59Pacharipa

Pacaripa is a simple man. He received a simple Mahayana sadhana to practice, which is the taking of refuge in the Triple Gem. Once, he has wronged his previous employer and he went to the temple of Avalokitesvara to seek help. He was indeed given salvation of his problem.

Innocently, he looked upon Arya Avalokitesvara as his Guru. Knowing that the Bodhisattva lived in Potala Mountain, he set off for the mountain in an attempt to reach the Bodhisattva’s physical abode. One his journey he passed through a thick forest of thorns and was injured by the points. He let out a great cry to Avalokitesvara, who appeared to him at the sound of his cry. Avalokitesvara confirmed Pacaripa’s conviction that he was indeed his Guru and instructed him to abandon his journey to Potala. Instead, Pacaripa was to return to his town, Campa to lead his disciples.

Pacaripa heeded the orders and the people flocked to him for teachings. Pacaripa became known as Guru Pacaripa and he taught the indivisibility of appearances and emptiness. Finally, he rose bodily into the Dakini’s Paradise.

em