Shabkar Tsogdruk Rangdrol – The Wandering Pilgrim in Tibetan Poetry

Tibetan religious literature can be separated into two kinds of books: those that contain Buddhism teachings written in technical and analytical manner which are meant for those who have proper training in logic and philosophy while the other kind of books contain the Dharma and written in a way that most people would understand. It also includes Tibetan poetry, which consists of songs and spiritual insights.

One of the most celebrated Tibetan poets in the field of spiritual insight is Shabkar Tsogdruk Rangdrol. Shabkar is considered as the greatest yogi master after Milarepa. Just like Milarepa, Shabkar also spent most of his life as wandering pilgrim using his spiritual songs as medium for teachings. His spiritual songs were among the most treasured in Tibetan poetry.

Life of the Wandering Pilgrim

Shabkar was born and raised in Amdo, Northeast Tibet. He showed fondness to meditative life at an early age. Even the games he played were related to Buddha teachings. He also manifested interest in Tibetan poetry at the age of seven. By the time he turned twenty-one years old, he completed a retreat. Here, he recited the mantra of Manjushri ten millions times. This brought him to experience auspicious dream and signs to continue his meditative life.

Shabkar’s mother wanted him to get married. Although he respected and loved his parents, he defied their request and followed his religious desire. He left home and pursued his religious calling. At the age of twenty-one he received a full monastic ordination and began his pilgrimage at the age of twenty-five. He wondered like a homeless yogi, seizing opportunity to teach every people he met – from bandits to animals. Eventually, he returned to his homeland where he spent his remaining years promoting peace, teaching his disciples and meditating.

His aspirations were still alive in the collection of great Tibetan poetry. His autobiography and his spiritual songs were translated in different languages.

Shabkar’s Share on Tibetan Poetry

His contribution to Tibetan poetry is widely popular. His “life” and “songs” highlights humor, joy, self-discipline, kindness and wisdom. Thus, they were written in simple words that can easily be understood by average Tibetans. This made his songs even more popular. His kindness created an impact to his followers. He was said to have fed hundreds of beggars and would only comply to teaching invitations if the benefactor would promise to feed the beggars who would accompanied him. He became an inspiration to many Tibetans. Although there were two noted incarnations of Shabkar, no one matched his great spiritual charisma. A great poet indeed.

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