The journey to follow in the footsteps of Milarepa

Continue on the road of intangible cultural heritage.

Recently, I once again embarked on a journey to explore the sacred practice grounds of Milarepa, as a provincial-level heritage singer of Milarepa songs. Five years ago, I set foot in this holy place to collect folk materials and stories about Milarepa. This time, based on the information gathered over the past five years, I returned with a professional team to explore the master and his great disciple Rechungpa, as well as their related sacred relics.

Milarepa mural

The life of Milarepa is like an epic, full of dramatic twists and profound insights, and many important experiences in his life, the holy places he visited, are like bright stars in the sky of history. His unwavering and powerful chanting melody, which has never been interrupted to this day, is like a melodious celestial sound echoing through the years.

Milariba Thangka, private collection.

800 years ago, Milarepa

Gu Jiachi Cheng is in the sacred place of the Five Immortal Women of Longevity.

Milarepa found many great masters such as Marpa the Translator, under whose compassionate teachings he learned profound teachings such as the Great Perfection and the Great Seal. Like a dry field receiving the nourishing rain, Milarepa's heart was transformed. Following the guidance of his teachers, he ventured into the rugged mountains, enduring the harsh cold and hunger like a loyal son of the mountains. His figure moved through the valleys like a solitary traveler, yet filled with unwavering faith.

The Land of the Auspicious Longevity Fairy

Time passes by, and Milariba has finally achieved enlightenment. His biography and teachings are like a spring breeze and gentle rain, nourishing the hearts of countless sentient beings. He has shown the state of transcendence and nirvana, becoming an eternal model and example. This legendary journey of life is not only a path of spiritual awakening, but also a great epic of redemption, growth, and enlightenment.

Milarepa was born in Gongtang Jia'ang Za.

When we embark on a journey

Jilong County is a land full of mystery, where the birthplace of Milarepa, Gongtang Jia'angza, is located, like a hidden pearl in the world, radiating ancient and sacred light. The stupa built by Milarepa's father, Milarepa Yixi Razi, after being blessed with prayer beads, stands like a silent guardian of history. The locals pass down wonderful legends, saying that the prayer beads scattered in the mountains turned into those flat stones with holes, like scattered fragments of faith scattered on the earth, with each stone seemingly whispering tales of the past.

Jilong County | Chagadars Buddhist Retreat Site

Continuing on, I will encounter those famous or not famous places of practice. Ziba Gangzupu, although not widely known, exudes a unique sense of tranquility and solemnity; Ra La's Sawa Pu, hidden like a paradise secluded from the world, quietly bears the traces of time; Chagarda So Retreat, like a sacred solitary island, emits a mysterious aura. There are also the lesser-known six practice caves like Jionggezong, and the famous Wumazong, and so on. In these places, it seems as if every inch of land retains the essence of Milarepa.

His staff, perhaps once touched every corner of this land, is like an extension of his spirit, now lying still here, yet still able to make people feel the power of Milarepa; his enlightened insights, like a gateway to liberation, quietly gaze upon the beings of the world, providing solace to their hearts; his songs of realization left behind, the beautiful verses akin to the mountain breeze, gently brushing through people's hearts, carrying Milarepa's wisdom and awakening, echoing long on this land.

This journey of exploration is like a conversation traversing time and space. The distance between me and Milarepa is constantly closing, each sacred object, each legend is an invisible thread, tightly binding me in the embrace of faith and wisdom.

Jilong County | Gangzhuopu

In Nylam Town, there is a mysterious place called Niexiang Chuiba Pu, which is one of the famous Four Great Retreat Caves. There is also Reqingba Retreat Cave, they are like quiet harbors in the river of history, sedimenting the stories of the past.

Zama Manor

In the holy land of Lhasa, the Zama Manor sits quietly. This ancient manor, with over nine hundred years of history, is like a wise elder who has weathered many storms. Milarepa and his great disciple Rechungpa have visited here many times, leaving behind the warmth of their spirits. Now, the 40th generation head of the Zama family, Jue Awang, at the age of 79, still watches over this place. The manor houses the ritual hat and robe that Milarepa once wore, the hat seeming to still carry the solemnity of his chanting, and the robe retaining his unwavering determination.

Milarepa Zen belt

Tingri County, transformed into a palace of ancient and sacred atmosphere, exudes a sense of antiquity and holiness. Zhiji Pu, the direct disciple of Zhenri in the four major practice caves, was also here, where Milarepa walked towards the pure land of empty practice. Here, there are his self-generated mantra statues, which seem to have magical powers, quietly guarding this land; and his stupa, like a lighthouse, standing tall in the wind and rain of time, guiding people towards spiritual direction.

Manlongquwa

Manlongquwa, the name behind which lies a unique story. Manlong Zaxi Womah River on the right meets Zhenduzi River on the left, giving rise to this poetic name. The sky here forms a triangle, while the ground resembles the shape of a triangular lotus flower, symbolizing the source of the law; the triangular river meanders across the plains, like a pillar of exorcism. The marvelous combination of three triangles makes this place one of significant importance. In the "Life of Milarepa", Milarepa subdued many spirits, led by the Five Fairy Maidens of Mt. Everest, granting them the lineage of transmission and the mission of practitioners. Finally, Milarepa's physical body merged into the realm of the law, making Manlongquwa even more special, like a secret holy place shrouded in a mysterious halo.

Manlongquwa

 

This article is translated from Gu Jiachi Cheng's blog.