Nāropa

Nāropa (नारोप, c. 1016–1100 CE) was an Indian Mahāsiddha and scholar associated with the monasteries of Nalanda and Vikramashila who left his prestigious position to become the chief disciple of Tilopa. He is the originator of the Ṣaḍ Yoga (Six Yogas of Nāropa), a set of advanced tantric practices that became central to the Kagyu lineage.

Life/History

Nāropa was born into a Brahmin family and became a renowned scholar at Nalanda, where he held the title of abbot. According to tradition, a dakini (wisdom feminine) appeared to him and told him that his scholarship, while impressive, was not sufficient for liberation. He abandoned his position and spent twelve years searching for his teacher, enduring extreme hardships before finding Tilopa.

After completing twelve years of practice under Tilopa’s guidance, Nāropa attained realization. According to some accounts he personally transmitted the teachings to Marpa Lotsawaon/marpa) Lotsawa, who brought them to Tibet, though other accounts hold that Marpa received Nāropa’s lineage through intermediary disciples.

Teachings/Contributions

The Six Yogas of Nāropa are:

1. Tumo (inner heat) — the generation of bliss-heat through prāṇāyāma
2. Gyulu (illusory body) — recognizing all phenomena as dream-like
3. Milam (dream yoga) — achieving lucidity within dreams
4. Ösel (clear light) — resting in the luminous nature of mind
5. Phowa (consciousness transference) — ejecting consciousness at death
6. Bardo (intermediate state) — navigating the states between death and rebirth

Legacy

Nāropa is the second figure in the Kagyu lineage (after Tilopa). His Six Yogas became the core practice curriculum of the Kagyu school, and his instructions on Mahāmudrā complement Tilopa’s oral tradition. The lineage continues unbroken through the major Kagyu sub-schools.

Verification notes

• Nāropa’s life is documented in Tibetan biographical literature, including the Tāranātha’s History of Buddhism in India.
• The Six Yogas are transmitted in texts attributed to Nāropa within the Kagyu canon.
• His tenure at Nalanda is consistent with the historical period of the university’s peak.
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).