Yogi, Mystic and Poet

Born in southwest Tibet near the Nepalese border, Milarepa (1052-1135 CE) is considered the most famous tantric yogi and mystic. He is remembered for his remarkable determination and personal growth. His inspiring story traces the very familiar, human progression from confusion to clarity. He is generally considered one of Tibet’s most famous yogis and spiritual poets, whose teachings are known among several schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

At age seven, Milarepa’s father died, and he and his mother were cruelly treated by his uncle who was after the family property. In order to take revenge, Milarepa became an apprentice to a magician, and by practicing black magic, he not only caused the death of his uncle but also destroyed many other lives. Tormented by guilt and remorse, he set out in search of insight, but the teacher he found -the famous Marpa- ruthlessly subjected him to one severe test after another until all his negative karma was purified.

As a great tantric yogi, Milarepa achieved many spiritual realizations and eventually attained full enlightenment. He is also praised for the songs and poems he left behind.

During this lecture you will learn all about Milarepa, his interesting story and his iconography in Tibetan art and ends with a Q&A.

This lecture will be free for those who sign up for the thangka weekend course at Tibet House US, Sat-Sun, Jun 21-22, 2025.

Carmen Mensink at Tibet House US

Co-hosted with Shantideva Center 

Introduction to Thangka Art with Carmen Mensink

Fri Jun 20, 2025, 6-9pm EDT, In-person only

A beautiful evening with renowned thangka painter Carmen Mensink from The Netherlands, where after her lecture on the art of thangka you’ll get to experience it hands-on by learning how to draw the Face of the Buddha according to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. 

For more information and to register via Tibet House US, please click here.

Milarepa | Thangka Drawing Course

Sat-Sun, Jun 21 -22, 2025, 11am-5pm EDT (1 hour lunch break), In-person only

During this weekend workshop in Manhattan with renowned thangka painter Carmen Mensink from The Netherlands you will learn to draw (and perhaps later paint) this inspiring yogi according to the tradition of thangka (Tibetan scroll paintings).

Milarepa is considered the most famous tantric yogi and mystic. He is remembered for his remarkable determination and personal growth. His inspiring story traces the very familiar, human progression from confusion to clarity. As a great tantric yogi, Milarepa achieved many spiritual realizations and eventually attained full enlightenment. He is also praised for the songs and poems he left behind. In addition to the drawing sessions, you will learn all about Milarepa’s life and his iconography and meaning. You will also learn his mantra and how to work with it.

This workshop is suitable from beginner to advanced thangka students. Carmen guides students each on their own level and brings them to a higher one. No drawing experience is necessary.

For more information and to register via Tibet House US, please click here.