Milarepa: Journey from sin to enlightenment (Photo Feature)

Kathmandu: Based on the life of renowned Buddhist monk Milarepa, the staging of the drama Milarepa will begin on November 4 (Karthik 18) at Mandala Theatre.

Presented in dialogue, the drama tells a timeless story of spiritual awakening. Milarepa, born in 1052 in Tibet, was a Buddhist teacher, yogi, saint, and poet. His life story is an extraordinary journey of purification from negative karma (sin) through rigorous penance and the attainment of enlightenment, driven by deep remorse for a violent act. He spent much of his life meditating in caves across Nepal’s Himalayan region.

Historical accounts mention that Milarepa meditated for a long time at Tarug Cave, located in Helambu Rural Municipality of today’s Sindhupalchowk district. Likewise, he is said to have meditated in Bhaktapur, Manang, Nubri (in northern Gorkha), Chum, Mustang, Nuwakot, Rasuwa, and Lapchi in Dolakha.

Awarti: The Story of Destiny (Photo Feature)

Rabin Tamang has adapted the story into a stage play, originally written by Tibetan writer Chanh Yon Heruk. The cast includes Rupesh Lama, Ramila Moktan, Bikash Lama, Sanu Maya Tamang, Rasmila Tamang, Riya Lama, Bijaya Tamang Blon, Bal Bahadur Rai, Milan Karki, Manikhulung Rai, Rohini Lama, Puskar Karki, Bishwa Sangbo, Sabita Thing, Sunita Tamang Dong, Sudip Khatiwada, Bijaya Tuwa, Ratna Mangal, Tashi Lama, Ajaya Lama, Pawan Kumar Gole, and Sabita Tamang.

The drama, directed by Buddhi Tamang and Umesh Tamang, was staged as a press show at Mandala Theatre on Karthik 16 (November 2).

Milarepa will run from Karthik 18 (November 4, 2025) to Karthik 21 (November 7, 2025). Except for Mondays, shows will be held daily at 5:30 PM, with an additional matinee performance on Saturdays at 1:00 PM.

(Glimpses of Milarepa)

 

 

(Photos : Saroj Basnet)

Nepali version of the drama