Nyingma Tradition

Guru Rinpoche (Terton Sogyal Trust)Nyingma, or Ancient school of Tibetan Buddhism is the name given to the followers of those original translations of the teachings of the Buddha into Tibetan which were carried out up until the time of the Indian translator Smṛtijñānakīrti¹ in the late tenth century.

They are known as the ‘Earlier Translation School‘, Ngagyur Nyingma, distinguishing them from the ‘New Schools’, Sarma, such as the Kadam, Kagyü, Sakya, and eventually Gelug, which followed the later translations made from the time of the great translator Rinchen Zangpo (958-1055) onwards.

Padmasambhava

Central to the Nyingma tradition is the extraordinary figure of Padmasambhava, Guru Rinpoche, the great guru who introduced Buddhism to Tibet in the eighth century.

Invited by the King Trisong Detsen upon the advice of the great Indian Khenpo Śāntarakṣita², Padmasambhava is said to have stayed in Tibet for more than half a century. He travelled throughout the country, teaching and practicing, taming the forces that were inhibiting the Buddhadharma.

Padmasambhava founded the first monastic university of Samye, where many Indian panditas, such as Vimalamitra³, came together with Tibetan translators to translate the Buddhadhama, and the first seven Tibetans were ordained as monks.

At Chimphu, he opened the mandala of the Mantrayana teachings to the twenty-five siddhas of Tibet, who included King Trisong Detsen, Yeshé Tsogyal⁴ and Vairotsana⁵.

For practitioners down through the centuries, Padmasambhava has continued to be the source of their realization, and the inspiration which breathes life into the heart of their practice.

Teachings of the Nyingma School

“The Nyingma tradition holds unique teachings that are not found in other lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. Among its distinct teachings are the Tantra of the Secret Essence [Guhyagarbha Tantra] and the Great Perfection.

In the Nyingma school, the Tantra of the Secret Essence is regarded as the most significant work on Buddhist Tantra, a form of spiritual practice that stresses using all facets of life as avenues to awakening. The teachings of this text present the main principles of tantric practice.

Despite the renown of the Tantra of the Secret Essence, it is the Great Perfection, or Dzogchen [or Atiyoga], that is the hallmark of the Nyingma lineage. Though the term “Great Perfection” can be used to refer to the fundamental nature of reality as well as the state of buddhahood, it most commonly refers to a continually evolving set of spiritual instructions and the lineage of enlightened beings who have mastered these teachings and passed them down through the ages.

This radically direct approach points out the mind’s fundamental nature of luminous purity. According to its teachings, enlightenment is not a distant goal to strive toward, but an immanent reality that must be recognized in the present moment. Effort and agendas only serve to obscure the true nature of mind.

Once this nature has been recognized, however, problems and negativity automatically dissolve, leaving the open space of pure awareness, in which the qualities of enlightenment spontaneously unfold.” (Mingyur Rinpoche)

Literature

The special tantras of the Nyingmapas are the three inner tantras of Mahāyoga, Anuyoga and Atiyoga⁶ or Dzogchen. Some of these appear in the Kangyur, the ‘Word of Buddha’, but there is a separate collection, the Nyingma Gyübum, ‘Collected Tantras of the Nyingmapas’.

The Nyingma Gyübum was first compiled by the great tertön Ratna Lingpa (1403–1478) after similar compilations of texts made in the 14th century, such as the Kangyur and the Tengyur, had omitted many of the Nyingma tantras.

Major Monasteries

Samye MonasteryOf great importance to the Nyingma lineage is Samye monastery, the first Tibetan and Nyingma monastery.⁷

In addition, the Nyingma tradition has held that there were also "Six Mother Monasteries" out of which developed many branch monasteries throughout Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal. Of these six, Katok Monastery is credited with being the original monastery, after which the five grew.

There have been slightly different formulations of the six. At one time they included Dorje Drak Monastery, (14th century, relocated 1632), Mindrolling Monastery, (1676), Palri Monastery (1571; formal name Chonggye Pelri Thekchen Ling) in Upper Tibet, Katok Monastery, (1159), Palyul Monastery, (1665), and Dzogchen Monastery, (1684), in Lower Tibet.

After the decline of Palri Monastery and the flourishing of Shechen Monastery, (1695), the Six Mother Monasteries were Dorje Drak and Mindrolling in the upper region, Shechen and Dzogchen in the center, and Kathok and Palyul in the lower part of Tibet. The last four monasteries were all located in Kham while Shechen Monastery was rebuilt in Nepal in 1985, after the Chinese destroyed the monastery in Tibet during the 1950's.

Nyingma Lineage

Padmasambhāva (8th Century)
Writings: The Garland of Views: An Instruction; Bardo Thodol; commentary to the Vajravidāraṇā-dhāraṇī; Lotus Garland Synopsis, a commentary on the Noose of Methods Mahāyoga tantra.

Disciples: Lang Pelgyi Sengge, Nubchen Sanggye Yeshe, Gyelwa Chokyang, Ma Rinchen Chok, Sokpo Pelgyi Yeshe, Nyak Jñanakumara, Yeshe Tsogyal, Trisong Detsen, Odren Pelgyi Wangchuk, Khyeuchung Lotsawa, Gyelwai Lodro, Nanam Yeshe De, Namkhai Nyingpo, Kharchen Pelgyi Wangchuk, Yeshe Yang, Denma Tsemang, Kawa Peltsek, Pelgyi Sengge, Lhalung Pelgyi Dorje, Langdro Konchok Jungne, Lasum Gyelwa Jangchub.

Longchen Rabjampa, Drimé Özer ((1308–1364)
Writings:
A. The Seven Great Treasuries (Dzöchen Dün)
1. The Precious Treasury of Wish Fulfillment (Yizhin Rinpoché Dzö)
2. The Precious Treasury of Pith Instructions (Mengag Rinpoché Dzö)
3. The Precious Treasury of the Basic Space of Phenomena (Chöying Rinpoché Dzö)
4. The Precious Treasury of Philosophical Systems (Drupta Rinpoché Dzö)
5. The Precious Treasury of the Supreme Vehicle (Thegchog Rinpoché Dzö)
6. The Precious Treasury of Words and Meanings (Tshigdön Rinpoché Dzö).
7. The Precious Treasury of the Natural State (Nelug Rinpoché Dzö).

B. The Trilogy of Finding Comfort and Ease (Ngalso Korsum)
1. Finding Comfort and Ease in the Nature of Mind (Semnyi Ngalso)
2. Finding Comfort and Ease in Meditation (Samten Ngalso)
3. Finding Comfort and Ease in the Illusoriness of Things (Gyuma Ngalso)

C. The Trilogy of Natural Freedom (Rangdröl Korsum)
1. The Natural Freedom of Mind Itself (Semnyi Rangdröl)
2. The Natural Freedom of Dharmata (Chönyi Rangdröl)
3. The Natural Freedom of Equality (Nyamnyi Rangdröl)

D. The Three Innermost Essences (Yangthig Namsum)
1. The Innermost Essence of the Lama (Lama Yangthig)
2. The Innermost Essence of the Dakini (Khandro Yangthig )
3. The Profound Innermost Essence (Zabmo Yangthig)

E. Three Cycles on Dispelling the Darkness (Münsel Korsum)
1. Dispelling the Darkness of the Mind (Chidön Yikyi Münsel)
2. Dispelling the Darkness of Ignorance (Dudön Marig Münsel)
3. Dispelling Darkness in the Ten Directions (Drelwa Chogchu Münsel)

Disciples:: Khenchen Chabdal Lhündrup, Khedrup Delek Gyamtso of Zhoktarling, and Khedrup Chökyi Drakpa; Dengom Chökyi Drakpa Zangpo, Gyalsé Zangpo Drakpa Zopa, Lama Palchok, Yeshé Rabjam, Zhönnu Sangyé, Paljor Gyatso, Lopön Sangyé, Kunga, Lopön Lodrö Zangpo, Takgo Jadrel Chöjé Tashi Jungné, Phago Tokden Gyalpo, Naljorpa Özer Gocha, Rigdzin Ösel Rangdröl, Jatang Sönam Özer, Trulzhik Sangyé Önpo, Orgyen Chöjé, Khenpo Sönam Sengé, Sangyé Pelrin.

Jigme Lingpa (1730 - 1798)
Writings: Narrative History of the Precious Collected Tantras of the Ancient Translation School, the Ornament Covering All Jambudvipa; Innermost Spirituality of Longcenpa ; the Vajrakila according to the Tradition of the Tantra; The Treasury of Precious Qualities (Yönten Dzö); Nyingma Gyubum (a compilation of all Nyingma tantra, in twenty-eight volumes); Detailed Commentary on the Lama Gongdü; Staircase to Akanishtha; Yeshe Lama (a summary of the Vima Nyingtik).

Disciples: Trupwang Jikme Trhinle Özer (First Dodrubchen), Jigme Gyelwai Nyugu , Jikme Ngotsar, Lopön Jikme Küntröl, Sakya Trhicen Ngawang Pelden Chokyong and his brother, Jora Trtilku, Namkha Tsewang Chokdrub, Getse Paṇḍita Gyurme Tsewang Chokdrub, Gontse Trtilku of Tshona, Nyingmapa gurus and emanations from the province of Kham.

Patrul Rinpoche (1808–1887)
Writings: The Words of My Perfect Teacher; The Drama in the Lotus Garden; A Brief Guide to the Stages of Visualization; A Garland of Scriptural Transmissions of the Aural Lineage; Heart Treasure of the Saints; Self-Liberating Meditation; Special Teaching of the Wise and Glorious King; The Brightly Shining Sun; Collected works of Patrul Rinpoche (Preliminary Points to be Explained When Teaching the Buddha’s Word or the Treatises; In Praise of Glorious Vajrasattva; A Brief Introduction to the Bardos; Essential Instruction on Refuge and Bodhichitta; The Brightly Shining Sun: A Step-by-Step Guide to Meditating on the Bodhicharyavatara; Nine Considerations and Criteria for Benefiting Beings; An Instruction on the View of the Mahayana—Clarifying the Two Truths; The Concentrated Seed: How to Distinguish the Tenets of Non-Buddhist and Buddhist Schools; A Brief Guide to the Stages and Paths of the Bodhisattvas; Hitting the Essence in Three Words; Brief Guide to the Ngöndro Visualization; Self-Liberating Meditation - A Profound Method for Attaining Enlightenment according to the Ultimate Great Perfection)

Disciples: Kathok Situ Choktrul Chökyi Lodrö, the Fifth Dzogchen Rinpoche Thupten Chökyi Dorje, Gyarong Namtrul Kunzang Thekchok Dorje, the second and third Dodrupchens, Jikmé Puntsok Jungné, Jikmé Tenpe Nyima, Dechen Rigpé Raldri, Adzom Druktrul Droddul Dorje, Tertön Sogyal Lerab Lingpa, Ju Mipham Namgyal, Khenchen Pema Damchö Özer, Nyoshul Lungtok, Tendzin Drakpa, Thubten Chökyi Drakpa, Orgyen Tendzin Norbu , Alak Dongak Gyatso, and others. In addition, his disciples included many great masters and holders of the teachings of the Sakya, Gelug and Kagyü schools, such as Sershul Lharampa Thubten, Palpung Lama Tashi Özer and Ju Lama Drakpa Gyaltsen.

Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche (1904 - 1987)
Writings: Dudjom Tersar Ngöndro (Preliminary Practices of the New Treasures); History of the Dharma; Tsokye Tuktik (Heart Essence of the Lake-Born Vajra, the Secret Accomplishment of the Great Guru); Pudri Rekpung (The Razor that Destroys at a Touch); Dudjom Traktung Pema Sokdrub (The Vital Essence Sadhana of Dudjom Traktung Pema); Düddul Wangdrak Dorje Drolö (The Wish-Fulfilling Siddhis, A Sadhana Practice of Dorje Drolö Who Subdues Maras Through Powerful Wrath); Khandro Tuktik (The Dakini Heart Essence); Chime Soktik (The Practice of the Immortal Life Essence, The Essential Bindhu of Deathlessness)

Disciples:Minling Trichen Rinpoche; Khenpo Palden Sherab; Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Dordrak Rigdzin Chenmo; Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche; Chatral Sangye Dorje; Trulshik Rinpoche; Thinley Norbu Rinpoche; Shenphen Dawa Rinpoche; Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche; Dungse Garab Rinpoche; Tulku Jampal Dorjé; Pema Wangyal Rinpoche; Sogyal Rinpoche; Lama Sönam Zangpo; Ngaktön Tsewang Paljor; Ngaktön Lama Nagpo Pema Wangchen; Lama Pema Longdrol; Peling Sungtrul; Gangten Tulku; Tuksé Tulku; Lama Tsewang Lhagyal; Ngaktön Dorjé Namgyal; Ngaktön Lama Konchok Jungney; Soktse Rinpoche; Namkha Drimed Rinpoche; Ritrul Rigdzin Chögyal; Khetsün Zangpo Rinpoche; Lopön Nikula; Gelong Sang-gyé; Khenpo Karpo; Gelong Namdrol Zangpo; Lama Chime Rinpoche; Lama Jangchub Rinpoche; Lama Gönpo Tenzin; Bhakha Tulku Rinpoche; Lama Tharchin Rinpoche; Dzatrul Rinpoche; Spiti Tulku; Ngari Khen Yeshe Sangpo Rinpoche; Khen Tupten Norbu, Rahor Khenpo Tupten.

Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö (1893-1959)
Writings: Guru Sadhana for Garab Dorje; Nyingtik Saldrön; Opening of the Dharma; Yeshe Saldrön.

Disciples: Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and many others (see bio)

Sources:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyingma
• https://treasuryoflives.org/tradition/Nyingma
• https://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Nyingma
• https://www.padmasambhava.org/the-nyingma-lineage/
• http://xuanfa.net/introduction-to-buddhism/sects-and-schools/vajrayana-sects/nyingma/
• https://tergar.org/about/tergar-lineage/nyingma/
• Jampa Mackenzie Stewart, The Life of Longchenpa

Footnotes

1. Smṛtijñānakīrti (Tib. Drenpa Yeshe Drakpa) an Indian pandita who travelled to Kham, where he translated several tantric texts, including some connected with Chanting the Names of Manjushri, and also composed several grammatical works.

2. Śāntarakṣita (Tib. Shyiwa Tsho, (725–788), also called Khenpo Bodhisattva, ‘Bodhisattva Abbot’. This great Indian pandita of the Mahayana school was abbot of the Buddhist university of Nalanda. He was invited to Tibet by King Trisong Detsen where he founded the temple and monastery of Samyé and ordained the first seven Tibetan monks, thus establishing the Tibetan Sangha, according to Nagarjuna’s Sarvastivadin tradition. He worked extensively to uphold and maintain the Buddhist teachings, and so began to establish the Buddhadharma in Tibet. However, indigenous forces that opposed and were hostile to the Dharma were increasing in strength. Neither the might of the king, Trisong Detsen, nor the power of the great abbot Shantarakshita could subdue them, and so they invited Guru Rinpoche to come to Tibet.

3. Vimalamitra (Tib. Drimé Shenyen) aka Mahavajra, was one of the most learned Indian Buddhist masters. He went to Tibet in the ninth century, where he taught extensively, and composed and translated numerous Sanskrit texts. The quintessence of his teaching is known as the Vima Nyingtik, one of the Heart-essence teachings of the Dzogchen (Great Perfection).

4. Yeshe Tsogyal was the consort of King Trisong Detsen before being offered to Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) as a mandala offering during an empowerment, and thus became Padmasambhava’s principal consort. She specialized in the practice of Vajrakilaya. Through the power of her unfailing memory, she collected all the teachings given by Guru Rinpoche in Tibet and concealed them as terma.

5. Vairotsana, Berotsana or Vairochana was one of the greatest of all Tibetan lotsawas (translators). He was sent to India by Trisong Detsen to study with Indian panditas. He also travelled widely in China, Khotan (an ancient Iranian Saka Buddhist kingdom), Nepal, Shangshung (NW Tibet) and elsewhere. He was one of the original seven monks ordained by Shantarakshita.

6. Mahāyoga (Tib. naljor chenpö)) is the first of the three yanas of powerful transformative methods according to the nine yana classification of the Nyingma school. Mahayoga focuses mainly on the development stage and emphasizes the clarity and precision of visualization.

Anuyoga ('subsequent yoga'), the second of the three yanas, focuses on the completion stage (Tib. dzogrim), emphasizing the yoga of channels, winds-energies and essences (Tib. tsa lung tiklé). Visualization of the deities is generated instantly, rather than through a gradual process as in Mahayoga.

The vehicle of Atiyoga, or ‘Utmost Yoga,’ is the highest of all vehicles. It involves the realization that all phenomena are nothing other than the appearances of the naturally arising primordial wisdom which has always been beyond arising and ceasing.

7. Samye, full name Samye Mighur Lhundrub Tsula Khang meaning Shrine of Unchanging Spontaneous Presence, is the first Tibetan Buddhist and Nyingma monastery built in Tibet, during the reign of King Trisong Deutsen. Shantarakshita began construction around 763. The first Tibetan monks were ordained there. Samye was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution then rebuilt after 1988. Samye Monastery is located south of Lhasa, next the Hapori mountain, in the Yarlung Valley.