Narrative painting of the life of Milarepa (Part III)
See it in the Museum
Chapel
Orientation 2
Wall object 10
ABP 032
Code: ABP 032
Country: Tibet (east)
Style:
Date: 1800
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 50 x 65
Materials: Glue distemper on cotton
Narrative painting of the life of Milarepa (Part III)
This painting is the third of a set of five thangkas illustrating the life of Milarepa (1012-1123). In the center, the cotton-clad yogi Milarepa sits in a cave. Episodes from The Hundred Thousand Songs are displayed around him. Among the most emblematic are the conversion of disciples, interaction with local people and deities, etc. Around a snow-covered mountain, the magic duel with a Bönpo priest is represented directly under the main figure. Milarepa is seen, among other things, flying to the top of Mount Kailash. Other famous episodes are also present, including the hunter’s conversion or the meeting and subjugation of the Tsering Che Nga, the “Five sisters of long life.”
An emblematic and most beloved religious figure of Tibet, Milarepa is considered the yogin “par excellence”. In his childhood, after the premature death of his father, he endured severe betrayal by his uncle and aunt. As a result, his early life was marked by his mother’s hatred and thirst for revenge, leading him to the murder of a part of his family through witchcraft. Filled with remorse and terrified by his actions, he sought for redemption and came to Marpa the Translator for teachings and initiations. After enduring a series of ordeals meant to purify him from his crimes, he was finally accepted and trained. He then became a wondering yogin dressed only in cotton, hence his name of Milarepa, “cotton-clad Mila”. After he attained spiritual liberation, he was joined by numerous disciples, and became a very famous master. Teaching others through spiritual songs, the story of his life and collection of teachings are called The Life and The Hundred Thousand Songs.
This painting is the third of a set of five thangkas illustrating the life of Milarepa (1012-1123). In the center, the cotton-clad yogi Milarepa sits in a cave. Episodes from The Hundred Thousand Songs are displayed around him. Among the most emblematic are the conversion of disciples, interaction with local people and deities, etc. Around a snow-covered mountain, the magic duel with a Bönpo priest is represented directly under the main figure. Milarepa is seen, among other things, flying to the top of Mount Kailash. Other famous episodes are also present, including the hunter’s conversion or the meeting and subjugation of the Tsering Che Nga, the “Five sisters of long life.”
An emblematic and most beloved religious figure of Tibet, Milarepa is considered the yogin “par excellence”. In his childhood, after the premature death of his father, he endured severe betrayal by his uncle and aunt. As a result, his early life was marked by his mother’s hatred and thirst for revenge, leading him to the murder of a part of his family through witchcraft. Filled with remorse and terrified by his actions, he sought for redemption and came to Marpa the Translator for teachings and initiations. After enduring a series of ordeals meant to purify him from his crimes, he was finally accepted and trained. He then became a wondering yogin dressed only in cotton, hence his name of Milarepa, “cotton-clad Mila”. After he attained spiritual liberation, he was joined by numerous disciples, and became a very famous master. Teaching others through spiritual songs, the story of his life and collection of teachings are called The Life and The Hundred Thousand Songs.