The Life of Milarepa

by Tsangnyön Heruka and W.Y. Evans-Wentz

Book Overview

One of the most beloved stories of the Tibetan people and a great literary example of the contemplative life

The Life of Milarepa, a biography and a dramatic tale from a culture now in crisis, can be read on several levels. A personal and moving introduction to Tibetan Buddhism, it is also a detailed guide to the search for liberation. It presents a quest for purification and buddhahood in a single lifetime, tracing the path of...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0143106228
• ISBN13: 9780143106227
• Release Date: August 2010
• Publisher: Penguin Group
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.51 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.2" x 7.7"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Must read for anyone interested in eastern philosophy

Enlightening book with a good storyline to follow. If you're interested in meditation or eastern thought this is an awesome book to start with

A very great spiritual book that everyone needs to read

This book is a very great book that one can not read it fast. One needs to digest the information. I am very happy to have been told by my teachers to read this book. I am so surprised that libraries don't carry such a great book. After I finish my book I donate it to the library so other people can benefit from it. If you are an spritual person and you are interested in growing your soul read this book.

An excellent translation directly from the Tibetan

This is a treasure of a book and is very sacred in nature. There are two editions of this book, the first in 1977. The introduction reveals the history of the text and its translations, and the fascinating history that surrounds the text. See "The Life of Marpa the Translator: Seeing Accomplishes All", by Chogyam Trungpa, for further information regarding its history (both texts were written by the same man). Anyway, the first English translation became available early in the 20th century by W. Y. Evans-Wentz. I am recalling most of this from memory, so my apologies go out to those who find my data incorrect. I highly recommend the new english translation of "The Life of Milarepa" for anyone seeking the life of saints.

An Encouraging Success Story for Those on the Vajrayana Path

This book is about the tale of Tibet's most beloved saint, Milarepa translated from a Tibetan source. It tells of how he embarked on the journey of revenge, and then realizing the grave mistake of taking many lives, seek the Vajrayana path through his guru, Marpa, to attain enlightenment in a single lifetime. Milarepa encountered many hardships but finally achieved his goal.Anybody who has not heard or read about the life of Milarepa but on the Vajrayana path should read this book as Milarepa is an excellent role model.

If you haven't read the story of Milarepa this is a good one

The story of Milarepa is a classic in Tibet. He is their Robin Hood and their Shakespere, and universally loved. This is the most well known of the recent translations and provides a readable and fun story, if not something that is somehow going to provide enlightment.Milarepa starts out as an orphaned child who learns magic to defeat an uncle who slaughtered his family. Later in life, he renounces those powers and becomes a monk.I highly recommend this book!

A Tibetan Buddhist classic

This life story of Milarepa has long been one of the most popular books among Tibetans of all backgrounds and lineages, and Lhalungpa's clear translation brings the story to life in English. Milarepa's life would be an inspiration to spiritual aspirants of any religion, and especially to anyone interested in the teachings and practices of Tibetan Buddhism.