Himalayan Art Resources

Subject: Rishi (Indian Sage)

Glossary: Tibetan Medicine

Subjects, Topics & Types:
- Description (below)
- Buddhist Rishi
- Masterworks
- Confusions: Brahmanarupa, Tangtong Gyalpo, Sage of Long Life, Atsara
- Others...

Video: Acharya, Atsara & Rishi Confusions

Study Topics:
- Terms & Names
- Appearance
- Confusions
- Traditions, Lineages & Tantric Cycles

Terms & Names: acharya, atsara, brahmin, rishi, siddha, kushali, yogi, and others.

An Indian sage (Sanskrit: rishi. Tibetan: drangsong) as described in early Puranic and Brahmana literature is a male figure, generally elderly with white hair and a long white beard, wearing white clothing and living in the forests and mountains. They are easy to anger but regarded as a repository of ancient wisdom, learning and great power. Rishis are referenced in the Ayurvedic and Tibetan Medicine Traditions. Rishis are also a model for the development of the siddha appearance or Heruka type of mahasiddhas in Vajrayana Buddhism. Rishis also play a role validating the early Indian origins and history of Tibetan medicine. The Tantric Buddhist protector deity Brahmanarupa Mahakala is modeled after an Indian rishi.

Sources:
- Four Medical Tantras Lineage Traba Ngonshe 'Revealed Treasure' Tradition
- Yutog Nying Tig 'Revealed Treasure' Tradition
- Tsig Dun 'Revealed Treasure'
- Dod Jo Bumzang Collection of Lochen Dharmashri
- Barwa'i Dorje Terma Tradition
- Dance Figure (Buddhism)
- Others...

Jeff Watt 4-2014 [updated 3-2019, 10-2022]