual path.
The Turning Point at Age 15
At the age of 15, Marpa Lotsawa was sent to study under the translator Dromtonpa, a respected scholar in the Sakya tradition. Dromtonpa, known for his adherence to the teachings and reluctance to share esoteric knowledge without substantial offerings, accepted Marpa Lotsawa as a student after receiving a significant amount of gold. Within three years, Lama Marpa excelled in Sanskrit but faced a turning point when Dromtonpa refused to lend him a text on Vajrayogini, a key figure in Tibetan Buddhism. This rejection ignited Marpa Lotsawa’s determination to master Sanskrit and travel to India to directly learn the profound teachings.
Lama Marpa’s Journey to India: A Quest for Knowledge
After excelling in his studies, Lama Marpa decided to travel to India, the source of Buddhist teachings. Selling his share of the family property, he gathered 15 taels of gold for his journey. His three trips to India, filled with hardships and peril, were driven by his unwavering dedication to acquiring and later translating the Buddha’s teachings into Tibetan.
Lama Marpa’s journeys and teachings laid the foundation for the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. His life exemplifies the unyielding pursuit of spiritual knowledge and the importance of resilience and devotion in the face of adversity. His legacy continues to inspire practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism around the world.
Lama Marpa’s Enlightening Journey Through India
Encountering a Disciple of Naropa
During one of his travels through Nepal, Marpa Lotsawa encountered a disciple of the renowned Buddhist master Naropa. This disciple’s eloquent speech and vast knowledge deeply impressed Lama Marpa, sparking a profound admiration for Naropa and a resolve to seek him as a teacher. After a challenging journey, Marpa Lotsawa finally met Naropa and was accepted as his heart disciple, beginning his teachings.
Lama Marpa’s Devotion as Student
Grateful for Naropa’s passionate and tireless instruction, Marpa Lotsawa offered all the gold he had obtained from selling his family’s property as a token of gratitude. Under Naropa’s guidance, Lama Marpa mastered teachings such as the Chakrasamvara Tantra and various other Vajrayana practices.
Expanding His Knowledge
Marpa Lotsawa also studied with other Indian masters like Kukkuripa and Maitripa, learning doctrines such as the Hevajra Tantra and the Mahamudra teachings. His 12-year stay in India was marked by extensive learning and practicing various Vajrayana rituals.
Returning to Tibet
Upon returning to Tibet, Lama Marpa spent several years translating the Sanskrit texts he had brought back into Tibetan. He built a monastery and estate in Lhodrak and began teaching the esoteric practices he had learned, initially to a small circle of students. His reputation as a translator and teacher grew over time due to his diligent translation work.
Marpa Lotsawa’s Second Journey to India
In the mid-11th century, Lama Marpa returned to India for another six years to bring back more teachings to Tibet. After his return, he accepted Milarepa as his disciple. Marpa Lotsawa tested Milarepa through various trials to assess his suitability for receiving secret teachings. These stories of Marpa Lotsawa testing Milarepa are well-known, passed down through generations.
Seeking the Ultimate Teachings
Marpa Lotsawa sought to understand the profound ‘Tummo’ (inner heat) teachings, but could not find any texts explaining them. Determined to fill this gap in his knowledge, Lama Marpa decided to travel to India for the third time, despite his family and disciples’ attempts to dissuade him. Undeterred and resolute, Marpa Lotsawa set out alone on a quiet night, unwavering in his mission even if it meant risking his life.
Marpa Lotsawa’s Final Journey and Meeting with Atisha
On this journey, Lama Marpa encountered the great Atisha, who was on his way to Tibet. Learning of Naropa’s illness, Marpa Lotsawa continued his quest, visiting renowned scholars and holy sites across India. Finally, he succeeded in learning the ‘Tummo’ teachings and other practices from Naropa, completing his three-year quest for knowledge.
Lama Marpa’s journeys and dedication to acquiring and disseminating Buddhist teachings significantly impacted Tibetan Buddhism, particularly the Kagyu tradition. His life story exemplifies the relentless pursuit of spiritual wisdom and the importance of dedication and perseverance.
Lama Marpa: A Revered Master and Translator in Tibetan Buddhism
An Admirable Figure in Buddhist Propagation
Lama Marpa, renowned for his immense contributions to the spread of Buddhism, is highly respected for his translations of numerous Buddhist texts. Known as a great translator in his time, he often used dreams and omens to understand and interpret the course of fate.
Marpa’s Courageous Journeys
In his lifetime, Marpa Lotsawa made four trips to Nepal and three to India. Historical records detail his challenging journeys carrying a backpack, navigating through snake-infested forests and poisonous rivers. Despite facing death 13 times, his determination never wavered. He bravely pursued Buddhist teachings and brought back many Vajrayana scriptures.
A Strict but Humorous Teacher
To his disciples, Lama Marpa was a strict and sometimes fearsome teacher, known for his fierce temper. Yet, he could also be generous and humorous, making him a respected figure among those who studied the Kagyu teachings under him. Despite never formally renouncing worldly life, Marpa Lotsawa had numerous disciples, including his most famous students: Milarepa, Ngok Choku Dorje, Tsurtön Wäldor, Meton Tsonpo, and Sonam Drakpa.
Marpa Lotsawa’s Legacy
In the year 1097 AD, corresponding to the second Rabjung cycle in the Tibetan calendar, Marpa Lotsawa passed away at his home in Lhodak Trowo Lang, at the age of 86. His life and teachings continue to be a source of inspiration in Tibetan Buddhism, particularly within the Kagyu lineage. His journey, marked by resilience, dedication, and profound spiritual insights, has left an indelible mark on the history of Buddhism.
