The ostensibly Buddhist siddha, or adept, known as Virūpa or Virūpākṣa is an important crossover figure revered by numerous Buddhist, Nāth, and Brahmanical Hindu haṭhayoga traditions alike. In a recent lecture at Oxford University’s Tibetan Graduate Studies Seminar, I narratologically analyzed a wide array of Central and South Asian Virūpa hagiographies to argue that the Virūpa of Tibetan lore and the Virūpākṣa of South Asian traditions are indeed the same literary character. In this lecture, I will continue that course of inquiry by examining a number of understudied Buddhist and Hindu Virūpākṣa narratives from Nepal. I will argue that the “Birūpākṣa” of these Nepalese traditions is a composite character, synthesized by adding to the siddha Virūpa/-akṣa elements of other semi-divine characters by the same name—including nāga-, yakṣa-, vīra-, and even demon-Virūpākṣas. I will then illuminate the numerous ways in which the tales of this enigmatic siddha continue to exert significant influence on the popular, lay religious practices of the Kathmandu Valley to the present day.

Westin Harris (Senge Drayang) is a doctoral candidate in the Study of Religion at the University of California, Davis, and a research affiliate with the Kathmandu Centre for Buddhist Studies at the Rangjung Yeshe Institute. His research examines the literature and art history of Central and South Asian siddha traditions. More specifically, Westin’s dissertation focuses on Indian, Nepalese, and Tibetan tales of the siddha Virūpa/Virūpākṣa in order to illuminate the persistent Buddhist-Nāth intersections evidenced therein. Committed to a cross-disciplinary methodology, Westin aims to bring Tibetan, Nāth, and yoga studies into closer dialogue. He spoke with students and participants from many different places on 27th June, 2021.

Westin Harris - "The Hideous One in the Himavat: Tales of the Siddha Virūpākṣa from Nepal."

Khenpo Chödrak Tenphel Rinpoche - an eminent teacher of the Karma Kagyu lineage who is currently lecturing on tantric views and practices at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery - has accepted Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche’s request to present and discuss Buddhism’s three yānas based on Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye’s Treasury of Knowledge and he spoke with students at RYI on Feb, 4, 5 & 6, 2016 and translated by Dr. Thomas Doctor. 

Khenpo Chödrak Tenphel Rinpoche - "The Three Vehicles" Part-II

A cover of a song I heard on a cd by Nawang Khechog, a Tibetan musician who plays flute very nicely.

“Peace Through Kindness" cover

Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI) has conducted study programs in Nepal for more than 25 years. Since 2002 RYI has partnered with Kathmandu University offering academic credit for those study programs. In 2009 RYI launched its online learning program. Our aim is to utilise our expertise and experience to enable students from around the world to study Buddhism and Himalayan Languages with us.

Westin Harris - "The Hideous One in the Himavat: Tales of the Siddha Virūpākṣa from Nepal."

Rangjung Yeshe Institute

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