Niguma was a female Mahasiddha in the 10th century in India. She is one of the two female founders of the Shangpa Kagyu school. She was responsible for teaching many prominent male and female monks. Part of the broader Mahamudra category, which emphasizes realization of emptiness or essential void of all phenomena. Traveling Siddhas of Mahamudra were known for their lyrical poetry and are responsible for some of the most profound Buddhist songs and poems. Mahamudra is one of the 8 schools eventually transmitted to Tibet, and also has had a major influence on the Chan school of China and Zen of Japan.















