What is a mahasiddha?
Q: What is a mahasiddha?
A: A mahasiddha is a type of yogi who is important in Tantra and is connected with unusual ways of thinking and spiritual enlightenment.
Q: What is the difference between a mahasiddha and an arhat?
A: Mahasiddhas are different from arhats because they are actual people who acquired magical powers from their spiritual practice, whereas arhats are saints who gave up the world to achieve buddhahood.
Q: What is a bodhisattva?
A: A bodhisattva is someone who can enter nirvana whenever they want but instead chooses to stay in samsara to help others.
Q: How many mahasiddhas are there in Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist traditions?
A: There are 85 Mahasiddhas in both Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
Q: Are the lists of Mahasiddhas the same in both Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism?
A: No, the lists are not all the same, but there are many Mahasiddhas who appear on most lists.
Q: How are Mahasiddhas often shown in Tibetan Buddhist art?
A: In Tibetan Buddhist art, Mahasiddhas are often shown in paintings together, for example around the border of a thanka.
Q: What does the term "mahasiddha" mean?
A: The term "mahasiddha" is composed of two Sanskrit words: "maha" which means great, and "siddha" which means achiever.
