Vidyadhara (Buddhism)

Vidyadhara (Sanskrit: Vidyadhara; meaning 'Knowledge-holder','Awareness-Holder') is the word in Buddhist literature for a person having the great knowledge (vidya) of mantras and other esoteric knowledge of occult practices such as recitation of spells,^[1] samatha, and alchemy.^{[citation needed]} A realized master on one of the four stages on the tantric path of Mahayoga. Another Buddhist definition is: Bearer of the profound method, the knowledge which is the wisdom of deity, mantra and great bliss.^{[citation needed]}

Vidyadhara
Notable Burmese Vidyadharas
Sanskrit	Vidyadhara
Pāli	Vijjadhara
Burmese	Weizza
Chinese	Xian
Japanese	Sennin
Tibetan	Rigdzin
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The Rigdzin Dupa, Vidyadharas Gathering, enshrines sacred treaties, revealing the profound views, powerful meditations, sacred conduct and ultimate Vajrayana teachings in Tibetan Buddhism.^[2] It is the inner Guru Rinpoche practice from the Longchen Nyingtik, the terma revelation of Jigme Lingpa.

Four levels of a vidyadhara which are specific to the Dzogchen or Nyingma tradition.

1. matured vidyadhara
2. vidyadhara with power over life
3. mahamudra vidyadhara
4. spontaneously accomplished vidyadhara

See also

• Muni
• Rigdzin
• Rishi
• Siddha
• Weizza
• Xian

References

1. Hirsch, Julia (November 24, 2020). "A Buddhist Book of Spells: Interview with Sam van Schaik". Tricycle. Retrieved 9 May 2023.
2. Lingpa, Jigme (September 26, 2017). The Gathering of Vidyadharas: Text and Commentaries on the Rigdzin Düpa (Translation ed.). Snow Lion. pp. VII. ISBN 1611803616.