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 siddha (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, Zhyisil Chokyi GhaTsal, 135 pages, $19.95

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: A Spiritual Biography of Marpa
	Foreword	ix
	Biography of Thrangu Rinpoche	xi
	Preface	xiii
1	The Life of Marpa	1
2	Marpa Meets Maitripa	15
3	The Song of Twelve Instructions	23
4	Marpa Returns to Tibet	35
5	Marpa Establishes the Teachings in Tibet	43
6	Marpa's Third Visit to India	53
7	Marpa in Tibet	69
8	How Marpa Lost His Son	73
9	Marpa Teaches Through Miracles	85
10	Marpa's Passing into Nirvana	89
	Notes	93
	Glossary of Terms	103
	Glossary of Tibetan Terms	127
	Bibliography	129
	Index	131
	Long Life Prayer for Thrangu Rinpoche	134