Vāgīśvarakīrti
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Vāgīśvarakīrti (also known by the monastic name of Śīlakīrti) was an 11th-century Indian Buddhist monk and scholar at the monastery of Vikramashila in the modern-day state of Bihar.[1] He played a significant role in the development of esoteric Buddhism.[2]
The exact dates of Vāgīśvarakīrti life are uncertain. As per the 16th-century Tibetan monk, Taranatha who provided a detailed account of his life, Vāgīśvarakīrti was born into a noble family in Varanasi. He was initiated as a monk by Hāsavajra who taught him Cakrasaṃvara Tantra. He roamed throughout the Magadha region and arrived at the monastery of Vikramashila where he became one of the so-called "six gate-keepers". He was said to have been a contemporary of Ratnākaraśānti.[1]
Later in his life, he travelled to Nepal. At a dedication ceremony which took place in the Swayambhunath temple complex in Kathmandu, Vāgīśvarakīrti was the officiant at a Ganachakra ritual. As per legends that emerged in the 15th century, he is still said to be residing there.[1][3]
