Milarepa is one of the great teachers of Tibetan Buddhism. He chose to lead an ascetic life, and lived with no possessions in the seclusion of the mountains. He passed on his insights in the form of songs.
Milarepa is usually depicted holding up a hand to his right ear. This allows him to listen to the sound of the spheres and the voice of the dharma. Here this great teacher and poet sits on a gazelle skin. In his left hand he holds a skull bowl as used in tantric practice.