Among the many miraculous stories of Jetsun Milarepa, Tibet’s most revered yogi, the “Yak Horn” episode stands out for its humor, mystery, and profound meaning. This teaching tale, still told by pilgrims visiting the sacred caves of Lapchi Snow Mountain, reminds practitioners that study alone is not enough—realization is the key.
Meeting on the Grasslands
One day, Milarepa set out to welcome his disciple Rechungpa, who was returning from India after a long journey to receive Dharma teachings. When they met on the vast Tibetan grasslands, Rechungpa’s face lit up with joy.
Walking side by side, he eagerly recounted his experiences in India, especially meeting the great Indian Mahasiddha Tilopa:
“Master, I have now received a teaching that Tilopa never even gave to our master Marpa! I have done something of great benefit for our lineage.”
Rechungpa was overjoyed, but Milarepa, perceiving a subtle trace of pride in his disciple’s heart, decided to teach him a lesson.
The Yak Horn
As they walked, Milarepa spotted a yak horn lying on the ground.
“Pick up that horn,” he told Rechungpa.
“Master,” replied Rechungpa, shifting the heavy bundle of scriptures on his back, “I am already carrying so many texts. This horn is useless—yak horns are everywhere! Even if you take it, it won’t be of any use to you.”
Milarepa smiled. “If you will not take it, I will.” He picked up the horn and carried it in his hand.
The Storm
Not long after, dark clouds rolled over the mountains. Lightning flashed, thunder echoed, and hailstones began to fall.
Milarepa set the yak horn on the ground—and to Rechungpa’s astonishment—stepped entirely inside it. From within, he called out:
“Come in and shelter from the hail!”
Rechungpa rushed forward, but the opening was only the size of a fist. No matter how he tried, he could not fit inside. The hail pounded him relentlessly, and with his precious scriptures too valuable to use as a shield, he could only endure the pain as lumps rose on his head.
When the storm passed, Milarepa emerged from the horn without a scratch. “See,” he said, “this horn was not useless after all.”
The Deeper Meaning
This miracle was a skillful means (upaya)—a direct teaching without words. Milarepa could enter the horn because of his realized mind; Rechungpa could not, despite carrying the sacred texts.
The message was clear:
- Scriptures alone cannot save you—without realization, they are a heavy burden.
- Pride closes the gate to wisdom—even subtle arrogance blocks spiritual growth.
- The Dharma is found in the unexpected—even a “useless” yak horn may become the doorway to liberation.
A Pilgrim’s Reflection
Today, travelers to Lapchi Snow Mountain—home to Milarepa’s meditation caves—often hear this story from local monks and hermits. Just as the outer journey to these high Himalayan retreats requires humility and perseverance, the inner journey to awakening demands more than intellectual knowledge.
When the storms of life arrive, the question is not how many scriptures you can carry, but whether you can “enter the yak horn”—whether you can put the Dharma into practice in the moment of truth.