This evening, Dharmakasara shared with us the story of Milarepa: born to a wealthy family during the 11th century, in South Western Tibet.

After finding the Dharma, he transformed himself from a murderous sorcerer, fixed on revenge; to one of today’s best-loved of Tibet’s Enlightened teachers. 

He Realized Awakening in one lifetime through his diligent practice: becoming  known for his great  compassion, joy, and wisdom.

After hearing the dramatic tale of his long journey, we considered what we can learn from a Medieval Tibetan yogi that is relevant to us practising the Dharma in the 21st century.

He lived in solitude in a cave on a mountainside, yet was always filled with joy and delight. 

He stressed impermanence and the inevitability of  death: and so, the urgency of practice; as well as the interconnectedness of all things. 

His teachings led to the founding  of the Kagyu schools of Buddhism, that trace their lineage back to Milarepa.

He gave individual teachings in the form of stories and songs, to the people who came to visit him, encouraging them and demonstrating that no deed, no matter how unskilful, takes us beyond the possibility of  self-transformation through Dharma practice.

In the second half, Dharmakasara continued the theme, leading us in a Milarepa puja, including a reading and mantra chanting.