Milarepa learnt compassion through knowledge. His fame spread rapidly through his native land and has continued to this day. Every Tibetan child knows the story of the great sinner who became the great sage, and his life as chronicled by his favourite disciple Rechung, is a household favourite. In it we learn how after long contemplation in his mountain solitudes he finally attained enlightenment and was consecrated by Marpa as his successor; and how he lived to a ripe old age, teaching the faith and working miracles and died in the odour of sanctity.