Shabkar Tsogdruk Rangdrol – The Wandering Pilgrim in Tibetan Poetry

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

One of the most celebrated Tibetan poets in the field of spiritual insight is Shabkar Tsogdruk Rangdrol. Shabkar is considered the greatest master yogi after Milarepa. Like Milarepa, Shabkar also spent most of his life as a wandering pilgrim using his spiritual songs as a medium for teachings. His spiritual songs were among the most treasured in Tibetan poetry.

The life of the wandering pilgrim

Shabkar was born and raised in Amdo, northeastern Tibet. He showed fondness for meditative life at an early age. Even the games he played were related to the teachings of the Buddha. He also manifested an interest in Tibetan poetry at the age of seven. When he turned twenty-one, he completed a retreat. 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 she respected and loved her parents, she defied her request and followed her religious wish. She 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 met, from bandits to animals. Eventually, he returned to his homeland where he spent the rest of his years promoting peace, teaching his disciples, and meditating.

His aspirations lived on in the collection of great Tibetan poetry. His autobiography and his spiritual songs were translated into different languages.

Shabkar’s part on Tibetan poetry

His contribution to Tibetan poetry is very popular. His “life” and “songs” highlight humor, playfulness, 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 honor teaching invitations if the benefactor promised to feed the accompanying beggars. He became an inspiration to many Tibetans. Although there were two notable incarnations of Shabkar, neither equaled his great spiritual charisma. A great poet without a doubt.