Serlingpa Dharmakirti

Serlingpa Dharmakirti (10th century CE) was an Indian Buddhist master of the Śrīdvipa (Suvarṇadvīpa) tradition and the principal teacher of the great Tibetan master Atiśa.

Background

Serlingpa Dharmakirti was a Buddhist master from the island kingdom of Śrīdvipa (Suvarṇadvīpa), identified with Sumatra in modern Indonesia. He was a renowned meditation master and scholar who preserved the Buddhist teachings of the Indian tradition at a time when Buddhism was declining on the Indian subcontinent.

Spiritual Contribution

Serlingpa Dharmakirti transmitted the Bodhicaryāvatāra tradition and the teachings on bodhicitta (the mind of awakening) to Atiśa, who brought them to Tibet. He was particularly renowned for his expertise in the practice of Lojong (mind training) and the cultivation of bodhicitta. His teachings on these subjects became foundational for the Kadampa and later the Gelug traditions.

Legacy and Impact

Serlingpa Dharmakirti’s transmission of the Bodhicaryāvatāra teachings to Atiśa had a transformative impact on Tibetan Buddhism. The Lojong teachings he preserved became one of the most widely practiced systems of Buddhist meditation in Tibet, influencing all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Verification Notes

• Serlingpa Dharmakirti’s dates and role as Atiśa’s teacher are documented in Tibetan historical sources.
• His identity as a master from Śrīdvipa (Suvarṇadvīpa) is well-attested.