Medium: Gouache on Cotton Canvas
Dimensions: 38 x 44 in
Year: 2023
Tilopa, a renowned tantric Buddhist master, was born around the 10th century in West Bengal, India. He served as a royal priest for many years, earning the king’s favor. However, Tilopa wanted to live a life of yogi and attain enlightenment. After years of intense yogic practices and meditation, he finally achieved Mahamudra Siddhi, and his fame spread. Naropa, another well-known tantric Buddhist master, was the greatest disciple of Mahasiddha Tilopa. After years of searching and suffering, Naropa eventually became his disciple and attained Mahamudra Siddhi within six months. The holy Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, a center for spiritual and esoteric practices, holds great significance for Buddhists. The holy caves of Tilopa and Naropa, located near the temple, are considered one of the holiest piligrimage sites for Buddhists. The teachings of Tilopa and Naropa form the basis of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. Marpa Chokyi Lodro translated the Mahamudra teachings into Tibetan, and his disciples like Milarepa and Gampopa popularized the practice of mahamudra in Tibet.