Marpa Lotsawa (1012-1097) "Marpa the Translator" was famous for being the spiritual teacher of Milarepa who was Tibet’s greatest yogi. Marpa was born in Lhodrak Chukhyer in the southern part of Tibet, to an affluent family. He began studying at a young age but was wild and untamed compared to other children. Marpa first received instruction for three years at Mangkhar with Drokmi Shakya Yeshe and mastered Sanskrit. He decided to travel to India to study with renowned Indian buddhist masters. Marpa returned home to Lhodrak and converted his entire inheritance into gold to fund his travel expenses and to make offerings to teachers.

Marpa journeyed first to Nepal where he studied with Paindapa and Chitherpa, two famous students of Naropa. Paindapa later accompanied Marpa to Pullahari, near Nalanda University, where Naropa taught. Marpa spent twelve years studying with Naropa and other great Indian gurus. After twelve years he set forth on his journey back to Tibet to teach and continue his dharma activities.

Naropa prophesied that a family lineage would not continue for Marpa, but that his lineage would be carried on by his disciples. Upon his return to Tibet, Marpa spent many years translating buddhist scriptures and made a major contribution to the transmission of the complete Buddhadharma to Tibet. Marpa continued to practise and give teachings and transmissions to many students in Tibet. After his third visit to India Milarepa became his disciple, inheriting his lineage in full. Marpa lived with his wife Dakmema and their sons in Lhodrak in the southern part of Tibet.

This relic was offered by Raymond and Emily Wu during a relic event in New York in 2004.