01 The Early Years

Marpa was born in Pesar, in Lhotrak Chukhver, to Marpa Wangchuk Öser and Lady Gyamo Sa Dode. He was the youngest of three children, short-tempered and stubborn from youth. His father, foreseeing potential for great benefit or harm, decided to entrust him to dharma. At twelve, Marpa was sent to a local teacher, studied reading and writing, and then, due to his aggressive nature, was sent far away. He went to Drogmi Lotsāwa, offering provisions, and studied Sanskrit and Indian languages for three years.