Guru Padmasambhava’s Lineage

Introduction

The Nyingma lineage is one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, which emphasizes both sutra and tantra practices. It focuses on Dzogchen, meditation, and realization teachings. Known for its ancient tradition and teaching, the Nyingma lineage was founded by Guru Padma Sambhava with King Trisong Detsen during the eighth century. Guru Padmasambhava played a pivotal role in establishing Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet, specifically the Nyingma tradition.

A key component of the Nyingma tradition is the jewel of Dzogchen, also known as the "Great Perfection." Dzogchen is a fundamental perspective that acknowledges the inborn perfection and purity of the mind, rather than just a collection of activities.

Lineage overview

Nyingma lineage, known as the "ancient ones," the Nyingma school is a strong and faithful protector of Padmasambhava's teachings. The deep and obscure features of his guidance have been passed down through the generations by the Nyingma lineage.

One of the branches of this spiritual family tree is Kagyu. The Kagyu lineage represents the living embodiment of enlightenment, serving as a channel for the direct transmission of wisdom from teacher to pupil, which highlights the experiential aspect of Padmasambhava's teachings.

Moving through the lineage tapestry, there are Sakya and Gelug lineages. The Gelug lineage is immersed in meditative discipline, while the Sakya lineage is ornamented with intellectual insight, reflecting the diverse brilliance of the guru's teachings.

Guru Padmasambhava's Lineage:

(Lineage branch picture)

The foundational branch in this picture is the Nyingma tradition. Secondary branches emerge from this main lineage, like the Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug branches, each with its own distinct expressions and interpretations of the guru's knowledge.

Lineage masters

The Nyingma lineage is home to a number of esteemed gurus who have profoundly influenced Tibetan Buddhism. These masters include both historical figures and modern mentors. Padma Sambhava, often referred to as the "Second Buddha," is the founder of the Nyingma lineage whose teachings and healing actions created the foundation for the lineage's prosperity. His consort, Yeshe Tsogyal, a representation of knowledge and enlightened action, played a pivotal role in maintaining and spreading his profound teachings.

Nyingtik and Kama holders, who are lineage masters, have preserved and passed down the core teachings of the Nyingma over the course of ages. Renowned Tertön Jigme Lingpa and Longchenpa, who explored the center of Dzogchen, added profound insights and revealed secret riches to the lineage. Masters such as Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and Dudjom Rinpoche are the masters of the 20th century of the Nyingma lineage.

The Nyingma lineage is a decentralized lineage, which means the lineage has no centralized authority (head of the lineage). But as mentioned above, there have been various mentors or administrators called Rinpoches who are responsible for protecting and providing the teaching of Nyingma traditions.

Some of the masters of the Nyingma lineage are

* Padma Sambhava

* Yeshe Tsogyal

* Longchenpa (1308–1363)

* Jigme Lingpa (1729–1798)

* Dudjom Jigdral Yeshe Rinpoche (1904-1987)

* Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910–1991)

* Penor Rinpoche (1932-2009)

* Mindrolling Trichen Rinpoche (1930-2008)

* Trulshik Rinpoche (1923-2011)

* Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche (1926-2015)

Lineage history

Introduction in Tibet

Tibet's earliest encounter with Buddhism dates back to the eighth century, and this is where the Nyingma lineage originated. The historical person known as Padmasambhava, or Guru Rinpoche, was a tantric guru who spread Buddhism by taming native gods and spirits.

Yeshe Tsogyal and Padmasambhava

King Trisong Detsen sent an invitation for Padmasambhava, also known as the "Second Buddha," to visit Tibet between 755 and 797 to destroy the spirits obstructing the construction of his great Samye Monastery. After completing his mission in Tibet, he gathered disciples, gave them knowledge, and built Vajrayana Buddhism. He taught them Buddhism in Tantric form.

A major component of the Nyingma tradition is the teachings of Padmasambhava, also referred to as the "Nyingma Kama." Further, his consort, Yeshe Tsogyal, also played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting his teachings.

Terma Traditions

According to popular belief, Padmasambhava, Yeshe Tsogyal, and other enlightened masters concealed the terma scriptures (hidden treasures), which tertöns (treasure revealers) will reveal at specific times.  The Nyingma tradition is more flexible and richer because of these terma teachings.

Longchenpa and Dzogchen

The ultimate state of the spiritual path, known as Dzogchen, or the "Great Perfection," is highly esteemed in the Nyingma lineage. Longchenpa (1308–1363), a renowned scholar, further illuminated the teachings of Dzogchen. His writings are regarded as important in Nyingma literature, including "Seven Treasures" and "The Precious Treasury of the Basic Space of Phenomena." ”.

Divisions, integration, and expansion

The Nyingma lineage went through phases of internal conflict and division throughout its existence. But in an attempt to unite the legacy, a number of lineages and sub-schools were formed. Over the centuries, the Nyingma lineage expanded beyond Tibet, reaching Bhutan, Nepal, and other Himalayan regions.

Description of painting

In the painting, Guru Padmasambhava is depicted in the middle with his consort, Yeshe Tsogyal, in the yab yum position atop a lotus. He wears magnificent monastic robes of various colors and a five-petaled lotus hat on his head. In his left hand, he holds a skull cup and a trident (trishula), while in his right hand, he grasps a vajra.

To the left of Guru Padmasambhava, Red Tara Kurukulla, along with Eight Supreme Sravakas and Pratyeka Buddhas, is portrayed. On his right side, Avalokiteshvara is accompanied by eight great bodhisattvas.

The eight Bodhisattvas—Kshitigarbha, Akashagarbha, Maitreya, Sarvanirvarana Vishkambin, Samantabhadra, Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, and Vajrapani—are depicted with serene and peaceful expressions, reflecting compassion and generosity in their eyes.

In the painting, Rahula, Aniruddha, Subhuti, Katyayana, Shariputra, Maudgalyayana, Mahakashyapa, and Ananda are the eight great supreme Sravakas and Pratyeka Buddhas. They are shown wearing saffron-colored monastic robes and holding pinda-patra and khatkhara in their hands.

In front of Guru Padmasambhava sit three Buddhas representing the past, present, and future. Shakyamuni Buddha is in the middle, with Kashyapa Buddha and Maitreya Buddha on either side.

Lineage Gurus Jigme Gyalwey Nyugu, Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, Dodrupchen Kunsang Shenpen, Khenchen Pema Vajra, Thubten Chokyi Dorje, Drodul Kargyi Dorje, and Gyale Shenpen Taye are seated on lotuses in the sky above the Eight Great Bodhisattvas.

Garab Dorje, dressed as a mahasiddha, sits in the heavens above. Above him is Vimal Arti, and further above is Vajrasattva. Additionally, Guru Padmasambhava is encircled by numerous gurus in the sky. Moreover, Guru Padmasambhava is encircled by many gurus in the sky.

At the top of the painting, Buddha Samantabhadra, along with his consort, Samantabhadri, in the yab yum position, is seated on a lotus. He is depicted with a deep blue complexion, bare-handed.

Several Dakinis and Dharampalas, such as Yamantaka, Vajrakilaya, Dechen Gyelmo, Takyung Barwa, Vajra Heruka, Vishuddha Heruka, Hayagriva, Lion-Faced Dakini, and others, are placed below Guru Padmasambhava in the painting. Most of the figures are surrounded by fire, showing their fierce nature, and they are portrayed dancing freely and wildly, inspired by the joyous inspiration of the dharma.