Milarepa, Milarepa, Who Are You? - by Sandra Fernandez (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Milarepa is celebrated throughout the Himalayas as one of the most inspiring Buddhist figures from Tibetan history. This beautifully illustrated telling of his life and teachings, with Tibetan translation, lets children explore his extraordinary story. Milarepa went through an incredible transformation, overcoming suffering and own misdeeds with the help of a wise teacher to become a great spiritual teacher in his own right. Through the story and teachings of Milarepa, we can see that it is always possible to let our inner goodness shine, no matter what we've done in the past. Every moment creates a new opportunity to settle the mind and open the heart. Milarepa's resilience, fearlessness, mental clarity, and compassion have been beacons of inspiration for a thousand years and resonate as deeply today as they have through the centuries. To honor Milarepa's spontaneous songs-classically known as dohas in Sanskrit, which communicated his experiences to others-this book is written in poetic form. It explores the wisdom of his teachings in the form of a rhythmic, call-and-response duet"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

A charming, beautifully illustrated, bilingual English-Tibetan picture book about one of Tibet's greatest spiritual teachers--sure to inspire awareness, compassion, and wisdom in children and adults alike that includes an online guide for parents and teachers.

Milarepa is celebrated throughout the Himalayas as one of the most inspiring Buddhist figures from Tibetan history. This beautifully illustrated telling of his life and teachings, with Tibetan translation, lets children explore his extraordinary story. Milarepa went through an incredible transformation, overcoming suffering and his own misdeeds with the help of a wise teacher to become a great spiritual teacher in his own right.

Through the story and teachings of Milarepa, we can see that it is always possible to let our inner goodness shine, no matter what we've done in the past. Every moment creates a new opportunity to settle the mind and open the heart. Milarepa's resilience, fearlessness, mental clarity, and compassion have been beacons of inspiration for a thousand years and resonate as deeply today as they have through the centuries.

To honor Milarepa's spontaneous songs--classically known as dohas in Sanskrit, which communicated his experiences to others--this book is written in poetic form. It explores the wisdom of his teachings in the form of a rhythmic, call-and-response duet.

An online guide for parents and teachers at wisdom.org further expands on the themes of the book by providing lesson ideas, meditation activities, and guidance for learning about language, history, and art.

Review Quotes

Milarepa, Milarepa, Who are You? celebrates Tibet's acclaimed meditator and poet in the style of beloved children's authors Bill Martin, Jr. and Eric Carle. With bilingual text and lavish illustrations, it offers a traditional liberation tale to readers of all ages.--Andrew Quintman, Wesleyan University

A masterful interweaving of story, history, Buddhist teachings, and meditation set in lyrical phrasing amidst gorgeous, rich illustrations. A wonderful book for home, children's educational programs, and dharma center libraries--Sumi Loundon Kim, Buddhist Chaplain, Yale University

This book, illuminating the life story of Milarepa, is an invitation for young readers to explore their inner resilience and innate well-being.--Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche

This little children's book is a precious gem. In telling the life story of the great Tibetan yogi Milarepa, Sandra Fernandez conveys the precious teachings of Dharma to young children in the most inviting and gentle way. The illustrations are spectacular, and together with the text, Milarepa, Milarepa, Who Are You? brilliantly plants the seeds of awakening in young minds and hearts. Every parent, grandparent, caregiver, teacher, and friend of children will want to gift this to the next generation.--Richard Davidson, author of the NY Times Bestseller The Emotional Life of Your Brain and Founder and Director, Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison

About the Author

Sandra Fernandez, EdD, is a mother, educator, activist, child advocate, author, and lover of stories. She currently works for Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche supporting his Dharma, social engagement, and meditation projects.

Maura OConnor is an illustrator and designer specializing in publishing, product design, and fine art. Working with traditional and digital mediums, her work is inspired by a love of the natural world and all the textures that it holds. Her work can be found in children's books and galleries, and on album covers, packaging design, and stationery. She lives outside of Syracuse, NY, with her husband and their two cats. To learn more, visit www.mauraoconnorillustration.com.