Difference between revisions of "Padmasambhava" - New World Encyclopedia
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'''Padmasambhava''' (also '''Padmakara''' or '''Padma Raja''') (Ch: 蓮華生上師; Tib: ''Padma Jungne''), in [[Sanskrit]] meaning ''"lotus-born"'', founded the [[Tibetan Buddhism|Tibetan]] or [[Tantric Buddhism | Tantric school of Buddhism]] in the [[8th century]]. In [[Bhutan]] and [[Tibet]] he is better known as '''Guru Rinpoche''' ("Precious Master") where followers of the [[Nyingma]] school regard him as the second [[Buddha]]. | '''Padmasambhava''' (also '''Padmakara''' or '''Padma Raja''') (Ch: 蓮華生上師; Tib: ''Padma Jungne''), in [[Sanskrit]] meaning ''"lotus-born"'', founded the [[Tibetan Buddhism|Tibetan]] or [[Tantric Buddhism | Tantric school of Buddhism]] in the [[8th century]]. In [[Bhutan]] and [[Tibet]] he is better known as '''Guru Rinpoche''' ("Precious Master") where followers of the [[Nyingma]] school regard him as the second [[Buddha]]. | ||
| − | ==Life | + | ==Life== |
| − | According to tradition, Padmasambhava was incarnated as an 8 year old child appearing in a [[Sacred lotus|lotus]] blossom floating in [[Lake Dhanakosha]], located in [[Swat (Pakistan)|Swat]] in present-day [[Pakistan]]. His special nature was recognized by the local king who married him to one of his daughters, Mandarava. | + | According to tradition, Padmasambhava was incarnated as an 8 year old child appearing in a [[Sacred lotus|lotus]] blossom floating in [[Lake Dhanakosha]], located in [[Swat (Pakistan)|Swat]] in present-day [[Pakistan]]. His special nature was recognized by the local king Indrabodhi who married him to one of his daughters, Mandarava. Mandarava and Padmasambhava's other main [[consort]], Yeshe Tsogyal, developed into realised practitioners. Many [[thangka]]s and paintings show Padmasambhava in the middle between them. Like [[Siddhartha Gautama]] Padmasambhava was raised as a prince in the court of his father (though in this case, adopted father). |
| − | Padmasambhava's ability to memorize and comprehend esoteric texts in a single hearing established his reputation as a master above all others. | + | Padmasambhava's ability to memorize and comprehend esoteric texts in a single hearing established his reputation as a master above all others. However, his father forbade him from seeking a pious and religious life, as Gautama's father had. He attempted to grant enlightenment to the son of one of the king's ministers, however those in the court could not comprehend the action and it appeared to all that Padmasambhava had killed the man. He was banished from the court and freely chose to live in a cemetery district. In exile he perfected his knowledge of Buddhist teachings. Transiting various heavens and hells, he developed the power to transcend the [[Wheel of Life|cycle of birth and death]], accomplishing the so-called [[great transference]]. He would eventually return to his father's court a great spiritual teacher. It is said that Padmasambhava knew of his calling to Tibet before word was sent to him from that region. |
| − | His fame became known to [[Trisong | + | |
| − | + | His fame became known to [[Trisong Detson]], the 38th king of Tibet ([[742]]-[[797]]), whose kingdom was beset by evil mountain deities. The king invited Padmasambhava to Tibet where he used his tantric powers to subdue the evil deities he encountered along the way, converting them to Buddhism as he conquered them. Eventually receiving the Emperor's wife, identified with the [[dakini (Buddhism)|dakini]] [[Yeshey Tsogyel]], as a consort. This was in accordance with the [[Tantra|tantric]] principle of not eliminating negative forces but instead redirecting them to fuel the journey toward spiritual awakening. In Tibet he founded the first monastery in the country [[Samye]] Gompa, initiated the first [[monk]]s, and introduced the people to the practice of [[Tantric Buddhism]]. | |
In [[Bhutan]] he is associated with the famous [[Taktshang]] or "Tiger's Nest" monastery built on a sheer cliff wall about 500m above the floor of [[Paro]] valley. He flew there from Tibet on the back of his favorite consort, Yeshe Tsogyal, who he transformed into a flying tigress for the purpose of the trip. Later he traveled to [[Bumthang]] district to subdue a powerful [[deity]] offended by a local king. Padmasambhava's body imprint can be found in the wall of a cave at nearby [[Kurje Lhakhang]] temple. | In [[Bhutan]] he is associated with the famous [[Taktshang]] or "Tiger's Nest" monastery built on a sheer cliff wall about 500m above the floor of [[Paro]] valley. He flew there from Tibet on the back of his favorite consort, Yeshe Tsogyal, who he transformed into a flying tigress for the purpose of the trip. Later he traveled to [[Bumthang]] district to subdue a powerful [[deity]] offended by a local king. Padmasambhava's body imprint can be found in the wall of a cave at nearby [[Kurje Lhakhang]] temple. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Impact== | ||
Padmasambhava also hid a number of religious treasures (''[[termas]]'') in lakes, caves, fields and forests of the [[Himalayas|Himalayan]] region to be found and interpreted by future ''[[terton|tertons]]'' or spiritual treasure finders. | Padmasambhava also hid a number of religious treasures (''[[termas]]'') in lakes, caves, fields and forests of the [[Himalayas|Himalayan]] region to be found and interpreted by future ''[[terton|tertons]]'' or spiritual treasure finders. | ||
==Manifestations== | ==Manifestations== | ||
| − | |||
Padmasambhava is said to have taken eight forms or manifestations (Tib. ''Guru Tsen Gye'') representing different aspects of his being - wrath, pacification, etc.: | Padmasambhava is said to have taken eight forms or manifestations (Tib. ''Guru Tsen Gye'') representing different aspects of his being - wrath, pacification, etc.: | ||
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*Tsogyal, Yeshe. The Lotus-Born: The Lifestory of Padmasambhava. Translated by Erik Pema Kunsang. Boudhanath: Rangjung Yeshe Publications, 2004. | *Tsogyal, Yeshe. The Lotus-Born: The Lifestory of Padmasambhava. Translated by Erik Pema Kunsang. Boudhanath: Rangjung Yeshe Publications, 2004. | ||
*Thondup, Tulku. Hidden Teachings of Tibet: An Explanation of the Terma Tradition of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism. London: Wisdom Publications, 1986. | *Thondup, Tulku. Hidden Teachings of Tibet: An Explanation of the Terma Tradition of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism. London: Wisdom Publications, 1986. | ||
| − | |||
*Zangpo, Ngawang. Guru Rinpoche: His Life and Times. Snow Lion Publications, 2002. | *Zangpo, Ngawang. Guru Rinpoche: His Life and Times. Snow Lion Publications, 2002. | ||
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| − | |||
[[Category:Bodhisattvas]] | [[Category:Bodhisattvas]] | ||
Revision as of 21:57, 12 April 2006
Padmasambhava (also Padmakara or Padma Raja) (Ch: 蓮華生上師; Tib: Padma Jungne), in Sanskrit meaning "lotus-born", founded the Tibetan or Tantric school of Buddhism in the 8th century. In Bhutan and Tibet he is better known as Guru Rinpoche ("Precious Master") where followers of the Nyingma school regard him as the second Buddha.
Life
According to tradition, Padmasambhava was incarnated as an 8 year old child appearing in a lotus blossom floating in Lake Dhanakosha, located in Swat in present-day Pakistan. His special nature was recognized by the local king Indrabodhi who married him to one of his daughters, Mandarava. Mandarava and Padmasambhava's other main consort, Yeshe Tsogyal, developed into realised practitioners. Many thangkas and paintings show Padmasambhava in the middle between them. Like Siddhartha Gautama Padmasambhava was raised as a prince in the court of his father (though in this case, adopted father).
Padmasambhava's ability to memorize and comprehend esoteric texts in a single hearing established his reputation as a master above all others. However, his father forbade him from seeking a pious and religious life, as Gautama's father had. He attempted to grant enlightenment to the son of one of the king's ministers, however those in the court could not comprehend the action and it appeared to all that Padmasambhava had killed the man. He was banished from the court and freely chose to live in a cemetery district. In exile he perfected his knowledge of Buddhist teachings. Transiting various heavens and hells, he developed the power to transcend the cycle of birth and death, accomplishing the so-called great transference. He would eventually return to his father's court a great spiritual teacher. It is said that Padmasambhava knew of his calling to Tibet before word was sent to him from that region.
His fame became known to Trisong Detson, the 38th king of Tibet (742-797), whose kingdom was beset by evil mountain deities. The king invited Padmasambhava to Tibet where he used his tantric powers to subdue the evil deities he encountered along the way, converting them to Buddhism as he conquered them. Eventually receiving the Emperor's wife, identified with the dakini Yeshey Tsogyel, as a consort. This was in accordance with the tantric principle of not eliminating negative forces but instead redirecting them to fuel the journey toward spiritual awakening. In Tibet he founded the first monastery in the country Samye Gompa, initiated the first monks, and introduced the people to the practice of Tantric Buddhism. In Bhutan he is associated with the famous Taktshang or "Tiger's Nest" monastery built on a sheer cliff wall about 500m above the floor of Paro valley. He flew there from Tibet on the back of his favorite consort, Yeshe Tsogyal, who he transformed into a flying tigress for the purpose of the trip. Later he traveled to Bumthang district to subdue a powerful deity offended by a local king. Padmasambhava's body imprint can be found in the wall of a cave at nearby Kurje Lhakhang temple.
Impact
Padmasambhava also hid a number of religious treasures (termas) in lakes, caves, fields and forests of the Himalayan region to be found and interpreted by future tertons or spiritual treasure finders.
Manifestations
Padmasambhava is said to have taken eight forms or manifestations (Tib. Guru Tsen Gye) representing different aspects of his being - wrath, pacification, etc.:
- 1. Guru Orgyen Dorje Chang (See image + description)
- 2. Guru Shakya Senge (See image)
- 3. Guru Pema Gyalpo (See image + description)
- 4. Guru Padmasambhava (See image + description)
- 5. Guru Loden Chokse (See image + description)
- 6. Guru Nyima Ozer (See image + description)
- 7. Guru Dorje Drolo (See image + description)
- 8. Guru Senge Dradog(See image)
External links
- Translation of The Full Story of Guru Padmasambhava - 109 KB PDF - With permission of the copyright holder
- The Eight Manifestations of Guru Padmasambhava
- Tsering: Buddyjski Serwis Internetowy ( Padmasambhava, Nyingma, Ngak Phang )
- A Short Biography by Jamgon Kongtrul
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Schmidt, Erik Hein, and Marcia Binder, ed. 1993. The Lotus-Born: The Life Story of Padmasambhava. Composed by Yeshe Tsogyal, revealed by Nyang Ral Nyima Öser, foreword' by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, clarification by Tsele Natsok Rangdröl. Translated from Tibetan by Erik Pema Kunsang. 1st edition, Shambhala Books. Reprint: Rangjung Yeshe Publications, Boudhanath. 1998. ISBN 962-7341-35-4.
- Tsogyal, Yeshe. The Lotus-Born: The Lifestory of Padmasambhava. Translated by Erik Pema Kunsang. Boudhanath: Rangjung Yeshe Publications, 2004.
- Thondup, Tulku. Hidden Teachings of Tibet: An Explanation of the Terma Tradition of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism. London: Wisdom Publications, 1986.
- Zangpo, Ngawang. Guru Rinpoche: His Life and Times. Snow Lion Publications, 2002.
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