Ravigupta

Ravigupta (c. 8th century) was an Indian Buddhist monk and author of the Sadhana Samucchaya, an influential compendium of tantric practices.

Background

Ravigupta was active in the great Buddhist monasteries of India, likely at Vikramashila or Nalanda. He was a master of both Sutrayana and Vajrayana traditions, and his writings reflect deep knowledge of the Guhyasamaja, Chakrasamvara, and Hevajra tantra lineages.

Spiritual Contribution

His Sadhana Samucchaya collected and organized over fifty different tantric sadhana practices, making them accessible to practitioners. He clarified the stages of deity yoga and the relationship between the generation and completion stages of tantra. His work bridged the gap between monastic scholarship and yogic practice.

Legacy and Impact

The Sadhana Samucchaya became a standard reference work in Tibetan tantric traditions. Many of the sadhanas he compiled would have been lost without his careful preservation. Tibetan translators considered his work indispensable for understanding the full spectrum of Indian Buddhist tantra.

Verification Notes

• 8th century, dates approximate
• Active in North Indian monastic universities