TIBET

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The green mystic

Mila Repa, Tibet.

Mila Repa is without doubt the most loved of all Tibetan saints; possibly because he displayed some less than attractive human traits, in his early life. Born in the Kyirong valley of Tibet he grew up in a wealthy family. Orphaned, and subsequently dispossed by a wicked uncle Mila sought revenge at the inducement of his mother. Over several years, he learnt the 'evil arts' mastering earthquakes and storms and thus achieved the destruction of his unworthy relatives.
Repenting, he undertook religious training under the strong hand Marpa a renowned teacher of the time. Solitary meditation for many years brought him great elightenment , at the cost of his complexion, which became green from subsisting on a diet of nettles!
A noted poet and gifted teacher, his songs are still sung by Tibetan nomads.
On our 'Valley of Happiness' tour we visit Kyirong; Tsalung where he was born and 'the Eagle's Nest' where he meditated for twelve years. Jetsun, 'the Cotton-clad', Mila lives on in those Himalayan heights.

In solitary, stony fastness among the mountains
there is a strange market,
where you can barter the vortex of life
for boundless bliss.
Mila Repa (1052 - 1136)

Next month: How to carry your chicken!

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revision 18 Mar 2001
http://www.greenkiwi.co.nz/footprints/photo/ph9902.htm