Vidyādhara

vidyādhara (P. vijjādhara; T. rig 'dzin / rig pa ’dzin pa; C. chiming 持明). Translated as "knowledge holder," "awareness holder," etc. Literally, "a possessor of knowledge (vidyā).

The Sanskrit term vidyadhara has the following connotations:

1. In Indian mythology and the sutric literature it mostly refers to a winged spirit with magical powers.
2. In tantric literature it refers to a practitioner who has gained magical abilities through his or her accomplishment in tantric practices.

Within the Dzogchen tradition, since approximately the 14th century, the Tibetan term rigdzin (rig 'dzin) was used to describe someone who, according to Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, constantly abides in the state of pure awareness of 'rigpa’. Thus, depending on the context, there are three possible meanings for the Tibetan term:

1. A winged spirit (especially within early Tibetan literature)
2. An accomplished tantric practitioner with magical abilities
3. An accomplished Dzogchen yogi (especially with later Tibetan literature)

See also

• Eight vidyadharas of India

Sources

• Buswell, Robert E.; Lopez, Donald S. (2014), The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism, Princeton University 
• Jigme Lingpa; Patrul Rinpoche; Getse Mahapandita (2006), Deity, Mantra, and Wisdom: Development Stage Meditation in Tibetan Buddhist Tantra, translated by Dharmachakra Translation Committee, Ithaca, NY: Snow Lion Publications 

Further reading

• Vidyadhara, Rigpa Shedra Wiki