Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s2.t15.7

v1.c7.s2.t15.7

The galaxy of *acāryās* associated with the *mahāvihāra* made the institution the last beacon of Buddhist philosophy marked by strong Tantric characteristics. The Siddhas [enlightened one], namely Saraha-pā, Naro-pā and Santi-pā were associated with the *mahāvihāra*. Both the *acāryās* and the *siddhās* contributed immensely towards fostering the basic belief in tantric Buddhism that the Universe is identical with Buddha and that all its dimensions and qualities consist of Buddha. Their works and efforts acted as a fulcrum between Vajrayāṇa and Sahajayāna and laid the basis for the establishment of Lamaism in Tibet.