Naropa

Who was Naropa?

Nāropā was an Indian Buddhist Mahasiddha. He was the disciple of Tilopa and brother, or some sources say partner and pupil, of Niguma. As an Indian Mahasiddha, Naropa's instructions inform Vajrayana, particularly his six yogas of Naropa relevant to the completion stage of anuttarayogatantra.

Although some accounts relate that Naropa was the personal teacher of Marpa Lotsawa, other accounts suggest that Marpa held Naropa's lineage through intermediary disciples only. However, the fact that every translation work that Marpa carried out begins by paying homage and gratitude to Naropa illustrates that Marpa definitely perceived Naropa as his Root Lama or main teacher.