Marpa: The Great Translator and Master of Tibetan Buddhism

Marpa (1012-1097) is a terribly significant figure in Tibetan Buddhism, in the Kagyu school in particular.  He was referred to as Marpa the Translator, as he played a very significant role in transplanting Buddhist teachings from India to Tibet. He translated significant readings and teachings that assisted the expansion of Tibetan Buddhism.  He is also revered as a teacher of the renowned yogi Milarepa, and his influence is still felt in the spiritual life of Tibet to date.

Iconography and Symbolism

Marpa is generally regarded by people as a highly spiritual figure who is both wise and eager to propagate the Dharma.

• Sitting in Meditation: Marpa has been captured in a meditative state that indicates how much he mastered the concept of spirituality and how he guided others through to the path of enlightenment.
• Scholar and Yogi Wears: he is typically depicted in the robes of a Tibetan scholar, and in most cases, carrying a text in his hand to indicate that he is a translator and teacher of Buddhism.  His wardrobe reveals that he is a student, as well as a highly serious meditationist and practitioner.
• Appearance: The face of Marpa is mostly calm and determined with wisdom, and this depicts how hard he tried to translate and disseminate the teachings of Buddha.

Life and Teachings

Marpa is famous because of his translation of Indian Buddhist texts into the Tibetan language, as well as his discipleship of major personalities such as Milarepa, who became a renowned yogi. He has traveled extensively to India, where he collected and translated major texts that helped in the propagation of the Buddhist religion in Tibet. The teachings of Marpa were more on direct experience and the practice of meditation as opposed to intellectual knowledge, which led to enlightenment among the students of Marpa. Although his methods of teaching were considered to be harsh, they were aimed at provoking students and making them develop spiritually fast.

Legacy and Influence

• Marpa played a major role in the spread of Indian Buddhism to Tibet as he was a central figure in spreading Buddhism in Tibet.
• He is considered to be one of the key founders of the school of Kagyu, which is based on meditation and the transmission of teachings directly.
• His teachings emphasize practice, immediate action, and devotion, which are major aspects of the Kagyu tradition.
• Marpa passed on the teachings of Indian masters such as Naropa, and Tibetan Buddhism has been influenced by him up to the present day.
• He is also a great example of life, as he is so devoted and has endured a lot in life, showing that Dharma can help people change in a great way when they are committed to it.