Customer Reviews

Tibet's Great Yogi Milarepa: A Biography from the Tibetan

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This book is translated from the original Tibetan biography of Milarepa. It is easy to read, and contains some wonderful explanatory notes. These go a long way in clearing up some of the more difficult statements found in the book, especially for those unfamiliar with Tibetan Buddhism. All round a wonderful book, one which you can read time and time again and every time get more out of it. And don't forget, the story itself is also pretty good!

This is the second book in the Tibetan series from W.Y.Evans-Wentz. If you really want to begin at the start then you should first of all read - The Tibetan Book of the Dead by the same author. Milarepa is essentially the 800 year old story of Tibets greatist yogi told through the eyes of his students Jetsun and Rechung. The story is about a poor wicked boy who eventually turns into a wise old yogi to be held in the highest esteem. It is a wonderful story that can be read as a standalone book or as part of the series.

The most important aspect of this book is that it Milarepa, as a student of Buddhism, needs to practice and cover much of the topics that are explained in The Tibetan Book of the Dead. This is really what is at the heart of the book. So those of you who may want to learn more about The Tibetan Book of the Dead (and you should because it is one of the most important works ever obtained by occident man), can see it put into practice in the story of Milarepa.

There are many footnotes and references for you to read through. Again the story is a wonderful, uplifting one with lots of joy and sorrow to experience. You will certainly gain much metaphysical insight and the morals in this story when put into practice will certainly make you a better person. It is a wonderful journey and I have read the story many times and will read it many more. It really is that spiritually enlightening and certainly a very important text to be translated in English for the occident. This book is a treasure-house of spiritual information.

The other two works in the series are - Tibetan Yoga and Secret Doctrines and The Tibetan Book of the Great Liberation in that order.

I have read few books, believing it to be more important to incorporate the ideas into daily living than be widely read. This book is one of those few. I always found it to be inspirational. Though Milarepa exhibits superhuman strength in his Sadhana, spiritual practice, it is nevertheless a lofty ideal to sustain spiritual aspirants. It is a truism, often neglected at great peril, that one is happiest when trying to live according to one's ideals. Ignoring the negative opinions and hidebound thoughts of the worldly environment one must forge ahead to manifest the ideals presented by the Great Yogis! It may be a terrific struggle, full of many setbacks, but Victory awaits those who never give up. For me Milarepa has been a beacon of a true example. may all who seek liberation from the dualities of this world find brotherhood with the Great Yogi Milarepa!

Beautiful book for the serious student of Buddhism and Tibet. Well referenced. Encouraging and enlightening. Milarepa is revered as an ordinary person who attained enlightenment in one lifetime, and spread beneficence to many others. When he was young, his family suffered grievous wrongs. He became a sorcerer at his mother's request in order to exact revenge on the evil-doers. He killed 35 people, after which he suffered tormenting remorse.He turned to Buddhism for relief of his suffering, and for the benefit of others. It is a redemption and enlightenment story of great importance.

This book was recommended by my spiritual coach. I found it easy to read, informative - previously I wasn't familiar with the story of Milarepa, and interesting. I recommend it for those who are studying the mysteries of the Far East, the great Yogi's, and Masters.

great book, easy and pleasant to read. It also gives a good idea of the bhudist subdivisions at that time.
it is Autobiography of a Yogia good oportunity to be in contact with such a great story that can inspire to be a stronger and more kind person, and try to learn something about humility, faith, courage, and what a strong will is capable of.
rafael