The Life of Milarepa: A New Translation from the Tibetan (Compass)

... this would be it. I have just completed my third reading of Lobsang Lhalungpa's translation of the Life of Milarepa. I consider it to be the book to accompany me on my life's journey and pilgrimage. Somehow, the book and I manage to reunite every few years, and I find another layer of meaning in its reading, always relevant to what is going on in my life at the time. The beauty of Milarepa's life can perhaps best be described as a paradigm shift in Buddhist thinking. His life is revolutionary in that sense. For more than 1500 years, Buddhist thought was that a person's path to enlightenment was hopeless in their own lifetime, rather, the only worthy path to be followed over a vague, indeterminate period of "countless lifetimes." Enter Milarepa. As a result of the heinous crimes committed in his youth on the one hand, and his spiritual sensibilities that allowed him to see precisely where the fruits of these acts would fall on the other, Milarepa became painfully aware of the need to achieve perfect and complete enlightenment, not in countless lifetimes, with the massive risk of spending many of them in hellish existences, but rather in this lifetime, in this body. The story of his life takes him to exactly that goal, and establishes the real possibility for any human to take that path. Regarding the translation, Lhalungpa's introduction convinces me of his superlative expertise on the subject matter. The actual text reads well, not only capturing the story of Milarepa's life, but also immersing me in it as if I were actually there. No other translation has been able to take me to that place. Highest recommendation. If I could only own one book, this would certainly be it.

I am writing this review having read the book over a dozen years ago because I thought it was great then and I just now discovered the fun of writing reviews on Amazon. Milarepa's story offers excellent insights into life of a master and into reincarnation. Of the master, he worked for his enlightenment. Years and years of effort were the entry price for instruction. Many schools and forms of spiritual study were attempted before he went off to solitary practice and eventual enlightenment. Of reincarnation, new insights were a part of Milarepa's life and this book. How do we glimpse past lives? Through dreams where we live a life. Many dreams in one night or over years' of night offer understanding of prior existences. For me the biggest insight came in an answer to the questions of why there is suffering in the world today and what have I done which merits this psychic owwiee I now feel. In the history of this cosmos and in the countless cosmoses there might have been, I could have been a really rotten person in many ways and over many lives. And it is for all those screwed guys that I have been recycled to do better this time out. Good luck on the wheel. Easy riding, guys.

Of course "Saint" isn't the correct term, but it is often used to describe this Yogin. Jetsun Mila's story is a classic tale of a boy pushed to murder by his vengeful mother who finds redemption and liberation through an arduous path of devotional yoga and relentless meditation. I had read and enjoyed his poetry over ther years, and was familiar with the outline of his story. But, reading this biography puts flesh on the bones and is inspirational for Practitioners. For those interested in Tibetan culture, this is one of the classics. May all beings be free from suffering.

One of the most moving and transformative spiritual auto-biographies ever written in any language. Milarepa's heartfelt journey from killer to saint, accomplished by virtue of his deeply sincere devotion, fear, love and compassion, has literally inspired many thousands of others to engage more deeply with their own efforts at inner transformation. Milarepa is so wonderfully human and at the same time so wildly radical in his efforts that you will very likely find humor, entertainment, education, and inspiration in his marvelous inner journey towards enlightenment. One of the most powerful books I've ever read!

I read the book in about 8 hours. I do believe you need to understand the basics of Buddhism and have some exposure to tibetan Buddhism. I may go back to the poems but this was a one time read currently for me

My Sangha group started reading this together, and we were immediately blown away by the wonderful story and teaching!

I guess that as a Tibetan Buddhist I am rather prejudiced, but this was a must read for me. All of the hard times and trouble that Lord Milarepa went through and triumphed over in the end, is a guide for everyone trying to find their way on the Path. Very readable, a lovely straightforward translation that keeps his story front and center. I plan to read this many times as every time I do I find more to consider and contemplate.

If you keep hearing about Milarepa in other Tibetan Buddhist literature and want to know who he was and why he is famous this is a good introduction. Most of the book is a lively tale. Size of book is small for easy transport to read on plane etc. Historical background of why Milarepa became a great meditator is covered -- not so much on actual content of his songs and wisdom saying -- other works might be a better choice if that is what you are looking for.

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This text was recommended by my very experienced teacher. The book is very nicely written conveying an inspiring life story with meaning on numerous levels. This is more than a biography, there is much spiritual guidance and insight available to see, and it is that which makes this text so precious. Some reviews here have mentioned the quality of print and paper, and it's true to say the print isn't as crisp and clean as some other books. To turn that into a negative judgement misses the point of this text entirely: halve the quality further and add a zero to the price, and this text is still worth every penny. And rest assured the book can still comfortably be read!

Tibet's Great Yogi, Milarepa, revered by all Schools of Tibetan Buddhism, deserves to have his Life Story (which is filled with Teachings for all levels) written with the respect and in-depth knowledge that the author shows. It is a book that comes to life and ought to be read more than once in order for the fullness of the wonderful life to be appreciated.

A first-rate, highly readable biography. Milarepa is THE great saint of Tibetan Buddhism, whose teachings are fundamental to understanding bodhichitta, emptiness & Mahamudra. This version was recommended by my teacher, & I have no doubt in passing on the recommendation.

A classic in Tibetan Buddhist Literature. This remains the foremost English translation.