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Who was Naropa's teacher?

Naropa was a renowned Indian Buddhist master who lived in the 11th century. He was known for his deep spiritual wisdom and teachings, which have had a lasting impact on Buddhism and its practices. Naropa's journey towards enlightenment was greatly influenced by his teacher, Tilopa.

Tilopa was a great Indian Buddhist master, who is considered to be the founder of the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. He was born in Bengal and was a renowned scholar and practitioner of the Buddhist teachings. Tilopa was known for his unconventional methods and teachings, which challenged traditional beliefs and practices.

Naropa first encountered Tilopa when he was studying at Nalanda University, one of the most prestigious learning centers of the time. Despite being a highly educated and accomplished scholar, Naropa was dissatisfied with his intellectual understanding of Buddhism and yearned for a deeper spiritual experience. It was at this point that he met Tilopa, who would become his guru and guide him on his spiritual journey.

Tilopa recognized Naropa's potential and took him as his disciple. He imparted his wisdom and teachings to Naropa, guiding him towards a more experiential understanding of Buddhism. Tilopa's teachings were not limited to words, but he also challenged Naropa to go beyond his comfort zone and experience the teachings through direct experience.

Under Tilopa's guidance, Naropa underwent rigorous spiritual practices and meditations, which ultimately led him to attain enlightenment. Tilopa's teachings were not limited to traditional Buddhist practices, but he also incorporated elements from other spiritual traditions, making his teachings unique and revolutionary.

Naropa's relationship with Tilopa was not limited to a student-teacher dynamic, but it was also a deep and profound spiritual bond. Tilopa not only imparted his wisdom to Naropa but also showed him the path towards true liberation and enlightenment.

In conclusion, Naropa's teacher was Tilopa, a great Indian Buddhist master who played a crucial role in shaping Naropa's spiritual journey. Tilopa's unconventional teachings and methods challenged Naropa to go beyond his intellectual understanding and experience the true essence of Buddhism. The bond between Naropa and Tilopa is a testament to the importance of having a wise and compassionate teacher on the path towards enlightenment.