To begin with, Milarepa was a murderer, and like most of us when we blow it, he wanted to atone for his errors.
'Over the years, as I read and reread Milarepa’s story, I find myself getting advice for where I am stuck and can’t seem to move forward. Milarepa's wisdom has likely reached more people through Pema Chödron's When Things Fall Apartthan all these books combined. In one section, Ani Pema relates: Stories of his life, as well as teachings on his songs, abound-dozens of Shambhala Publications and Snow Lion books feature him. His example and teachings appear across all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. His story of hardship, errant paths, disciplined training, heartbreak, devotion, and ultimate liberation have been told in many places. There are few figures more beloved in the Buddhist Himalayas than the 11th century yogi-hero Milarepa.
