Tilopa’s own student was Naropa (d.c. 1040), another Indian mahasiddha. He studied at the famous Buddhist Indian university known as Nalanda.
According to legend, one day a dakini appeared to him and asked if he truly understood the Dharma. He said yes, and also the full meaning of the Dharmic teachings.
But at this point the dakini burst into tears because she knew that he was lying—he actually didn’t yet fully understand the meaning of Dharmic teachings. So he realized then that he needed to find a teacher to initiate him into the deeper meaning of the Dharma, and so he searched and then found Tilopa, who became his teacher.
Eventually, Naropa is said to have attained enlightenment within his lifetime. He is one of 84 mahasiddhas worshipped in Tibetan Tantric Buddhism.