Spiritual biographies are called a "namtar" in Tibetan, which literally means "complete liberation" because they show how lamas were able to achieve enlightenment. The special function of these biographies is to encourage us by showing how these practitioners dealt with their particular circumstances. They describe the conditions in which they began, how within those limitations they were able to practice and accomplish liberation, and through that how they benefited others.

During Marpa's training he transformed his defects, such as his short temper and arrogance into good qualities such as courage and compassion that could benefit others. By this process, the qualities themselves expanded so that by the end of his training they actually became his experience and realization of completeness; he had become a supreme (i.e. an enlightened being).
The lifestyle of Marpa - a businessman with a family - provides a good example for modern people. His example and teachings remain alive today in the unbroken lineage of the Kagyupa, of which Thrangu Rinpoche is a recognized master. He has realized these teachings directly so that when he teaches about Marpa he conveys not only the words but also their meaning.

A Spiritual Biography of Marpa, the Translator, Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, Zhi-sil Cho-kyi Gha-Tsal, 135 pages, $18.95

Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche is a renowned Tibetan Buddhist master known for his deep compassion and the clarity of his teachings. He was selected by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to serve as the principal tutor to His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Oryen Trinley Dorje. Thrangu Rinpoche is a full holder and teacher of the Kagyu Vajrayana lineages. He founded the Namo Buddha retreat center in Nepal, has established two shedras (monastic universities) in Nepal and India, and serves as Abbot of Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia. He also built Tara Abbey, where nuns receive a full dharma education qualifying them to become khenpos or teachers. Thrangu Rinpoche teaches entensively throughout Asia, Europe and the United States. He has centers in Maine and California, and is building the Vajra Vidya Retreat Center in Crestone, Colorado.

Contents

Introduction

1. The Life of Marpa

2. Marpa Meets Maitripa

3. The Songs of the Twelve Instructions

Marpa Returns to Tibet

Marpa Gains Eight Disciples

Marpa's Third Visit to India

Marpa Returns to Tibet

How Marpa Lost His Son

Marpa Teaches Through Miracles

Marpa's Passing into Nirvana

Glossary Glossary of Tibetan Terms

The Notes

Bibliography