Naropa

1016 - 1100

One of the Mahasiddhas, his nickname being "The Dauntless (Disciple)"
Indian sage known for his Six Yogas or Naro Chos-drug - teachings that were also expounded by his lover and student Vajradhara Niguma - and which form part of the spiritual heritage of the Shangpa and Rimed schools.
At one point in time, Naropa was the head of Nalanda University, but later on chose to become a student once again. His new teacher was Tilopa (988-1069), another Mahasiddha, from who he received - among other teachings - the Guhyasamaja Tantra.
Naropa was of considerable influence on the development of Vajrayana not only through the lineage of Niguma, but also by virtue of being the teacher to the influential translator Marpa (1012-1097) for more than sixteen years. Marpa received both the Chakrasamvara- and Guyasamaja Tantras from Naropa.
Naropa also taught the Guhyasamaja Tantra to Atisha, who inspired the Kadam-pa school.
He is also known by the name Jnanasiddhi.