Shabkar Tsogdruk Rangdrol – The Wandering Pilgrim in Tibetan Poetry

Tibetan religious literature can be divided into two types of books: those that contain teachings of Buddhism written in a technical and analytical way that are intended for those who have adequate training in logic and philosophy, while the other types of books contain the Dharma. and they are written in some way. that most people would understand. It also includes Tibetan poetry, consisting of songs and spiritual insights.

One of the most famous Tibetan poets in the field of spiritual perception is Shabkar Tsogdruk Rangdrol. Shabkar is considered to be the greatest yogi teacher after Milarepa. Like Milarepa, Shabkar also spent most of his life as a wandering pilgrim using his spiritual songs as a means of teaching. His spiritual songs are among the most treasured in Tibetan poetry.

Life of the wandering pilgrim

Shabkar was born and raised in Amdo, northeast Tibet. He showed a fondness for the meditative life at a young age. Even the games he played were related to the teachings of the Buddha. He also showed interest in Tibetan poetry at the age of seven. When he turned twenty-one, he completed a retirement. Here, he recited the Manjushri mantra ten million times. This led him to experience an 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 their religious desire. He left home and pursued his religious vocation. At the age of twenty-one he received full monastic ordination and began his pilgrimage at the age of twenty-five. He wondered like a homeless yogi, taking the opportunity to teach everyone he knew, 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 into different languages.

Shabkar’s involvement in Tibetan poetry

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