Milarepa
Milarepa is one of the most widely known Tibetan Saints. In a superhuman effort, he rose above the miseries of his younger life and with the help of his Guru, Marpa the Translator, took to a solitary life of meditation until he had achieved the pinnacle of the enlightened state, never to be born again into the Samsara (whirlpool of life and death) of worldly existence. Out of compassion for humanity, he undertook the most rigid asceticism to reach the Buddhic state of enlightenment and to pass his accomplishments on to the rest of humanity. His spiritual lineage was passed along to his chief disciples, Gambopa and Rechung. It was Rechung who recorded in detail the incidents of Milarepa's life for posterity. The narrative of his life has thus been passed down through almost a millennium of time and has become an integral part of Tibetan culture. In addition to Rechung's narrative of his life, summarized below, Milarepa extemporaneously composed innumerable songs throughout his life relevant to the dramatic turns of events of himself and his disciples in accordance with an art form that was in practice at the time. These songs have been widely sung and studied in Tibet ever since and have been recorded as the Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa. His faithful devotion, boundless religious zeal, monumental forbearance, superhuman perseverance, and ultimate final attainment are a great inspiration today for all. His auspicious life illumined the Buddhist faith and brought the light of wisdom to sentient beings everywhere.
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Iconography
Milarepa is mostly seen sitted
Life Story
Born in the village of Kya Ngatsa - also known as Tsa - in Gungthang province of western Tibet to a prosperous family he was named Mila Thöpaga (Thos-pa-dga'), which means "A joy to hear." His family name, Josay indicates noble descent, a sept of the Khyungpo or eagle clan. When his father died, Milarepa's uncle and aunt took all of the family's wealth. At his mother's request, Milarepa left home and studied sorcery. While his aunt and uncle were having a party to celebrate the impending marriage of their son, he took his revenge by summoning a giant hail storm to demolish their house, killing 35 people, although the uncle and aunt are supposed to have survived. The villagers were angry and set off to look for Milarepa, but his mother got word to him and he sent a hailstorm to destroy their crops.
Many of Milarepa's deeds took place in Chokyi Dronma's homeland and his life and songs were compiled by Tsangnyon Heruka, sponsored by Chokyi Dronma's brother, the Gungthang king Thri Namgyal De.
Milarepa later lamented his evil ways in his older years: "In my youth I committed black deeds. In maturity I practiced innocence. Now, released from both good and evil, I have destroyed the root of karmic action and shall have no reason for action in the future. To say more than this would only cause weeping and laughter. What good would it do to tell you? I am an old man. Leave me in peace."
Linage
Milarepa is famous for many of his songs and poems, in which he expresses the profundity of his realization of the dharma. He also had many disciples, male and female, including Rechung Dorje Drakpa (Ras-chung Rdo-rje Grags-pa) and Gampopa (Sgam-po-pa, Dhakpo Lhaje). His female disciples include Rechungma, Padarbum, Sahle Aui and Tsheringma.It was Gampopa who became Milarepa's spiritual successor, continued his lineage, and became one of the main lineage masters in Milarepa's tradition.
Bronze Finishing
This Milarepa product features a stunning Bronze patina finish. Our store takes pride in offering this exclusive patina, which involves a meticulous process utilizing organic materials such as butter and vegetable color. The aim is to recreate the appearance of an aged bronze statue, evoking a sense of timeless elegance.
The art of giving the bronze color to red copper is truly exceptional and is practiced by skilled craftsmen. With each piece, you not only acquire a beautifully finished Milarepa product but also pay homage to the artisans who are dedicated to preserving this rare and fading art form. The result is a unique and captivating aesthetic that adds a touch of sophistication and nostalgia to any setting.
Why use bronze Color?Bronze color refers to the distinctive hue that is characteristic of bronze metal. It is a rich, warm tone that falls somewhere between brown and copper. Bronze has been used for centuries in the creation of statues, sculptures, and various decorative items due to its unique aesthetic appeal.
While the production of bronze statues can be complex and challenging, particularly in the Nepali statue-making industry, the bronze color can still be achieved through alternative methods such as the Bronze finishing process. In Nepal, sand casting is commonly used for creating bronze statues, but the resulting quality may not always meet desired standards. The Lost Wax system, on the other hand, yields better quality but can be prone to damage during the intricate carving process, leading to a decline in its practice.
Despite the challenges faced in creating bronze statues, the Bronze finishing process offers a way for individuals who appreciate the appearance of bronze to still experience its allure. By applying this finishing technique to other materials, such as Milarepa, individuals can enjoy the look and feel of a bronze statue while preserving the essence of this revered art form.
Example of Bronze finishing
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