Milarepa (1040–1123) is one of the most revered meditators and spiritual poets in Tibet, honoured across all schools of Tibetan Buddhism, and in particular a pivotal figure in the Kagyu tradition. He was a disciple of Marpa the Translator, and his principal students included Gampopa and Rechungpa.

What makes him especially compelling is the story of his radical transformation: a man who once caused terrible suffering became – according to Buddhist tradition – a fully enlightened master within that same lifetime.

His teachings are remembered above all through several interrelated themes. First, taking responsibility: acknowledging harmful actions and turning one’s life around. Then perseverance in practice, putting the teachings into daily life, and freedom from attachment, loosening the grip of material possessions, reputation, and comfort. Compassion runs through it as well, practising with concern for the welfare of other beings, alongside pure and perfect devotion – maintaining an unwavering pure outlook toward his guru Marpa, and fulfilling all his wishes without hesitation and regardless of his own comfort. Finally, there is the full realization of Mahamudra: the key instructions he received from Marpa, together with the completion of the Six Yogas of Naropa.

The practice text and commentary used in Karma Kagyu centres were composed by the first Jamgön Kongtrul, Lodrö Thaye.