Milarepa's Life Story through Tales
Marpa
Milarepa was a pupil of Marpa the Translator (Marpa Lotsawa) (1012-97). The Tibetan Marpa had sought Buddhist instruction for years in India, where he studied with renowned Indian Buddhist masters. He studied at the Nalanda University in India, where Naropa taught. Marpa spent twelve years studying with Naropa. Naropa finally declared Marpa to be his successor. On his return to Tibet, Marpa spent many years translating Buddhist scriptures. Along with it he gave teachings and transmissions to many students in Tibet, and remained a married householder, landowner and businessman in southern Tibet. He had several sons with his wife Damema (Dakmema).
Milarepa became Marpa's disciple and in time his spiritual heir too. However, Marpa proved a hard task master: he had Milarepa build and then tear down three towers before even accepting him as a pupil. Further details:
