Saraha

Saraha (c. 8th century CE) was an Indian Buddhist mahasiddha and poet, considered one of the founders of the doha (couplet) tradition in tantric Buddhism.

Background

Saraha was born into a Brahmin family and became a monk at Nalanda university. According to legend, he met a woman arrow-maker who taught him the nature of reality through a metaphor of the arrow. He abandoned monastic life to practice tantric Buddhism and became one of the eighty-four mahasiddhas.

Spiritual Contribution

Saraha composed the Doha (songs of realization), expressing the highest truths of tantric Buddhism in accessible verse. His songs use metaphors from daily life to convey the nature of sunyata (emptiness) and the union of wisdom and compassion. He is considered the father of the mahamudra (great seal) meditation tradition.

Legacy and Impact

The doha tradition he pioneered influenced all subsequent tantric Buddhist poetry. His songs are still chanted and studied in Kagyu and other Tibetan Buddhist lineages. He is one of the most beloved mahasiddhas in the Tibetan tradition.

Verification Notes

• Approximately 8th century CE
• One of the 84 mahasiddhas