Spiritual biographies are called a “namtar” in Tibetan, which literally means “complete liberation” because they show how lamas were able to achieve enlightenment. The special function of these biographies is to encourage us by showing how these practitioners dealt with their particular circumstances. They describe the conditions in which they began, how within those limitations they were able to practice and accomplish liberation, and through that how they benefited others.

During Marpa’s training he transformed his defects, such as his short temper and arrogance into good qualities such as courage and compassion that could benefit others. By this process, the qualities themselves expanded so that by the end of his training they actually became his experience and realization of completeness; he had become a supreme siddha (i.e. an enlightened being).

The lifestyle of Marpa – a businessman with a family – provides a good example for modern people. His example and teachings remain alive today in the unbroken lineage of the Kagyupa, of which Thrangu Rinpoche is a recognized master. He has realized these teachings directly so that when he teaches about Marpa he conveys not only the words but also their meaning.