Chapter Eleven: The Origination of Marpa
QYDJ
11/4/20241 min read
In the past, when reading the biography of Milarepa, Rinpoche was greatly inspired by the meticulous guidance of Marpa, by the unswerving faith in seeking Buddha as well as the perseverance of Milarepa in the face of asceticism. These stimulated a special affinity with the lineage of Marpa and Milarepa of the Kagyu School for Rinpoche, which still deeply touched Rinpoche’s heart.
What more extraordinary followed is that a plethora of Mahamudra Lamas, including the great Tertön Chöying Lingpa, had made the like-minded prophecy. In a song of realization composed by Chöying Lingpa in memory of their past lives, the tertön mentioned that he himself was the incarnation of Milarepa while Rinpoche being that of Marpa.
In addition, there were also cases where predestined disciples witnessed Rinpoche present as Marpa the Translator in the blessed aggregate realm. Later, when the yogi Thinley Wangpo made his visit to Rinpoche, he saw Rinpoche as Marpa in person, orchestrating a song of excellence:
Marpa Chöying Dorje Rinpoche knows all,
The accomplishment in luminosity is clear,
As shown in a mirror.
Three-body Buddhas in the aggregate realm,
Wisdom stored in Buddha-nature,
Parinirvana come as thus.
Therefore, in honor of this significant cause and condition, the disciples respectfully worshipped Rinpoche as “Marpa Chöying Dorje Rinpoche.” Addressing this praise, Rinpoche often claimed, “I don’t know of which realized siddha I am the reincarnation. But for my heart being with Buddha, I have encountered such profound and excellent Mahamudra and Dzogchen tantric teachings, as well as their pith instructions, which accomplished my karma for tantric maturity and liberation.”
In fact, the essence of Marpa Hevajra awakened in Rinpoche’s heart, which was consistent with the claim of “the incarnation of Marpa.” After Rinpoche's repeated observations and many self-evident signs, Rinpoche eventually accepted the appellation of “Marpa Chöying Dorje Rinpoche” in response to the good karma, respect, and faith by the disciples of his lineage.