15 Facts About Naropa

Naropa or Abhayakirti was an Indian Buddhist Mahasiddha.

Naropa was the disciple of Tilopa and brother, or some sources say partner and pupil, of Niguma.

Naropa was one of the gatekeepers of Vikramashila monastery which is located in Bihar.

Naropa was born into a Shunri family of Bengal and was a contemporary of Atisa.

At the age of 28 Naropa entered the famous Buddhist University at Nalanda where he studied both Sutra and Tantra.

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Naropa gained the reputation of a great scholar and faultless debater, essential at that time as the tradition of debate was such that the loser automatically became a student of the winner.

Naropa eventually gained the title "Guardian of the Northern Gate", engaged in many debates and taught and won many students.

Naropa replied that he did and when she seemed happy with his response, he added that he understood their meaning.

On hearing the name "Tilopa", he experienced an intense feeling of devotion, and Naropa realised he needed to find the teacher to achieve full realisation.

Naropa abandoned his studies and position at the university and set out to find Tilopa.

Naropa then underwent what is known as the twelve minor hardships in his quest to find his teacher, all the hardships being hidden teachings on his path to enlightenment.

Naropa was being carried [on a palanquin] by four men, and was chewing betel-leaf.

Naropa is remembered for his trust and devotion to his teacher, which, according to his biography, enabled him to attain enlightenment in one lifetime.

Naropa is remembered as part of the "Golden Garland", meaning he is a lineage holder of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism and was considered an accomplished scholar.

Naropa is considered one of the eighty-four mahasiddhas, the 'saints' of Vajrayana.