Mahasiddha
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mahasiddhas (Sanskrit: maha - great, siddhas - achievers) are a type of eccentric yogis or adepts important in tantric Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism. They represent the mystic and unconventional which, in tantric thinking, is often associated with the highest levels of spiritual enlightenment. They are typically contrasted with arhats, the austere saints who achieved Buddhahood.
Mahasiddhas are a form of bodhisattva, meaning they not only have the spiritual abilities to enter nirvana whenever they please, but they are so compassionate they decide to remain in samsara instead to help others. Mahasiddhas are often associated with historic persons, but nonetheless typically have magical powers which they achieve by the efficacy of their spiritual practice.
By convention there are 84 Mahasiddhas in both Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist traditions, with some overlap between the two lists. In Tibetan Buddhist art they are often depicted together as a matched set in works such as thangka paintings where they may be used collectively as border decorations around a central figure.
Each Mahasiddha has come to be known for certain characteristics and teachings, which facilitates their pedagogical use. One of the most beloved Mahasiddhas is Virupa, who may be taken as the patron saint of the Sakyapa sect. He lived in 9th century India and was known for his great attainments.
Other Mahasiddhas include Marpa, the Indian translator who brought Buddhist texts to Tibet, and Milarepa, Marpa's student and the first native-born guru in Tibet. In Buddhist iconography, Milarepa is always represented with his right hand cupped against his ear, to listen to the dharma and the all-important oral transmission which anchors the non-Nyingmapa lineages (i.e. the Sakya, Kadam, Kagyu, and Gelug schools). Another interpretation of the imagery is that the teacher is engaged in a secret yogic exercise (e.g. see Lukhang).
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[edit] Complete list of Mahasiddhas
In Buddhism there are 84 Mahasiddhas: Acinta, Ajogi, Anangapa, Aryadeva, Babhaha, Bhadrapa, Bhandepa, Bhiksanapa, Bhusuku, Camaripa, Campaka, Carbaripa, Catrapa, Caurangipa, Celukapa, Darikapa, Dengipa, Dhahulipa, Dharmapa, Dhilipa, Dhobipa, Dhokaripa Dombipa, Dukhandi, Ghantapa, Gharbari, Godhuripa, Goraksa, Indrabhuti, Jalandhara, Jayananda, Jogipa, Kalapa, Kamparipa, Kambala, Kanakhala, Kanhapa, Kankana, Kankaripa, Kantalipa, Kapalapa, Khadgapa, Kilakilapa, Kirapalapa, Kokilipa, Kotalipa, Kucipa, Kukkuripa, Kumbharipa, Laksminkara, Lilapa, Lucikapa, Luipa, Mahipa, Manibhadra, Medhini, Mekhala, Mekopa, Minapa, Nagabodhi, Nagarjuna, Nalinapa, Naropa, Nirgunapa, Pacaripa, Pankajapa, Putalipa, Rahula, Saraha, Sakara, Samudra, Santipa, Sarvabhaksa, Savaripa, Syalipa, Tantepa, Tantipa, Thaganapa, Tilopa, Udhilipa, Upanaha, Vinapa, Virupa, Vyalipa.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Dowman, Keith (1986). Masters of Mahamudra: Songs and Histories of the Eighty-four Buddhist Siddhas. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press. ISBN 0-88706-160-5
