Maitripa, Maitrīpa: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Maitripa means something in Buddhism, Pali. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
In Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)
Maitripa (मैत्रिप) is the name of an ancient teacher, according to “the succession of Gurus in the Mahāmudrā lineages” in the Kagyü School of Tibetan Buddhism (the Mahāmudrā deals with the nature of the mind).—According to the special Mantrayāna tradition, one lineage is: (1) Vajradhara, (2) Tilopa, (3) Nāropa, and (4) Marpa Lotsāwa. Another lineage is: (1) Vajradhara, (2) Matiratna, (3) Saraha, [(4) Nāgārjuna], (5) Śavaripa, (6) Maitripa, and (7) Marpa Chökyi Lodrö. Afterward, both lineages merge in Lord Milarepa, Lord Daö Shönu [i.e., Gampopa], and so on. This is the lineage of the Kamtsang [Kagyü]. [...]
Maitrīpa (मैत्रीप) is another name for Maitrīpāda (11th century)—a prominent Indian Buddhist Mahasiddha associated with the Mahāmudrā transmission of Tantric Buddhism. His teachers were Śavaripa and Naropa. His students include Atiśa, Marpa, Vajrapāṇi, Karopa, Natekara (also known as Sahajavajra), Devākaracandra (also known as Śūnyatāsamādhi), and Rāmapāla. His hermitage was in the Mithila region (also known as Tirhut), somewhere in northern Bihar and neighboring parts of southern Nepal.—Note: Maitrīpāda is also known as Maitreyanātha, Advayavajra, and, to Tibetans, Maitrīpa.
Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Starts with: Maitripada, Maitripakshapata.
Full-text (+1): Three bodies, Advayavajra, Maitreyanatha, Nagarjuna, Gampopa, Saraha, Marpa lotsawa, Matiratna, Milarepa, Dao shonu, Kamtsang, Naropa, Vajradhara, Marpa chokyi lodro, Tilopa, sku gsum, Shavaripa, Maitripada, Enjoyment body, Emanation body.
Relevant text
Search found 4 books and stories containing Maitripa, Maitrī-pa, Maitri-pa, Maitrīpa; (plurals include: Maitripas, pas, Maitrīpas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
History and Myth < [Volume 10, Issue 3 (2019)]
Rethinking Terms: Dohā, Vajra-, and Caryāgīti < [Volume 14, Issue 8 (2023)]
In the Lap of the Buddha: Intimacy in Tibetan Ritual < [Volume 16, Issue 2 (2025)]
Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po) (by George N. Roerich)
Chapter 2a - Niguma: Siddha khyung po rnal 'byor’s biography < [Book 9 - Kodrakpa and Niguma]
Book 11 - Mahāmudrā (great seal)
Chapter 8 - Later Lineages (vii): Sangs rgyas ras pa < [Book 12 - Peace-Making Lineages]
Kailash: Journal of Himalayan Studies
Part 2 - Guide to Swayambhu Stupa < [A Buddhist Guide to the Power Places of the Kathmandu Valley]
Part 8 - Guide to Bidjeswori (Bijeshwori) < [A Buddhist Guide to the Power Places of the Kathmandu Valley]
Miscellanea to a Recent Contribution on/to the Bsam-Yas Debate < [Volume 11, Number 3-4 (1984)]
Tibet (Myth, Religion and History) (by Tsewang Gyalpo Arya)
5. Buddhist Schools and the Politics of Tibet < [Chapter 7 - Buddhism in Tibet]