Naropa

Naropa’s life is upheld as an example of determination, perseverance and endurance. His teachings of the Six Yogas of Naropa are among the fundamental pillars of Vajrayana Buddhist tradition. His legacy of experiential learning and active compassion helped civilisation flourish far beyond its immediate Buddhist community. At the turn of the first millennium, Naropa was born into a long line of kings and noblemen. He embraced a spiritual life at an early age, and became the Chancellor of the Nalanda University in Bihar. Because of his intellectual agility and fierce oratory skills, he became the “Northern Gatekeeper” of Nalanda – a moniker of great distinction. Despite his worldly success, Naropa encountered Vajrayogini, appearing as an old ugly woman, who humbled him by pointing out his spiritual misconceptions and urged him to find his destined guru, Tilopa. Upon finding Tilopa, Naropa underwent twelve major and twelve lesser hardships to purify his karma and test his determination. Each of these legendary hardships broke down Naropa’s misconceptions and furthered his understanding of the universe which ultimately led to the state of Vajradhara and Perfect Enlightenment. Upon the moment of enlightenment, Naropa was offered the Six Bone Ornaments by Dakinis, following which, he flew into the sky. Today, these ornaments are one of the most revered relics of Buddhism and historic symbols of a great Himalayan odyssey.

After attaining enlightenment, Naropa taught throughout the region emphasising a tradition of experiential wisdom. The Six Yogas of Naropa is composed of tummo, the Heat Yoga (the Foundation of the Path), gyulu, the Illusory-Body Yoga (the Reliance of the Path), osel, the Light Yoga (the Essence of the Path), milam, the Dream Yoga (the Yardstick of the Path), bardo, the Yoga of the Intermediate State (that which is met on the Path), and phowa, the Transformation Yoga (the Core of the Path). Today, these teachings are considered core tenets of yogic practice in Tibetan Buddhism. From Naropa, several Buddhist traditions flourished throughout India, Central Asia and beyond. His teachings marked the beginning of a new era of Buddhism that continues to thrive in all corners of the Himalayas and the world.

 

The great translator Marpa was a student of Naropa and received extraordinary teachings of Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa. By perfectly accomplishing these practices, Marpa obtained enlightenment. Upon this accomplishment, Naropa declared: “The blessings of Master Krishnacharya breathed life into the lineages of Eastern regions, the Master Aryacharya has blessed the lineage of the South, and the King Indrabhodi transmitted his spiritual influence to the Western lineages. Bestow the waves of grace to the lineages of the North, the Lands of Snow. You have nothing more to do here - return to Tibet. I impart to you the power of my legacy; I appoint you my regent on the Roof of the World. The Land of Snow abounds in potential disciples, worthy vessels for my teachings.” Then, Naropa offered Marpa the Six Bone Ornaments, and prophesied that the Six Bone Ornaments would remain in the lineage of Naropa and would be used as devotional support. Marpa went on to be a significant Buddhist figure spreading the teachings of Naropa and the Six Bone Ornaments continued to offer devotional support. Marpa entrusted the Six Bone Ornaments of Naropa to the great disciple, Ngokton Choku Dorje (1036-1102 CE) with instructions to safeguard the Six Bone Ornaments until the seventh generation, when he shall return them to the rightful master. The seventh Ngokton lineage holder, Ngokton Jangchub (1360-1446 CE) encountered the Gyalwang Drukpa and announced that the Gyalwang Drukpa is the reincarnation of Naropa, the scholar-saint, and presented to him the Six Bone Ornaments

For close to a thousand years, the Six Bone Ornaments have been used as a relic of devotional support. Devotees believe that worthy seekers of truth may obtain enlightenment by merely seeing it, being regarded as a living piece of Himalayan history. Now every 12 years, on the rooftop of the Himalayas, the Gyalwang Drukpa dons the Six Bone Ornaments in Ladakh, India at one of the Himalayas’ biggest gatherings. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world flock together in the month-long ritual to partake in one of the oldest, most sacred ceremonies of the Himalayas. While many come to pay homage, others come to receive blessings, but for the people of the region, it serves as a symbol of devotion, compassion and a reminder of a rich heritage.
Sources

I. http://www.naropafestival.org/naropafestival/cms/six-ornaments-of-naropa.html

ii. Six Yogas of Naropa & Teachings on Mahamudra, Translated and Annotated by Garma C.C. Chang. 1986.

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