The Story of the Yak-Horn

Jetsun Milarepa, the great yogi, awaited his disciple Rechungpa's return from India. Rechungpa, having completed a second journey to study advanced teachings, arrived full of pride, thinking he had become more learned than his Guru. When the two met on the Balkhu plain, Rechungpa wondered if Milarepa would return his bow, given his elevated knowledge.

However, Milarepa read the mind of Rechungpa and therefore, did not respond in kind, leaving Rechungpa displeased.

Rechungpa asked, “Dear Guru, where did you stay while I was in India? How is your health? How are my Repa brothers? Where shall we go now?”

Milarepa, reading the pride in Rechungpa’s heart, decided to teach him a lesson. Smiling, he sang a song describing his simple, contented life as a yogi, free from pride, attachment, and worldly distractions. He also gently questioned Rechungpa about his journey, asking if he had truly followed his Guru’s instructions and whether he had noticed the pride growing within himself.

Rechungpa, in response, recounted his travels, the teachings he received, and the successes he achieved. He offered these teachings and the staff of Ahkaru, a gift from his Indian master, to Milarepa.

Milarepa, observing Rechungpa’s arrogance, responded with another song. He warned about the dangers of pride and emphasized the importance of humility, obedience to one’s Guru, and the futility of pursuing fame or empty learning without deep meditation and practice.

As they walked together, Milarepa saw a yak horn lying by the road and told Rechungpa, “Pick up this yak horn and bring it with you.”

Rechungpa dismissed the request, saying, “What use is such a worthless thing? Leave it alone.”

Milarepa replied, “Sometimes discarded things can be useful.” He picked up the horn himself and carried it.

Later, as they traveled across an open plain, a violent storm of hail and wind erupted. Rechungpa, scrambling for cover, completely lost sight of his Guru. When the storm subsided, he found the yak horn lying on the ground. To his amazement, he heard Milarepa’s voice coming from inside it. Looking closer, he saw Milarepa seated comfortably within the horn, with plenty of space around him.

Milarepa, from inside the horn, sang to Rechungpa, teaching him about the nature of pride and its instability. He compared Rechungpa’s behavior and accomplishments to unstable things like the wind, crops, and clouds, urging him to stop clinging to his pride and instead devote himself to sincere spiritual practice. He invited Rechungpa to enter the horn, saying, “Here is a spacious and comfortable house! If you think you can match your Guru, come in right now.”

Rechungpa tried to enter the horn but could not even fit his hand inside. Humiliated and trembling, he sang back to his Guru, apologizing for his arrogance and reaffirming his devotion.

Milarepa then emerged from the horn. With a gesture, he dispersed the storm, warmed the air, and dried Rechungpa’s wet clothes. Turning to his disciple, Milarepa said, “Rechungpa, I knew from the beginning that your trip to India was unnecessary. The teachings of Mahamudra and the Six Yogas are sufficient for liberation. Still, I am glad you have returned safely.”

With this, Milarepa had successfully humbled Rechungpa and reminded him of the importance of humility, devotion, and the true essence of spiritual practice.

This story teaches us that:

1. Pride is a Hindrance: Spiritual progress requires humility. Pride blinds us to our limitations and creates distance from wisdom.

2. Simplicity is Freedom: Joy comes not from possessions or achievements but from a life lived in alignment with spiritual truth.

3. Honor Your Teachers: Respect and faith in one's teacher are essential for inner growth and understanding.

From the Book: ‘THE HUNDRED THOUSAND SONGS OF MILAREPA’ TRANSLATED AND ANNOTATED BY Qarma C. C. Chang