Chandragomin


Chandragomin was an Indian Buddhist lay scholar and poet. The Tibetan tradition believes he challenged Chandrakirti. Chandragomin was a teacher at Nalanda Monastic University during the 5th century.

Life

It is unclear when Chandragomin lived, with estimates ranging between 5th to 6th-century CE, but his position at Nalanda signifies he lived during the 5th century. Taranatha states that Chandragomin was from the Varendra region of Eastern Bengal however in the prologue of his composition, the Lokānanda, Chandragomin merely states that he was “born in the Jātukarṇa lineage in the east of India". He further states that he was the son of a Jayādevi although he doesn't add anything further to this.
The Tibetan tradition details many stories of miraculous incidents that occurred in Chandragomin's life. In one story told by Taranatha, it was said that Chandragomin defeated a Charvaka by proving the doctrine of rebirth to be true:
The hagiographical and legendary tales however cannot be taken as historical fact. Different writers also attempted to fit Chandragomin within their narratives for example Taranatha wanted to depict Chandragomin as someone who is learned and cultured while Buton Rinchen Drub emphasised his work on grammar.

Major works

Candragomin was one of the most important Buddhist poets of India. He wrote a play called Lokānanda, which focuses on the bodhisattva king Manicūda. This is the oldest Sanskrit Buddhist play in existence and was quite popular in India.
Chadragomin's other surviving Sanskrit writings include:
Candragomin was also a devotee of Tara and composed several praises of the goddess.
Translated from the original Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit into Tibetan is Chandragomin's 'Shurangama Mantra Sadhana. It is titled Sarvatathāgataoṣṇīṣaśitātapatrā-nāmāparājitā-mahāpratyangirā-mahāvidyārājñī-nāma-dhāraṇī; Tibetan name is De bshin gshegs pa'i gtsug tor nas byung ba'i gdugs dkar po can gshan gyi mi thub pa phir bzlog pa chen mo mchog tu grub pa shes bya ba'i gzungs.