Bhandepa
Bhandepa, meaning “the most venerable of wealth deities,” was a skilled Buddhist iconographer. He sought teachings from the master Naropa, who bestowed upon him the initiation of the Chakrasamvara Tantra. Naropa also imparted the profound Four Immeasurables, essential for yogic protection practices. These included teachings on loving-kindness, joyful meditation, great compassion, and equanimity. Bhandepa diligently practiced these teachings, ultimately achieving realization of Mahamudra, the great seal.
In artwork, Bhandepa is depicted wearing a white cloth head covering and yellow monastic robes. His left hand forms the teaching mudra, and he is seated on a cushion. Around him are various offerings, such as a long-life vase, a kapala (skull cup), a conch shell, fruits, an ambrosia vase, and millet. A Dakini (female sky dancer) sits to his right, presenting these offerings.
Dhandepa
Dhandepa was born in Kosambi, belonging to the Shudra caste. From a young age, he was obsessed with dice and gambling. A yogi initiated Dhandepa and gave him teachings on how to view the three realms: all sensory experiences arise and disappear immediately. He was taught that all phenomena, whether with form or without form, are impermanent, like losing money in a dice game. Dhandepa meditated on these instructions. He integrated all worldly experiences and attachments into the true emptiness, which pervades boundless space. He realized that wisdom itself is without form, devoid of inherent existence. Ultimately, he attained the realization of Mahamudra.
Dhandepa is depicted with a money bag tied to his waist, his right hand extended as if he has just thrown dice. Before his enlightenment, Dhandepa was a compulsive gambler who lost all his possessions and was forced to live in a charnel ground (burial site). The cross in the picture is a symbol of this charnel ground.
Kukkuripa
Kukkuripa was a farmer from Kakari. Due to past karma, he had a large tumor on his neck. Nagarjuna Bodhisattva bestowed upon Kukkuripa the initiation of Chakrasamvara Tantra, transmitting teachings on how to transform suffering into the path of liberation. He also taught Kukkuripa a method of the generation stage to counter the neck tumor. Following Nagarjuna’s guidance, Kukkuripa meditated diligently. Through his practice, he finally attained the realization of the unconditioned Mahamudra.
Kukkuripa is portrayed as an old man with dark skin, a thin physique, and a wrinkled face, likely due to his life as a laborer. He wears yogi attire, including a meditation belt over his shoulder, and sits on an animal skin. He looks upward with a questioning expression. Beside him is a green-skinned consort, respectfully bowing to him.
Mahipa
Mahipa was a commoner from Magadha. He was admired for his strong, well-built body. A yogi initiated Mahipa and gave him oral instructions. Mahipa didn’t understand initially, so he asked the yogi for further guidance. The yogi then taught Mahipa how to use contradictions as a means to enter the path of liberation. Finally, Mahipa abandoned his desire to grasp onto anything and attained realization of Mahamudra.
Mahipa stands on an animal skin with his left leg, while his right leg is raised to his waist. He gazes forward with a stern expression. He is adorned with bone ornaments on his head and body. His consort mirrors his pose, looking at Mahipa, her right arm on his shoulder, and her left leg intertwined with his.
Acinta
Acinta was a lumber merchant from Danirupa who lived in poverty. His only thought was how to get rich. The name Acinta itself means “without thought.” Following his guru’s instructions, Acinta meditated by visualizing fleeting thoughts as stars, and then merged those stars into the emptiness of space. Over time, he gradually eliminated his obsessive attachment to wealth, liberating himself from the mental bondage of making money. He then attained the realization of Mahamudra.
Acinta is depicted holding a wooden staff and standing under a tree in full bloom. He wears tight shorts, a long cloth over his shoulder, bone ornaments, and a meditation belt. He looks at a conch shell on the ground. Next to him, a red Dakini is bowing respectfully. The overall scene depicts Acinta’s attachment to material wealth before his enlightenment. The conch shell, a symbol of money and wealth, is a key identifier of his story.
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