Maitripa

An Indian yogi's story of spiritual transformation and profound insights into Buddhist meditation and philosophy.

Few have heard of the yogi Maitripa outside the Buddhist world. Despite this, Maitripa is considered one of the most accomplished yogis of the eleventh century. His philosophy and meditation instructions have had a profound impact on Indian and Tibetan Buddhism, and modern meditation masters continue to rely on his teachings.

Although Maitripa was a famous monk and scholar, it was only after he left his monastery and wandered throughout India as a yogi that he had a direct experience of nonconceptual realization. Once Maitripa awakened to this nondual nature of reality, he was able to harmonize the scholastic teachings of Buddhist philosophy with esoteric meditation instructions. This is reflected in his poetic writings that immediately evoke a meditative state. He eventually became the teacher of many well-known yogis, including Naropa and the translator Marpa who brought his teachings to Tibet.

Drawing on Maitripa's autobiographical writings and literary work, this book is the first comprehensive portrait of the life and teachings of this influential Buddhist master. Author and professor Klaus-Dieter Mathes offers the first complete English translation of his teachings on nonconceptual realization, which is the foundation of Mahamudra meditation.