Mahasiddha Naropa and Niguma, the Lady of Illusion
Mahasiddha Naropa and Niguma (Main figure)
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(Top to bottom): Niguma, Mahasiddha Naropa, Vajra Yogini and Dorje Shugden.
Deity: Mahasiddha Naropa (Sanskrit)
Alternative name: Panchen Naropa (Tibetan)
The Mahasiddha Naropa was, in his time, one of the highest Buddhist scholars in the land of India and was made one of the Gatekeepers of Nalanda Monastery, a prestigious position granted only to those who mastered study of the scriptures and the art of debate. At the behest of a dakini appearing as an old lady, Naropa went in search of his teacher, the Mahasiddha Tilopa. The devotion Naropa had for his teacher is now legendary, especially the account of the 12 major and 12 minor trials and tribulations he underwent in order to liberate his mind. After these trials were over, his teacher initiated him into the practice of Vajravarahi and instructed him to enter meditative retreat on the deity. Within six months, Naropa is said to have gained a vision of Vajravarahi in the form of Vajra Yogini Naro Kechari who initiated him into her practice. He is therefore known as the progenitor of the Vajra Yogini practice in the Naro Kechari form.
Deity: Niguma (Sanskrit)
Alternative name: Yogini Vimalashri (Sanskrit)
Niguma is revered as one of the most important and influential female Vajrayana teachers of the 10th or 11th Century in India. She was one of two founding female masters of the Shangpa Kagyu school of Vajrayana Buddhism, along with the dakini, Sukhasiddhi. According to her biography, her birth name was Shrijnana. Like many other major Buddhist figures of her time, Niguma was known by several other names. She was called Yogini Vimalashri, Vajradhara Niguma, Jnana Dakini Adorned with Bone Ornaments or just the Sister, referring to her previous marriage to the great Buddhist teacher and adept Naropa. Sister in the old language of India referred to one’s wife. It was said that Niguma received teachings and initiations from Vajradhara himself. The Tibetan master Khyungpo Naljor travelled to India in order to receive teachings from her. She famously demanded gold in exchange for teachings and upon receiving the gold, she threw it away. Just like Naropa, she is famous for her Six Yogas of Niguma.
Deity: Dorje Shugden (Tibetan)
Alternative name: Vajra Rudra (Sanskrit)
Dorje Shugden is an emanation of the Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri. He took the form of a Dharma protector in order to safeguard the Buddha’s teachings, especially the important teachings on the Middle Way view. Reminiscent of Manjushri’s form, Dorje Shugden carries a meandering sword and rides a snowlion that represents the fearlessness of a fully enlightened Buddha. Thus, he has great strength to overcome obstacles of the body, speech and mind, and create suitable conditions for our spiritual practice to flourish.
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For more interesting information:
- The Dorje Shugden category on the blog
- Must Watch: Powerful Explanations on Dharma Protectors
- Black Tara – The Wrathful Protectress
- Mahasiddha Tilopa – the Chakrasamvara Master
- Guhya Manjushri – the Secret Form of Wisdom
- Five Extraordinary Visions of Lama Tsongkhapa
- The Mahasiddha Kukkuripa and His Dog
- Lords of Purification – 35 Confessional Buddhas
- Manjushri Nagarakshasa – The Naga Deity
- Janguli – The Goddess that Protects from Snakes
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Beautiful thangka of Mahasiddha Naropa and Niguma, the Lady of Illusion paints a thousand words. In this painting the great Tantric mahasiddha Naropa sits gazing up,together with Niguma a dakini and was one of the influential yoginis and Vajrayana teachers. Niguma is one of the two female founders of the Shangpa Kagyu school of Vajrayana Buddhism. A beautiful thangka depicted with the powerful dharma protector Dorje Shugden will be wonderful to have.