From Brilliant Scholar to Wandering Yogi
Lama Liz Monson’s article published in the Spring 2023 edition of Buddhadharma.
From Brilliant Scholar to Wandering Yogi
Naropa, among the most revered figures in Vajrayana Buddhism, began as one of Nalanda’s foremost scholar–practitioners. Elizabeth Monson tells the story of his transformation from brilliant pandita to fierce and wild yogi.
Naropa’s life story echoes down to us through the centuries as a clear instruction that no matter how much time we may spend in studying and contemplating the Buddhist teachings, it is through harnessing the energies of the body and our emotions as the working ground for liberation that we find exactly what we need for freedom. Freedom can be found only in what is right in front of us— our experience in each present moment.
