|25 attributes of fruition ('bras
chos nyer lnga). The five kayas, fivefold speech, five wisdoms,
five qualities, and five activities. Also called the 'continuity
adorned with inexhaustible body, speech, mind, qualities, and activities.'
|Abhidharma (chos mngon pa). One of the three
parts of the Tripitaka, the Words of the Buddha. Systematic teachings
on metaphysics focusing on the training of discriminating knowledge
by analyzing elements of experience and investigating the nature
of existing things. The chief commentaries on Abhidharma are the
Abhidharma Kosha by Dignaga from the Hinayana perspective and the
Abhidharma Samucchaya by Asanga from the Mahayana point of view.
|Abhidharma Pitaka (chos
mngon pa'i sde snod). The 'Collection of Abhidharma Teachings.'
Teachings compiled from the sutras that analyze the nature of what
is; one of the the collections of the Tripitaka.
See under 'Tripitaka.'
par byang chub pa'i sku). The fifth of the five kayas of
buddhahood, defined by Jamgon Kongtrul in his Treasury of Knowledge
as 'manifold manifestation in accordance with the karma of those
to be influenced, without departing from dharmakaya, that (appears)
because the (other four kayas are) spontaneously complete within
|Acceptance of the nature of nonarising (skye
ba med pa'i chos la bzod pa). An important realization gained on
entry to the eighth bodhisattva stage. In this book a synonym for
|Accomplishment. 1) (dngos
grub, Skt. siddhi). The attainment resulting from Dharma practice usually referring
to the 'supreme accomplishment' of complete enlightenment. It can
also mean the 'common accomplishments,' eight mundane accomplishments
such as clairvoyance, clairaudiance, flying in the sky, becoming
invisible, everlasting youth, or powers of transmutation. The most
eminent attainments on the path are, however, renunciation, compassion,
unshakable faith and realization of the correct view. See also 'supreme
and common accomplishments.' 2) (sgrub pa). See 'four aspects of
approach and accomplishment' and 'approach and accomplishment.'
Provisions for the path. See 'two accumulations.'
|Action without intermediate (mtshams med pa'i
las). Five actions with the most severe karmic effect: killing one's
mother, one's father, or an arhant; causing schism in the sangha
of monks; and drawing blood from a tathagata with evil intent. These
actions can also be called 'immediates' because their karmic effect
will ripen immediately after death without leaving time to go through
a bardo state.
|Activities (las, phrin las). Usually referring
to the four activities of pacifying, increasing, magnetizing and
|Activity Garland Tantra (karma ma le 'phrin
las kyi rgyud). A Mahayoga scripture listed here as one of the Six
Secret Sections. Sometimes also mentioned as one of the Eighteen
Mahayoga Tantras as the tantra of enlightened activity. Texts with
this name are found both in Vol. TSA and SHA of the Nyingma
|Aeon (bskal pa, Skt. kalpa). World-age, period,
|Age of Strife (rtsod dus). The present world-age
dominated by decline and degeneration.
min). The 'highest;' the realm of Vajradhara, the enlightened
sphere the dharmakaya buddha. Often used as a synonym for 'dharmadhatu.'
gzhi, alaya). Literally, the 'foundation of all things.'
The basis of mind and both pure and impure phenomena. This word
has different meanings in different contexts and should be understood
accordingly. Sometimes it is synonymous with buddha nature or dharmakaya,
the recognition of which is the basis for all pure phenomena; other
times, as in the case of the 'ignorant all-ground,' it refers to
a neutral state of dualistic mind that has not been embraced by
innate wakefulness and thus is the basis for samsaric experience.
|Amitabha (snang ba mtha' yas). The chief buddha
of the lotus family and lord of the pure land Sukhavati. He is also
the manifestation of discriminating wisdom.
|Amitayus (tshe dpag med). See Buddha Amitayus.
|Amogha Pasha (don yod zhags pa). A tantra
belonging to Kriya Yoga also known as Meaningful Lasso Tantra.
|Amrita (bdud rtsi).
Same as 'Nectar Quality,' the heruka of the ratna family among the
Eight Sadhana Teachings and the tantric
teachings connected with that deity.
|Amrita and rakta (sman
rak). Two types of blessed substance used on the shrine in
|Ananda (kun dga'
bo). One of the ten close disciples of the Buddha; the Buddha's
personal attendant, who recited the sutras at the First Council
and served as the second patriarch in the oral transmission of the
|Anu Yoga - (rjes su rnal 'byor).
The second of the Three Inner Tantras, Maha, Anu and Ati.
|Aperture of Brahma (tshangs
bug). The opening at the top of the head, eight fingers above
|Appearance and existence (snang srid). The
world and the sentient beings; whatever can be experienced, the
five elements, and has the possibility of existence, the five aggregates.
|Approach and accomplishment (bsnyen
sgrub). Two aspects of sadhana practice, in particular, phases
in the recitation stage according to Mahayoga Tantra. See 'Four
aspects of approach and accomplishment.'
|Arhant (dgra bcom pa). 'Foe destroyer;' someone
who has conquered the four maras and attained nirvana, the fourth
and final result of the Hinayana path.
|Arhat - One who attains
realization by eliminating the veil of emotional obscurations.
|Arura (Skt.). Medicinal plant endowed with
many wonderful qualities.
|Aryadeva - Disciple of Nagarjuna; author of many famous commentaries.
|Asanga - With Nagarjuna,
one of the founders of the Mahayana sastra tradition; a direct student
of the Bodhisattva Maitreya.
|Assemblage of Secrets (gsang ba 'dus pa).
A Mahayoga scripture. Vol. TSA of the Nyingma
Gyubum. Sometimes counted among the Eighteen Mahayoga Tantras
as the tantra of enlightened mind.
|Assemblage of Sugatas
(bde gshegs 'dus pa). 'Deshek Dupa.' Important cycle of teachings
connected to the Sadhana Section of Mahayoga.
|Asura Cave (a su
ra'i brag phug). The cave where Guru Rinpoche subdued the
evil forces of Nepal through the practice of Vajra Kilaya. Situated
near Pharping in the Kathmandu Valley.
|Ati Yoga (shin
tu rnal 'byor). The highest teachings in the Nyingma tradition known in Tibetan
as Dzogchen. The third of the Three Inner Tantras. See also
Great Perfection and Dzogchen.
|Atisha - Eleventh century
Indian pandita from Vikramasila who spent the last twelve years
of his life in Tibet; also known as Dipamkarasrijnana
|Atisha Dipamkara (Skt.). Eleventh century
Indian pandita from Vikramashila who spent the last twelve years
of his life in Tibet. Founding forefather of the Kadampa School
of Tibetan Buddhism; also known as Dipamkara Shrijnana and Jowo
Jey (jo bo rje).
|Atsara Yeshe (a tsar ye shes). Same as Atsara
Yeshe Yang of Ba. See under Yeshe Yang.
|Atsara Yeshe Yang of Ba (sba a tsar ye shes
dbyangs). Early Tibetan translator. Atsara is a corrupt form of
the Sanskrit word 'acharya.' See under Yeshe Yang.
|Avalokiteshvara (spyan ras gzigs) The bodhisattva
of compassion; an emanation of Buddha Amitabha.
|Avatamsaka Sutra (mdo phal po che). A sutra
belonging to the third turning of the Wheel of Dharma. Published
as Flower Adornment Sutra, Shambhala Publications.
|Awakened mind (byang
chub kyi sems, bodhichitta). See under 'bodhichitta.'
|Awareness (rig pa). When referring to the
view of the Great Perfection 'awareness' means consciousness devoid
of ignorance and dualistic fixation.
Kunsel (bar chad kun sel).
See under 'Tukdrub
|Bardo (bar do, antarabhava).
'Intermediate state.' Usually refers to the period between death
and the next rebirth. For details of the four bardos, see Mirror
of Mindfulness and Bardo
|Bashey (sba bzhad). Chronicles containing
histories of the reigns of Trisong Deutsen and Muney Tsenpo.
|Bhikshu (dge slong).
A practitioner who has renounced worldly life and taken the pledge
to observe the 253 precepts of a fully ordained monk in order to
attain liberation from samsara.
|Bhikshu Purna (dge slong purna). The previous
life of the Tibetan translator Vairotsana.
The bodhisattva levels; the ten stages a bodhisattva proceeds through
on the quest for complete and perfect enlightenment. These ten stages
correspond to the last three of the five paths of Mahayana. See
also 'ten bhumis.'
|Black Powerful One (stobs ldan nag po). The
chief figure in the mandala of Maledictory Fierce Mantra among the
Eight Sadhana Teachings.
|Bliss, clarity, and nonthought (bde gsal mi rtog pa). Three temporary meditation
experiences. Fixation on them plants the seeds for rebirth in the
three realms of samsara. Without fixation, they are adornments of
the three kayas.
|Blissful Realm (bde
ba can, Sukhavati). The pure land of Buddha Amitabha in which
a practitioner can take rebirth during the bardo of becoming through
a combination of pure faith, sufficient merit, and one-pointed determination.
|Bodhgaya - Location of Vajrasana, the place under the bodhi tree where
the Buddha attained enlightenment
|Bodhi (byang chub). Enlightenment, awakening,
state of realization. See also 'enlightenment.'
|Bodhichitta (byang sems, byang chub kyi sems).
'Awakened state of mind.' 1) The aspiration to attain enlightenment
for the sake of all beings. 2) In the context of Dzogchen, the innate
wakefulness of awakened mind; synonymous with rigpa, awareness.
sems, byang chub kyi sems). 'Awakened state of mind,' 'enlightened
attitude.' 1) The aspiration to attain enlightenment for the sake
of all beings. 2) In the context of Dzogchen, the innate wakefulness
of awakened mind; synonymous with nondual awareness.
chub sems dpa'). Someone who has developed bodhichitta, the
aspiration to attain enlightenment in order to benefit all sentient
beings. A practitioner of the Mahayana path; especially a noble
bodhisattva who has attained the first level.
precepts (byang sdom).
|Bon - Religion of Tibet
before the introduction of the Dharma
|Bonpo (bon po). The religion prevalent in
Tibet before the establishment of Buddhism in the 9th Century.
|Border Temples (mtha' 'dul). 'Border Subduers.'
Four temples built by Songtsen
Gampo and his Chinese queen to subjugate evil forces in the
outlying districts of Tibet.
|Boundless Life (tshe dpag med pa, Skt. Amitayus).
1) Buddha Amitayus. 2) A Mahayana sutra.
|Brahma (tshangs pa). The ruler of the gods
of the Realm of Form.
|Brahma-like voice (tshangs pa'i dbyangs).
The voice endowed with the sixteen perfect qualities of Brahma,
the king of the gods. A common description of a buddha's speech.
|Brahman (bram ze, Skt. brahmana). Member of
the priestly caste.
|Buddha (sangs rgyas). The Enlightened or Awakened
One who has completely abandoned all obscurations and perfected
every good quality. A perfected bodhisattva, after attaining true
and complete enlightenment is known as a buddha. The Buddha generally
referred to is Shakyamuni Buddha, the buddha of this era, who lived
in India around the 6th century B.C. There have been innumerable
buddhas in past aeons who manifested the way to enlightenment. In
the current Good Aeon, there will be one thousand buddhas of which
Buddha Shakyamuni is the fourth.
|Buddha Amitayus (tshe dpag med) Lit. 'Buddha
of Boundless Life; the Sambhogakaya aspect of Amitabha. The buddha
associated with the 'empowerment of longevity' and longevity practice.
|Buddha Avatamsaka (sangs rgyas phal po che).
1) A Mahayana sutra. 2) The buddha after whom the Avatamsaka Sutra
|Buddha Unchanging Light (sangs rgyas 'od mi
'gyur ba). The primordial buddha Samantabhadra; a synonym for the
enlightened state of dharmakaya.
|Buddhadharma (sangs rgyas kyi bstan pa, bstan
pa, chos). Buddhism, the teachings of the Buddha.
rgyas gsang ba). A seventh century Indian master who visited Tibet and remained
at Mount Kailash where he taught emissaries of King Trisong Deutsen
the Guhyagarbha Tantra.
rgyas). The perfect and complete enlightenment dwelling in
neither samsara nor nirvana; the state of having eradicated all
obscurations, endowed with the wisdom of seeing the nature of things
as it is and with the wisdom of perceiving all that exists.
|Burnt offerings (gsur).
Smoke produced by burning flour mixed with pure food and sacred
substances. This smoke, offered during a meditation on Avalokiteshvara,
the bodhisattva of compassion, can nourish the bardo consciousness
as well as hungry ghosts.
and resultant vehicles (rgyu dang 'bras bu'i theg pa).
philosophical teachings (rgyu mtshan nyid kyi chos).
|Causal vehicles (rgyu'i theg pa). See Causal
|Cave of Yanglesho (yang le shod kyi brag phug).
Situated in the southern end of the Kathmandu Valley, near the village
of Pharping. The 'Upper Cave of Yanglesho' is also known as Asura
|Central channel (dbu
ma, avadhuti). The central subtle channel within the body,
running from the base of the spine to the crown of the head.
|Chamara (rnga g.yab). One of the eight sub-continents
surrounding Mount Sumeru as well as the support for the terrestrial
pure land of Guru Rinpoche known as the Glorious Copper Colored
|Chandrakirti - Leading Prasangika Madhyamika master.
|Charnel ground (dur khrod). A site where bodies
are left to decompose or eaten by wild animals. Frequented by ghosts
and spirits, it is a suitable place for advanced practitioners to
gain progress in their realization.
|Chemchok Heruka (che mchog he ru ka). See
Nyingtig (lce btsun snying tig).
|Chimphu (chims phu). The hermitage of caves
above Samye in Central Tibet. Guru Rinpoche spent several years
there in retreat.
|Chinese teacher Hashang. (rgya nag gi ston
pa hva zhang). A certain Chinese meditation teacher, Hashang Mahayana,
whose view point was refuted by Kamalashila in a public debate during
the early spread of the teachings.
|Chiti Yoga (spyi ti'i rnal 'byor). One of
the subdivisions of the Instruction Section of Dzogchen: Ati, Chiti
and Yangti. Chiti is defined as covering the general points of Dzogchen.
|Chittamatra - Mind Only. One of the four major schools of Buddhist philosophy,
characterized by emphasis on mental events.
Literally 'cutting.' A system of practices based on Prajnaparamita
and set down by the Indian siddha Phadampa Sangye and the Tibetan
female teacher Machig Labdron for the purpose of cutting through
the four Maras and ego-clinging. One of the Eight Practice Lineages
of Buddhism in Tibet.
Lingpa (mchog gyur gling pa). (1829-1870). A treasure revealer and contemporary of Jamyang
Khyentse Wangpo and Jamgon Kongtrul. Regarded as one of the major
tertons in Tibetan history, his termas are widely practiced by both
the Kagyu and Nyingma schools. For more details see The Life
and Teachings of Chokgyur Lingpa (Rangjung Yeshe Publications).
Chokgyur Lingpa means 'Sanctuary of Eminence.'
|Chokro Lui Gyaltsen (cog ro klu'i rgyal mtshan).
Early Tibetan translator of great importance and one of the twenty-five
disciples of Padmasambhava who recognized him as an incarnate
bodhisattva. He worked closely with Vimalamitra,
Jnanagarbha, Jinamitra and Surendrabohi. He is vital to the continuation
of the Vinaya lineage in Tibet. Having attained realization at Chuwori,
he aided Padmasambhava in transcribing and concealing terma treasures.
The great terton Karma Lingpa (14th cent.) is regarded as an reincarnation
of Chokro Lui Gyaltsen.
|Clarity (gsal ba).
See 'bliss, clarity and nonthought.'
|Coemergent ignorance (lhan
cig skyes pa'i ma rig pa). Ignorance that is coemergent with
our innate nature and remains present as the potential for confusion
to arise when meeting with the right conditions.
|Cognitive obscuration (shes
bya'i sgrib pa). The subtle obscuration of holding on to
the concepts of subject, object and action. It is temporarily purified
in the moment of recognizing the nature of mind, and utterly purified
through the vajra-like samadhi at the end of the tenth bhumi.
|Completion stage (rdzogs
rim). See 'development and completion.'
|Conceptual ignorance (kun
brtags kyi ma rig pa). In Vajrayana, conceptual ignorance is the mind apprehending
itself as subject and object; conceptual thinking. In the Sutra
system, conceptual ignorance means superimposed or 'learned' wrong
views; gross general beliefs that obscure the nature of things.
|Conditioned virtue (zag
bcas kyi dge ba). Spiritual practice in which a dualistic
point of reference is used. Includes the preliminaries, seven
branches and so forth. Unconditioned virtue is the recognition of
buddha nature, often called 'threefold purity.' These two aspects
of virtue gather the two accumulations, remove the two
obscurations, manifest the twofold knowledge, and actualize
the two kayas.
pa). Any mental formulation. A conceptual fabrication that
is not innate to the nature of mind.
|Crystal Cave of Drag Yangdzong (sgrag yang
rdzong shel gyi brag phug). The retreat place of Padmasambhava's
body. Situated between Lhasa and Samye in central Tibet.
|Crystal Cave of Yarlung (g.yar klung shel
gyi brag phug). One of the five major retreat places of Guru Rinpoche;
the place of enlightened qualities. It is also the site where one
of his chief disciples, Kharchen Yeshe Shonnu, attained realization
of Nectar Quality. Situated one day's walk above Tramdruk in the
Yarlung valley, central Tibet.
|Daka (dpa' bo). 1) Emanation of the chief
figure in the mandala to fulfill the four activities; male counterpart
of dakinis. 2) Male enlightened practitioner of Vajrayana.
|Dakini (mkha' 'gro
ma). 1) Spiritual beings who fulfill the enlightened activities;
female tantric deities who protect and serve the Buddhist doctrine
and practitioners. Also one of the 'Three Roots.' 2) Female enlightened
practitioner of Vajrayana.
|Dakini Lekyi Wangmo (mkha'
'gro las kyi dbang mo). Received the Vajrayana teachings
from Vajrasattva and transmitted them to Hungchenkara, one of the
eight vidyadharas of India. She also
entrusted to Guru Padmasambhava the transmission of the Eight
Commands, the Union of the Sugatas (bka'
brgyad bde gshegs 'dus pa).
Padmasambhava's Oral Instructions to Lady Tsogyal. A collection
of the great master's advice from the revelations of Nyang
Ral, Sangye Lingpa
and Dorje Lingpa. Covers
the topics of taking refuge, bodhisattva vows, the vajra master, yidam
practice, retreat, and the qualities of fruition.
|Damaru (da ma ru). A small hand drum for tantric
|Dark age (snyigs ma'i dus). The present age
when the five degenerations of life span, era, beings, views and
disturbing emotions are rampant.
|Dathim (brda' thim).
Literally 'sign dissolved,' this word often occurs at the end of
|Demigod (lha ma yin). One of the six classes
|Denma Tsemang (ldan
ma rtse mang). Important early Tibetan translator of the Tripitaka. Extremely
well-versed in writing, his style of calligraphy has continued to
the present day. Having received Vajrayana transmission from Padmasambhava,
he had realization and achieved perfect recall. He is said to be
the chief scribe who wrote down many termas, including the Assemblage
of Sugatas, connected to the Eight
|Dependent origination (rten
cing 'brel bar 'byung ba). The natural law that all phenomena
arise 'dependent upon' their own causes 'in connection with' their
individual conditions. The fact that no phenomena appear without
a cause and none are made by an uncaused creator. Everything arises
exclusively due to and dependent upon the coincidence of causes
and conditions without which they cannot possibly appear.
|Deva (lha). 'Gods.' The highest of the six
classes of samsaric beings. Temporarily, they enjoy a heavenly state
|Development and completion (bskyed
rdzogs). The two main aspects, 'means and knowledge,' of
Vajrayana practice. Briefly stated, development stage means positive
mental fabrication while completion stage means resting in the unfabricated
nature of mind. The essence of the development stage is 'pure perception'
or 'sacred outlook,' which means to perceive sights, sounds and
thoughts as deity, mantra and wisdom. 'Completion stage with marks'
means yogic practices such as tummo, inner heat. 'Completion
stage without marks' is the practice of Dzogchen and Mahamudra.
|Development stage (bskyed rim, utpattikrama).
One of the two aspects of Vajrayana practice. The mental creation
of pure images in order to purify habitual tendencies. The essence
of the development stage is 'pure perception' or 'sacred outlook'
which means to perceive sights, sounds and thoughts as deity, mantra
|Dhana Sanskrita (nor gyi legs sbyar). One
of the Eight Vidyadharas, the receiver
of the transmissions of Liberating Sorcery of Mother Deities, Mamo
Botong. Not much is available about his life besides him being born
in the Thogar area of Uddiyana.
|Dharma protector (chos
skyong). Nonhumans who vow to protect and guard the teachings
of the Buddha and its followers. Dharma protectors can be either
'mundane' (virtuous samsaric beings) or 'wisdom Dharma protectors'
(emanations of buddhas or bodhisattvas).
kyi dbyings). The 'realm of phenomena;' the suchness in which
emptiness and dependent origination are inseparable. The nature
of mind and phenomena which lies beyond arising, dwelling and ceasing.
|Dharmadhatu Palace of Akanishtha ('og min
chos kyi dbyings kyi pho brang). Figurative expression for the abode
of Vajradhara or Samantabhadra, the dharmakaya buddha. Akanishtha
means 'highest' or 'unsurpassed.'
sku). The first of the three kayas, which is devoid of constructs,
like space. The 'body' of enlightened qualities. Should be understood
individually according to ground, path and fruition.
|Dharmaraja, the Lord of Death (gshin rje chos rgyal). Our mortality; a personification
of impermanence and the unfailing law of cause and effect.
|Dharmata (chos nyid).
The innate nature of phenomena and mind.
|Dharmic (chos kyi). Of or pertaining to the
Dharma; religious or pious.
|Dhyana (bsam gtan).
The state of concentrated mind and also the name for god realms
produced through such mental concentration. See also under 'four
|Dilgo Khyentse (ldil mgo mkhyen brtse). See
His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.
|Disturbing emotions (nyon
mongs pa). The five poisons of desire, anger, delusion, pride,
and envy which tire, disturb, and torment one's mind. The perpetuation
of these disturbing emotions is one of the main causes of samsaric
|Divine Valley Water (gshong pa'i lha chu).
'Shongpey Lhachu.' Even today a place with clear and sweet water,
situated near Lhasa in Central Tibet.
A negative force; a type of evil spirit.
|Dorje Drakpo Tsal (rdo rje drag po rtsal).
'Powerful Vajra Wrath.' A wrathful form of Guru Rinpoche.
|Dorje Drollo (rdo rje drod lo). A wrathful
form of Padmasambhava; especially for subduing evil forces and concealing
termas for the welfare of future generations.
|Dorje Dudjom of Nanam (sna
nam pa rdo rje bdud 'joms). One of king Trisong Deutsen's
ministers, sent to Nepal to invite Padmasambhava to Tibet. A mantrika
who had reached perfection in the two stages of development and
completion, he could fly with the speed of the wind and traverse
solid matter. Rigdzin Godem (1337-1408) and Pema Trinley (1641-1718),
the great vidyadhara of Dorje Drak monastery in central Tibet, are
both considered reincarnations of Dorje Dudjom. Dorje Dudjom means
'Indestructible Subduer of Mara.'
|Dosher Trelchung (mdo gzher sprel chung).
A minister of King Trisong Deutsen; also spelled Dershey Trelchung
(sder bzhed sprel chung).
|Drenpa Namkha (dran
pa nam mkha'). Tibetan translator and disciple of Padmasambhava,
originally an influential Bonpo priest. Later he studied with Padmasambhava
and also learned translation. He is said to have tamed a wild yak
simply by a threatening gesture. He offered numerous Bonpo teachings
to Padmasambhava who then concealed them as terma treasures. Drenpa
Namkha means 'Space of Mindfulness.'
|Drenpa Namkha (dran pa nam mkha'). Tibetan
translator and disciple of Padmasambhava. At first he was an influential
Bonpo priest, but later he studied with Padmasambhava and also learned
translation. Due to his miraculous power, he is said to have tamed
a wild yak simply by a threatening gesture. He offered numerous
Bonpo teachings to Padmasambhava who then concealed them as a terma
|Drey (bre). Tibetan volume measure equivalent
of about one liter or two pints. One drey of gold would weigh about
Defilement, obscuration caused by contact with impure people or
|Drubchen ceremony (sgrub
chen). Great accomplishment practice; a sadhana practice
undertaken by a group of people which goes on uninterruptedly for
pa chen po, Skt. mahasandhi). Also known as Great Perfection and
Ati Yoga. The highest teachings
of the Nyingma School of the Early Translations.
Khyentse Chokyi Lodro (rdzong gsar mkhyen brtse chos kyi blo gros). One
of five reincarnations of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. He was a great
master upholding the Rimey (nonsectarian) tradition, as well as
being one of the two main root gurus of His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse.
His three reincarnations live presently at Bir, Himachal Pradesh;
in Dordogne, France; and in Boudhanath, Nepal. Dzongsar means 'New
Castle,' Khyentse means 'Loving Wisdom,' and Chokyi Lodro means
'Intellect of the Dharma.'
|Early and Later Translation of the Great Perfection
(rdzogs pa chen po snga 'gyur phyi 'gyur). This phrase refers
to the Eighteen Major Scriptures of the Mind Section, a set of Dzogchen
tantras taught by Shri Singha
to Vairotsana and Lekdrub
of Tsang, as listed in chapter Fourteen. Five of them were translated
by Vairotsana before his
exile to Tsawarong while the remaining thirteen were later translated
by Vimalamitra and Yudra
Nyingpo, hence the name.
|Early Translations (snga
'gyur). A synonym for the Old School, the Nyingma tradition.
The teachings translated before the great translator Rinchen Sangpo,
during the reigns of the Tibetan kings Trisong Deutsen and Ralpachen.
|Earth terma (sa
gter). A revelation based on physical substance, often in
the form of dakini script, a vajra, a statue, etc. Compare with
|Eight charnel grounds (dur khrod brgyad):
1) Cool Grove, Sitavana (bsil ba tshal), in the east. 2) Perfected
in Body (sku la rdzogs) to the south. 3) Lotus Mound (pad ma brtsegs)
to the west. 4) Lanka Mound (lan ka brtsegs) to the north. 5) Spontaneously
Accomplished Mound (lhun grub brtsegs) to the south-east. 6) Display
of Great Secret (gsang chen rol pa) to the south-west. 7) Pervasive
Great Joy (he chen brdal ba) to the north-west. 8) World Mound ('jig
rten brtsegs) to the north-east. There are also numerous other lists
of charnel grounds.
|Eight classes of gods and demons (lha srin
sde brgyad). There are various descriptions but in the sutras the
most general is: devas, nagas, yakshas, gandharvas, asuras, garudas,
kinnaras, and mahoragas. All of them were able to receive and practice
the teachings of the Buddha. These eight classes can also refer
to various types of mundane spirits who can cause either help or
harm, but remain invisible to normal human beings: ging, mara, tsen,
yaksha, raksha, mamo, rahula, and naga. On a subtle level, they
are regarded as the impure manifestation of the eight types of consciousness.
|Eight collections of consciousnesses (rnam shes tshogs brgyad): the all-ground consciousness,
the defiled mental consciousness, the mental cognition, and the
cognitions of eye, ear, nose, tongue, and body.
|Eight disciples (rje 'bangs brgyad). The eight
chief recipients in Tibet of the Eight
Sadhana Teachings transmitted by Guru Rinpoche: King Trisong
Nyingpo, Sangye Yeshe, Gyalwa Cho-yang, Yeshe Tsogyal, Palgyi
Yeshe, Palgyi Senge, and Vairotsana.
|Eight Lingpas (gling
pa brgyad). Sangye, Dorje, Rinchen, Padma, Ratna, Kunkyong,
Do-ngag and Tennyi Lingpa.
|Eight Sadhana Teachings
(sgrub pa bka' brgyad). Eight chief
yidam deities of Mahayoga and their corresponding tantras and sadhanas:
Manjushri Body, Lotus Speech, Vishuddha Mind, Nectar Quality, Kilaya
Activity, Liberating Sorcery of Mother Deities, Maledictory Fierce
Mantra, and Mundane Worship. Often the name refers to a single practice
involving complex mandalas with numerous deities. See also under
Assemblage of Sugatas and Sadhana Section.
(rig 'dzin brgyad). Manjushrimitra,
Nagarjuna, Hungkara, Vimalamitra,
Prabhahasti, Dhana Sanskrita,
Shintam Garbha, and Guhyachandra.
|Eight worldly concerns ('jig
rten chos brgyad). Attachment to gain, pleasure, praise and
fame, and aversion to loss, pain, blame and bad reputation.
|Eighteen Inner Tantras of Secret Mantra (gsang
sngags nang gi rgyud sde bco brgyad). In the context of Chapter
12, the term refers chiefly to the tantras of Mahayoga. They were
translated into Tibetan by Padmasambhava and Chokro Lui Gyaltsen.
See also Eighteen Mahayoga Tantras.
Tantras (ma ha yo ga'i rgyud sde bco brgyad).
|Eighteen Major Scriptures (lung chen po bco
brgyad). Eighteen Dzogchen tantras of the Mind Section taught by
Shri Singha to Vairotsana
and Lekdrub. Listed in chapter 14. Found in Vol. KA of the Nyingma
|Eighteen Marvels of Mind in Fifty Chapters (sems
rmad du byung ba bco brgyad kyi le'u lnga bcu). Several tantras
in the first three volumes of the Nyingma
Gyubum bear a resembling name although none of them have 50
chapters. A writing mistake seems to have appeared since The Bright
Crystal Mirror by Yeshe Tsogyal says instead: “Five first
parts of the Eighteen Marvels of Mind” (sems smad bco brgyad
kyi stod kyi lnga), referring to the first five tantras translated
|Eightfold Magical Net (sgyu 'phrul brgyad
pa). A Mahayoga scripture in eight chapters. Vol. PHA of the Nyingma
|Eightfold Volume (bam po brgyad pa). Tantra
belonging to the Sadhana Section of Mahayoga; focused on Nectar
Quality. Tantra with similar title is found in Vol. LA of the Nyingma
Gyubum. Possibly identical with the Scripture in Eight Chapters.
|Emaho (e ma ho). An exclamation of wonder
|Embodiment of Realization (dgongs 'dus). An
Anu Yoga scripture of major importance. Abbreviation of The Scripture
of the Embodiment of the Realization of All Buddhas (sangs rgyas
thams cad kyi dgongs pa 'dus pa'i mdo).
|Empowerment (dbang). The conferring of power
or authorization to practice the Vajrayana teachings, the indispensable
entrance door to tantric practice. Empowerment gives control over
one's innate vajra body, vajra speech and vajra mind and the authority
to regard forms as deity, sounds as mantra and thoughts as wisdom.
See also 'four empowerments.'
|Empowerment of Direct Anointment (rgyal thabs
spyi blugs kyi dbang). The act of bestowing the four empowerments
condensed into one, transferring the totality of blessings, just
as a king would empower the crown prince to wield total authority.
|Empowerment of the Expression of Awareness (rig
pa'i rtsal gyi dbang). The empowerment for practicing Dzogchen.
Sometimes it also refers to stage of realization achieved through
|Empty and luminous dharmata (chos nyid stong
gsal). A synonym for buddha nature, the enlightened essence within
'don). Various practices with the purpose of stabilizing
insight. According to Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, the main enhancement
practice is the cultivation of devotion and compassion.
|Epagsha of Drugu (gru gu e pag sha). One of
the first Tibetans to take ordination; received transmission from
Hungkara in India together
with Namkhai Nyingpo.
|Equal taste (ro mnyam). A high level of realization;
perceiving the empty nature of all things.
|Essence kaya (ngo
bo nyid kyi sku; Skt. svabhavikakaya). The 'essence body,'
sometimes counted as the fourth kaya, and constituting the unity
of the three kayas. Jamgon Kongtrul defines it as the aspect of
dharmakaya which is 'the nature of all phenomena, emptiness devoid
of all constructs and endowed with the characteristic of natural
|Essence mantra (snying
po'i sngags). The short form of the mantra of a yidam deity
as opposed to the longer dharani mantra; for example 'om mani padme
|Essence of Secrets (gsang
ba'i snying po, Guhyagarbha). The
widely renowned tantra of the Early Translations which, according
to Jamgon Kongtrul, is the chief of the Eighteen Mahayoga Tantras,
exalted above them all like the banner of victory. The first text
in Vol. PHA of the Nyingma Gyubum.
A great number of commentaries on this tantra is found in the Nyingma
|Essence, nature, and capacity (ngo bo rang bzhin thugs rje). The three aspects
of the sugata-garbha according to the Dzogchen system. Essence is
the primordially pure wisdom of emptiness. The nature is the spontaneously
present wisdom of cognizance. The capacity is the all-pervasive
wisdom of indivisibility. This is, ultimately, the identity of the
Three Roots, the Three Jewels and the three kayas.
|Essence-extract (bcud len, Skt. rasayana).
A practice which sustains the living body with the essences of medicinal
plants, minerals, and elemental energy in order to purify the body,
heighten concentration and avoid the diversions of seeking ordinary
lta). The belief that there is a permanent and causeless
creator of everything; in particular, that one's identity or consciousness
has a concrete essence which is independent, everlasting and singular.
|Ever-Excellent Lady (kun tu bzang mo, Skt.
Samantabhadri). 'The All-good,' the mother of all the buddhas of
the three times; the female counterpart of the dharmakaya buddha
Samantabhadra. She symbolizes emptiness and dharmadhatu.
|Expedient and definitive meaning (drang don
dang nges don). The expedient meaning refers to conventional teachings
on karma, path and result designed to lead the practitioner to the
'definitive meaning,' the insight into emptiness, suchness, and
|Eye of Dharma (chos kyi mig). The faculty
that sees reality without obscurations.
|Father Tantra (pha
rgyud). One of the three aspects of Anuttara Yoga which place
emphasis on the development stage.
|Feast offering (tshogs
kyi 'khor lo, Skt. ganachakra). A feast assembly performed
by Vajrayana practitioners to accumulate merit and purify the sacred
|Fierce mantras (drag sngags). A certain type
of mantras belonging to wrathful deities. They are used to dispel
demonic forces that obstruct the continuation of the Buddhadharma
or the welfare of sentient beings.
|Fifty-eight herukas (khrag 'thung lnga bcu
nga brgyad). The five male and female herukas, eight yoginis, eight
tramen goddesses, four female gatekeepers, and twenty-eight shvaris.
|Final Subsequent Mantra Tantra (phyi ma'i
phyi ma sngags kyi rgyud). Tantra belonging to the Sadhana Section
of Mahayoga. Vol. OM of the Nyingma
|Five Early and Thirteen Later Translations of
the Great Perfection (rdzogs pa chen po snga 'gyur lnga dang
phyi 'gyur bcu gsum). Listed in chapter fourteen. Same as 'Eighteen
Major Scriptures' and 'Early and later translation of the Great
Perfection.' In other history books they are also known as the Eighteen
Mothers and Children of the Mind Section (sems sde ma bu bco brgyad).
|Five Families (rigs lnga). Name of a sadhana
text composed by Guru Rinpoche focused on Mahayoga tantra.
|Five families (rigs lnga). The five buddha
families: tathagata, vajra, ratna, padma and karma. They represent
five aspects of innate qualities of the tathagatagarbha, our enlightened
|Five families of sugatas (bde gshegs rigs
lnga). The five families or aspects of victorious ones; Vairochana,
Akshobhya, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, and Amoghasiddhi.
|Five king-like tertons (gter
ston rgyal po lnga). One list of the Five Terton Kings contains
Nyang Ral Nyima Özer
(1124-1192), Guru Chokyi Wangchuk
(1212-1270), Dorje Lingpa
(1346-1405), Pema Lingpa (1445/50-1521), and (Padma Ösel) Do-ngak
Lingpa (Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo) (1820-1892). Sometimes the list
also includes the great terton Rigdzin
|Five paths (lam
lnga). The five paths or stages on the way to enlightenment:
the path of accumulation, joining, seeing, cultivation, and consummation
or no more learning.
|Five poisonous kleshas (nyon mongs pa dug
lnga). See 'five poisons.'
|Five poisons (dug
lnga). Desire, anger, delusion, pride, and envy.
|Five sciences (rig pa'i gnas lnga). Grammar,
dialectics, healing, arts and crafts, and religious philosophy.
|Five wisdoms (ye shes lnga). The dharmadhatu
wisdom, mirror-like wisdom, wisdom of equality, discriminating wisdom,
and all-accomplishing wisdom. They represent five distinctive functions
of the tathagatagarbha, our enlightened essence.
|Five-hundred year period (dus lnga brgya).
Periods of each five hundred years. The Buddhadharma is said to
last ten such periods.
|Formless Realms (gzugs
med kyi khams). The abodes of unenlightened beings who have practiced formless
meditative states, dwelling on the notions: Infinite Space, Infinite
Consciousness, Nothing Whatsoever, and Neither Presence Nor Absence
(of conception). These beings remain in these four subtle types
of conceptual meditation for many aeons after which they again return
to lower states within samsara.
|Forty-two peaceful deities (zhi ba bzhi bcu
zhe gnyis). Samantabhadra and Samantabhadri, the five male and female
buddhas, the eight male and female bodhisattvas, the six munis,
and the four male and female gate keepers.
|Four activities (las bzhi). Pacifying, increasing,
magnetizing, and subjugating.
aspects of approach and accomplishment (bsnyen sgrub kyi
yan lag bzhi). Approach, full approach, accomplishment, and great
accomplishment. Four important aspects of Vajrayana practice, especially
the recitation stage of yidam practice.
|Four continents (gling bzhi). The four continents
surrounding Mount Sumeru: Superior Body, Jambu Continent, Cow Utilizing,
and Unpleasant Sound.
|Four dhyana states of serenity (snyoms 'jug gi bsam gtan bzhi). The first dhyana
is a state with both concept and discernment. The second dhyana
is a state without concept but with discernment. The third dhyana
is a state without delight but with bliss. The fourth dhyana is
a state of equanimity.
|Four districts of Tibet (bod ru bzhi). Four
areas in Central Tibet flanking the rivers Kyichu and Tsangpo.
|Four empowerments (dbang bzhi). The vase,
secret, wisdom-knowledge and precious word empowerments. Padmasambhava
says in the Lamrim Yeshe Nyingpo:
“The vase empowerment which purifies the body and the nadis
is the seed of the vajra body and nirmanakaya. The secret empowerment
which purifies the speech and the pranas is the seed of the vajra
speech and sambhogakaya. The phonya empowerment which purifies the
mind and the essences is the seed of the vajra mind and dharmakaya.
The ultimate empowerment which purifies the habitual patterns of
the all-ground is the seed of the vajra wisdom and svabhavikakaya.”
|Four formless states of serenity (gzugs med kyi snyoms 'jug bzhi). See 'Formless Realms.'
|Four Great Rivers of Transmissions (bka' babs
kyi chu bo chen po bzhi). The rivers of empowerment of yidam, tantric
scriptures, spiritual friend, and of the expression of awareness.
These four transmissions originate from, respectively, Garab
Dorje, King Jah, Buddhaguhya and Shri
|Four immeasurables (tshad med bzhi). Compassion,
love, joy and impartiality. Also called the 'four abodes of Brahma'
because their cultivation causes rebirth as the king of the gods
in the Realm of Form within samsaric existence. When embraced by
the attitude of bodhichitta, the wish to attain enlightenment for
the welfare of others, their cultivation causes the attainment of
|Four means of magnetizing (bsdu ba'i dngos
po bzhi). Being generous, uttering kind words, giving appropriate
teachings, and keeping consistency between words and conduct.
|Four modes (tshul
bzhi). Four levels of meaning: the literal, the general,
the hidden, and the ultimate.
|Four results of spiritual practice (dge sbyor
gyi 'bras bu bzhi). See 'shravaka.'
|Four root precepts (rtsa
ba bzhi). To refrain from killing, stealing, lying, and sexual
|Four Vidyadhara Levels (rig 'dzin rnam pa
bzhi'i go 'phang). The four stages of attainment of knowledge-holders,
masters of the four stages of the tantric path of Mahayoga. The
four vidyadhara levels are the Maturation, Longevity (Life Mastery),
Mahamudra, and Spontaneous Perfection. See under each individually.
|Freedoms and riches (dal
'byor). See under 'precious human body.'
bu). The result, usually the end of a spiritual path. One
of the three levels of enlightenment of a shravaka, pratyekabuddha
or bodhisattva. In Mahayana the state of complete and perfect buddhahood;
in Vajrayana the 'unified state of a vajra-holder,' in this book
expressed as the '25 attributes of fruition.' See also 'view, meditation,
action and fruition.'
|Fruition of nonreturn (phyir mi ldog pa'i
'bras bu). Liberation from samsara or the omniscient state of buddhahood.
|Fulfillment ritual (bskang ba, bskang chog).
A practice to purify outer, inner and secret or innermost breaches
and violations of a practitioner's Hinayana precepts, Mahayana vows,
or Vajrayana commitments.
(dga' rab rdo rje, Skt. Surati Vajra,
Prahevajra, Pramoda Vajra).
|Garuda (mkha' lding). The mythological bird,
able to travel from one end of the universe to the other with a
single movement of its wings. It is also known to hatch from the
egg fully developed and ready to soar through the sky.
|Gate-keeping pandita (sgo bsrung ba'i pan
di ta). At the major monastic institutions in ancient India, it
was the custom to nominate competent scholars to the position of
defending the view of Buddhism through debate, one at each of the
gates in the four directions of the monastery.
|Glorious Blazing Wrathful Goddess Tantra (dpal
'bar ba khro mo'i rgyud). A Mahayoga scripture. A tantra of this
name is found in PA of the Nyingma
|Glorious Mountain in Chamara / Glorious Copper
Colored Mountain (rnga g.yab zangs
mdog dpal ri). The terrestrial pure land of Guru Rinpoche
situated on the subcontinent Chamara to the south-east of the Jambu
Continent. Chamara is the central of a configuration of nine islands
inhabited by savage rakshas. In the middle of Chamara rises the
majestic red colored mountain into the skies. On its summit lies
the magical palace Lotus Light, manifested from the natural expression
of primordial wakefulness. Here resides Padmasambhava in an indestructible
bodily form transcending birth and death for as long as samsara
continues and through which he incessantly brings benefit to beings
through magical emanations of his body, speech and mind.
|Glorious Supreme Primal Tantra (dpal mchog
dang po'i rgyud, Skt. Shri Paramadi Tantra). One the Four Major
Sections of Yoga Tantra. A tantra of the same title is sometimes
listed among the Eighteen Mahayoga Tantras as the tantra of enlightened
|Gola (go la, so chang). A drink of sugar cane
or grain from Nepal.
Sangtal (dgongs pa zang thal).
A tantric scripture in five volumes concealed by Guru Rinpoche and
revealed by Rigdzin Godem.
|Gongpo spirits ('gong po). A type of evil
spirit symbolizing ego-clinging, sometimes counted among the 'eight
classes of gods and demons.' When subdued by a great master, they
can also act as guardians of the Buddhadharma.
|Good Aeon (bskal pa bzang po, Skt. bhadrakalpa).
This present aeon in which one thousand buddhas will appear, lasting
no less than 160 million years.
|Great Cave of Puri / Crystal Cave of Puri Phugmoche
(spu ri phug mo che shel gyi brag phug). The treasure
site of Sangye Lingpa
in the Puwo district bordering Assam, where he revealed the Lama
|Great Compassionate One (thugs rje chen po).
The bodhisattva of boundless compassion also known as Avalokiteshvara.
|Great Garuda View Scripture (lta ba khyung
chen gyi lung). A tantra with similar title is found in Vol. KA
of the Nyingma Gyubum.
|Great Glacier Lady of Invincible Turquoise Mist
(gangs kyi yum chen rdo rje g.yu bun ma). A protector of the
Dharma teachings bound under oath by Padmasambhava. She was formerly
a Bonpo warrior spirit (dgra lha).
|Great Glorious One (dpal chen). Identical
with Vishuddha Heruka in the case
of Namkhai Nyingpo's
|Great Perfection (rdzogs
pa chen po, Skt. mahasandhi). The third of the Three Inner
Tantras of the Nyingma School. The Great Perfection is the ultimate
of all the 84,000 profound and extensive sections of the Dharma,
the realization of Buddha Samantabhadra, exactly as it is. See also
'Dzogchen' or 'Ati Yoga.'
ba 'dus pa). Literally, 'Assembly of Secrets.' One of the
major tantras and yidams of the New School.
(gu ru chos dbang). One of the Five Terton Kings. (1212-1270). For details, see
the H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche's The Nyingma Lineage, its History and
Fundamentals, Wisdom Publications. Guru Chowang means 'Master
Lord of the Dharma.'
(gu ru rin po che) 'Precious Master.' The lotus born tantric
master who established Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet in the 9th century
at the invitation of King Trisong Deutsen.
|Guru, Yidam and Dakini (bla ma yi dam mkha'
'gro). The three roots of Vajrayana practice: the guru is the root
of blessings, the yidam is the root of accomplishments, and the
dakini is the root of activities.
|Gyalmo Tsawarong (rgyal mo tsha ba rong).
A district between eastern Tibet and China.
|Gyalpo spirits (rgyal
po). A type of mischievous spirit, sometimes counted among
the 'eight classes of gods and demons.' When subdued by a great
master, they can also act as guardians of the Buddhadharma.
|Gyalto Rami (rgyal to ra mi). Minister of
King Trisong Deutsen; also spelled Gyatong Rakyim (rgya stong ra
Cho-yang of Nganlam (ngan lam
rgyal ba mchog dbyangs). A close disciple of Guru Rinpoche
who attained accomplishment through the practice of Hayagriva and
was later incarnated as the Karmapas.
|Gyalwa Jangchub of Lasum (la
gsum rgyal ba byang chub). One of the first seven Tibetans
to receive full ordination as a monk by Shantarakshita,
he was exceedingly intelligent, visited India several times and
translated many sacred scriptures. A close disciple of Padmasambhava,
he attained siddhi and could fly through the sky. Rigdzin Kunzang
Sherab, the founder of the great Palyul Monastery in Kham, is considered
one of his reincarnations. Gyalwa Jangchub means 'Victorious enlightenment.'
|Gyalwey Lodro of Drey ('bre
rgyal ba'i blo gros). One of the first Tibetans to take ordination.
He received transmission from Hungkara
in India. At first he was a trusted attendant of Trisong Deutsen
by the name Gonpo and later, at the time of taking ordination, he
was given the name Gyalwey Lodro, Victorious Intelligence. He became
erudite in translation and attained accomplishment after receiving
transmission from Hungkara.
It is said that he visited the land of Yama, the Lord of the Dead,
and saved his mother from the hell realms. After receiving teachings
from Padmasambhava, he showed the feat of transforming a zombie
into gold. Some of this gold has been revealed in termas later on.
He achieved the vidyadhara level of longevity and is reputed to
have lived until the time of Rongzom Pandita Chokyi Sangpo (rong
zom chos kyi bzang po) 1012-1088, to whom he gave teachings.
|Gyatsa Lhanang (rgya tsha lha snang). A minister
of King Trisong Deutsen; also spelled Gyaltsa Lhanang (rgyal tsha
|Hashang (hva shang). See 'Chinese teacher
Hashang.' In this book, one of the construction masters of Samye
was a Chinese known as Hashang Mahayana and a Chinese doctor by
the name Hashang Tetsa also occur. Finally, Hashang is mentioned
as one of the countries from the language of which the Dharma was
|Haughty spirit (dregs pa). A certain type
of malevolent spirit.
|Hayagriva (rta mgrin).
Tantric deity often shown with a horse's head within his flaming
hair; wrathful aspect of Buddha Amitabha. Often identical with Padma
Heruka, Lotus Speech, among the Eight
|Hearing Lineage (nyan
brgyud). The lineage of oral teachings from master to disciple
as distinct from scriptural lineage of textual transmission. The
Hearing Lineage emphasizes the key points of oral instruction rather
than elaborate philosophical learning.
|Heart Essence (snying
thig). In general identical with the Instruction Section,
the third of three division of Dzogchen. In particular it refers
to the Innermost Unexcelled Cycle of Heart Essence (yang
gsang bla na med pa'i snying thig gi skor), the fourth of
the four divisions of the Instruction Section according to the arrangement
of Shri Singha. All lineages
of the Innermost Essence passed through Shri Singha and continued
in Tibet through his personal disciples, Padmasambhava and Vimalamitra.
In the 14th century these two lineages passed through Rangjung Dorje,
the third Karmapa, and his close Dharma friend Longchen Rabjam (1308-1363),
the latter of which systematized these teachings in his great body
of writings, the Nyingtig Yabzhi.
The Nyingtig teachings have also appeared through many other lines
of transmission; for instance, each major terton reveals an independent
cycle of Dzogchen instructions. The practice of the innermost Heart
Essence is continued to this very day.
|Heat of samadhi (ting
nge 'dzin gyi drod). Sign of progress or accomplishment in
|Hepori (has po ri). A big hill at Samye. One
of four sacred mountains in Central Tibet.
|Heretic (mu stegs pa). See under 'non-Buddhist.'
|Heruka (khrag 'thung). Literally, 'blood drinker.'
A wrathful deity; drinker of the blood of ego-clinging.
|Heruka Galpo (he
ru ka gal po). One of the Eighteen Mahayoga Tantras; focused
on Vishuddha Mind. Both the Galpo and the Galpoche tantras are found
in Vol. RA of the Nyingma Gyubum.
|Higher perceptions (mngon
par shes pa). See 'superknowledges.'
(theg pa dman pa).
|His Holiness Dilgo
Khyentse Rinpoche (skyabs rje ldil mgo mkhyen brtse rin
po che). (b. 1910). Regarded by followers of all four schools as
one of the foremost living masters of Tibetan Buddhism. Among his
other names are Rabsel Dawa and Tashi Paljor, and his terton names
Osel Trulpey Dorje and Pema Do-ngak Lingpa.
|Hundred and Eight Sadhanas of Guru
Vidyadhara (bla ma rig 'dzin gyi sgrub thabs brgya rtsa
brgyad). One of the Nine Sadhana Sections of Mahayoga.
|Hundred peaceful and wrathful divinities (zhi
khro'i lha brgya). The 42 peaceful and 58 wrathful deities. See
|Hundred syllable mantra (yig
brgya). The mantra of the buddha Vajrasattva consisting of
one hundred syllables.
|Hundred Thousand Tika Scripture ('bum gyi
ti ka'i rgyud lung). One of the Eighteen Mahayoga Tantras. Found
in Vol. OM of the Nyingma Gyubum.
(Skt.). One of the Eight Vidyadharas;
receiver of the tantras of Vishuddha Mind including Heruka Galpo.
|Ignorant all-ground / ignorant aspect of the all-ground
(kun gzhi ma rig pa'i cha). Synonymous with coemergent
|Indrabodhi (rgyal po indra bodhi). The king
of the country of Uddiyana during the appearance of Padmasambhava
in this world. Sometimes his name is spelled Indrabhuti.
|Innate nature (chos
nyid). See under 'dharmata.'
|Inner Tantras of Secret Mantra (gsang sngags
nang gi rgyud sde). Usually this term refers to the Three Inner
Tantras of Mahayoga, Anu Yoga and Ati Yoga, but in the specific
context of the translation of the tantras in chapter twelve only
Mahayoga and Anu Yoga are included. The Ati Yoga tantras are listed
in chapter fourteen.
|Innermost Unexcelled Cycle of the Great Perfection
(rdzogs pa chen po yang gsang bla na med pa'i skor).
|Instruction Section (man ngag sde). The third
of the Three Sections of Dzogchen, as arranged by Manjushrimitra.
In Tibet three lineages are represented: through Padmasambhava and
Vairotsana who both received
transmission from Shri Singha,
and through Vimalamitra
who received transmission partly from Shri Singha and partly from
Jnanasutra. The two former lineages were continued only as termas
while Vimalamitra's was passed on both as terma and as oral transmission.
In the following millennium, innumerable termas have been revealed
containing the precious instructions of these three great masters.
The most important of these terma treasures are included in the
Rinchen Terdzo, a collection
of termas by Jamgon Kongtrul covering the Three Inner Tantras and
in Nyingtig Yabzhi.
|Jambu Continent ('dzam bu gling). Our known
world. The southern of the four continents, so called because it
is adorned with the Jambubriksha (rose apple) tree.
Kongtrul ('jam mgon kong sprul). (1813-1899).
Khyentse Wangpo ('jam dbyangs
mkhyen brtse'i dbang po). (1820-1892).
|Jarung Khashor (bya rung kha shor). 'Permission
Once Given (Cannot be Taken Back)'. The great white stupa at Boudhanath
in the Kathmandu Valley.
|Jnana Kumara of Nyag (gnyag
jna na ku ma ra, ye shes gzhon nu). Jnana Kumara means 'Youthful
Wakefulness.' Early Tibetan monk and expert translator who received
the Four Great Rivers of Transmission from Padmasambhava, Vimalamitra,
Vairotsana and Yudra Nyingpo.
He worked closely with Vimalamitra
in translating tantras of Mahayoga and Ati Yoga. He is also known
as Nyag Lotsawa and by his secret initiation name Drimey Dashar,
'Flawless Moonlight.' His initiation flower, along with Trisong
Deutsen's, fell on Chemchok Heruka. Subsequently, he received the
transmission of Nectar Medicine from Padmasambhava. He practiced
in the Crystal Cave of Yarlung, where he drew water from solid rock;
it is said this water still flows today. Among his later incarnations
is Dabzang Rinpoche, a 19th-century contemporary of Jamgon Kongtrul
the First. Jnana Kumara means 'Youthful Wakefulness.'
|Joyous bhumi (sa
rab tu dga' ba). The first of ten bodhisattva stages; liberation
from samsara and realization of the truth of reality.
|Kadag Rangjung Rangshar (ka
dag rang byung rang shar). The title of one of the five volumes contained in Gongpa
Sangtal. Kadag Rangjung Rangshar means 'self-existing and self-manifest
|Kailash (ti se). Sacred mountain in western
Tibet; also known as Mount Tisey.
|Kalachakra (dus kyi 'khor lo). 'Wheel of Time.'
A tantra and a Vajrayana system taught by Buddha Shakyamuni himself,
showing the interrelationship between the phenomenal world, the
physical body and the mind.
|Kamalashila (Skt.) Disciple of Shantarakshita
who represented the Indian position in a decisive eighth century
debate at Samye.
- The words and teachings of the Buddha: the first division of the
|Karma Pakshi (karma
pakshi). (1204-1283). The second in the line of Karmapa incarnations
and is regarded as the first recognized Tibetan tulku. The name
Pakshi is Mongolian for 'master,' a title he became renowned under
after being given a high religious position by the Mongolian emperor.
Among his disciples is the great siddha Orgyenpa Rinchen Pal (1230-1309).
|Kathang (bka' thang). 'Chronicles.' Usually
refers to the biographies of Padmasambhava concealed as terma treasures.
|Kawa Paltsek (ska
ba dpal brtsegs). Direct disciple of both Padmasambhava and
contributor to the translation of the Tibetan Tripitaka and the
Nyingma Gyubum. Born in Phen
Valley, he became an eminent translator in accordance with a prophecy
by Padmasambhava, and was among the first seven Tibetan monks ordained
by Shantarakshita. He
received Vajrayana teachings from the great master Padma and attained
unimpeded clairvoyance. Kawa is a place name and Paltsek means 'Mountain
'Body' in the sense of a body or embodiment of numerous qualities.
When speaking of two kayas: dharmakaya and rupakaya. The three kayas
are dharmakaya, sambhogakaya and nirmanakaya. See also 'three kayas.'
|Khamsum Copper Temple (khams gsum zangs khang
gling). A temple at Samye built by Lady Margyen of Tsepang, a queen
of king Trisong Deutsen.
|Khandro Nyingtig (mkha'
'gro snying thig). Khandro Nyingtig means 'Heart Essence
of the Dakinis.' A profound collection of Dzogchen teachings transmitted
through Padmasambhava to Princess Pema Sal. Is included within the
famous Nyingtig Yabshi.
Yeshe Tsogyal (mkha' 'gro ye shes mtsho rgyal). See Yeshe
|Kharchu at Lhodrak (lho brag mkhar chu). The
retreat place of Padmasambhava's mind. It is situated one day's
walk from Lord Marpa's house in Lhodrak.
|Khatvanga (Skt.). A staff carried by tantric
adepts and representing the secret consort and transformation of
the three poisons.
|Khenpo (mkhan po).
A title for one who has completed the major course of studies of
about ten years' duration of the traditional branches of Buddhist
philosophy, logic, Vinaya and so forth. Can also refer to the abbot
of a monastery or the preceptor from whom one receives ordination.
Bodhisattva (mkhan po bo dhi satva). The Indian master who
ordained the first monks in Tibet. See Shantarakshita.
|Khenpo Ngakchung alias Ngawang Palsang (mkhan po ngag dbang dpal bzang). (1879-1941). A
khenpo at Katok and a very important reviver of the scholastic lineage
of expounding the Dzogchen scriptures. Considered to be incarnation
of both Vimalamitra and
Longchenpa. Chadral Sangye Dorje is one of his last living disciples.
|Kilaya (phur ba). 1) Sacred dagger used in
tantric rituals. 2) Same as Kilaya Activity.
|Kilaya (Skt., phur
pa). The tantras about and the tantric deity Vajra Kilaya.
|Kilaya Activity (phur pa phrin las). The heruka
of the karma family or the tantric teachings connected to this deity
among the Eight Sadhana Teachings.
|King Jah (rgyal po dzah). The first human
recipient of the Mahayoga teachings and an important figure head
in the transmission of Anu Yoga.
|King Trisong Deutsen (rgyal po khri srong
lde'u btsan). See Trisong
|King Yama (gshin rje rgyal po). The Lord of
Death. The terrible judge of the dead. Also a personification of
impermanence, the unfailing law of karma and one's inevitable mortality.
|Klesha (nyon mongs pa). 'Disturbing emotion.'
Usually the five poisons known as desire, anger, delusion, pride
|Konchok Chidu (dkon
mchog spyi 'dus). The 'Embodiment of the Precious Ones.'
A terma cycle revealed by the great Jatson Nyingpo (1585-1656) focused
on Padmasambhava. He transmitted this set of teachings first to
Dudul Dorje (1615-1672). Large portions of this material are translated
into English by Peter Roberts.
|Konchok Jungney of Langdro (lang
gro dkon mchog 'byung gnas). At first a minister at the court
of Trisong Deutsen, he later became one of Padmasambhava's close
disciples and attained accomplishment. The great tertons Ratna Lingpa
(1403-1471) and Longsal Nyingpo (1625-1692) are considered to be
among his reincarnations. Konchok Jungney means 'Source of the Precious
|Kriya Yoga (bya
ba'i rnal 'byor). The first of the three outer tantras which
places emphasis on cleanliness and pure conduct. The scriptures
of Kriya Tantra appeared first in Varanasi.
|Kungamo (kun dga' mo). The wisdom dakini who
conferred empowerment upon Guru Rinpoche. She is also known as the
dakini Leykyi Wangmo, Nyida Ngodrub or as Guhyajnana, the chief
of wisdom dakinis.
|Kunzang Tuktig (kun
bzang thugs thig). The Heart Essence of Samantabhadra.
A collection of terma teachings revealed by Chokgyur Lingpa focused
on the peaceful and wrathful deities.
|Kyeho (kye ho). Exclamation of distress or
|Lady Kharchen (mkhar chen bza'). See Yeshe
|Lady Margyen of Tsepang (tshe spang bza' dmar
rgyan). One of the queens of king Trisong Deutsen. Reputed to have
been a major troublemaker.
of Kharchen (mkhar chen bza' mtsho rgyal). See Yeshe Tsogyal.
(bla ma dgongs 'dus). Cycle revealed
by Sangye Lingpa (1340-96)
in 18 volumes of approximately 700 pages each. Lama
Gongdu means 'embodiment of the master's realization.'
|Lama Sangdu (bla
ma gsang 'dus). A terma discovered by Guru
Chowang (1212-1270), one of the earliest and most important
tertons. It focuses on the guru principle as Padmasambhava's sambhogakaya
form of the fivefold mandala of Totreng Tsal. Lama Sangdu means
'embodiment of the master's secrets.'
|Langdarma (glang dar ma). Brother of the great
Dharma king Ralpachen and the persecutor of the Sangha in central
Tibet during a five year reign. During his brief reign, he almost
succeeded in eradicating Buddhism in Tibet.
|Learning, reflection and meditation (thos bsam sgom gsum). 'Learning' means receiving
oral teachings and studying scriptures in order to clear away ignorance
and wrong views. 'Reflection' is to eradicate uncertainty and misunderstanding
through carefully thinking over the subject. 'Meditation' means
to gain direct insight through applying the teachings in one's personal
|Lekdrub (legs grub). See Lekdrub of Tsang.
|Lekdrub of Tsang (gtsang legs grub). The companion
of Vairotsana on his journey
to India. Lekdrub received half of the transmission of Dzogchen
from Shri Singha, departed
early and died on his way back to Tibet. He was reborn as Yudra
|Level (sa). The levels or stages a bodhisattva
traverses on the journey to complete enlightenment.
|Leykyi Wangmo (las kyi dbang mo, Skt. Karma
Indranila, Karmeshvari). The dakini who transmitted the Eight
Sadhana Teachings to the Eight Vidyadharas
and later the Assemblage of Sugatas to Padmasambhava. See also 'Kungamo.'
|Lhalung Palgyi Dorje (lha lung dpal gyi rdo
rje). Born in Upper Drom, he was first a border guard but developed
renunciation and received ordination from Vimalamitra,
together with his two brothers. He received the bodhisattva vow
from Padmasambhava as well as empowerment and oral instructions
in Vajrayana. He practiced meditation in White Gorge of Tsib and
at Yerpa where he reached the accomplishment of being able to traverse
freely through solid rock. Years later he assassinated the evil
|Lhasa (lha sa). 'Abode of the Gods.' The capital
of Tibet and location of the famous Jokhang temple founded by King
|Liberating Sorcery of Mother Deities (ma mo
rbod gtong). One of the Eight Sadhana
Teachings of Mahayoga.
|Life-wheel, hail and spells (srog ser gtad
gsum). Three aspects of protective tantric rituals.
|Lobpon Bodhisattva, alias Shantarakshita
(zhi ba 'tsho), 'Guardian of Peace.' The Indian pandita
and abbot of Vikramashila and of Samye who ordained the first Tibetan
monks. He was an incarnation of the bodhisattva Vajrapani and is
also known as Khenpo Bodhisattva
or Bhikshu Bodhisattva Shantarakshita. He is the founder of a philosophical
school combining Madhyamika and Yogachara. This tradition was reestablished
and clarified by Mipham Rinpoche in his commentary on the Madhyamaka
|Loden Chogsey (blo ldan mchog sred). One of
the eight manifestations of Padmasambhava.
|Lokyi Chungpa (lo
ki chung pa). A close disciple of Padmasambhava who became
a Buddhist translator while very young, hence his name. He is also
known as Khyeu-chung Lotsawa, 'Boy Translator.' Among his later
incarnations are the terton Dudul Dorje (1615-1672), Dudjom Lingpa
(1835-1903), and H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche, Jigdrel Yeshe Dorje (1904-1987).
alias Longchen Rabjam (klong chen pa, klong chen rab 'byams). (1308-1363)
|Lord Nyang (mnga' bdag nyang / myang). See
Nyang Ral Nyima Oser.
|Lord of Death (gshin
rje). 1) A personification of impermanence and the unfailing
law of cause and effect. 2) ('chi bdag)
The demon with this name is one of the four Maras; see under 'Mara.'
|Lord of Great Compassion (jo bo thugs rje
chen po). The great bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.
|Lord of Secrets (gsang ba'i bdag po). The
great bodhisattva Vajrapani who is regarded as the chief compiler
of the Vajrayana teachings.
|Lord Ralpachen of Nyang (mnga' bdag nyang
ral pa can). See Nyang
Ral Nyima Oser.
|Lords of the Three Families (rigs gsum mgon
po). The three bodhisattvas Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri and Vajrapani.
|Lotsawa (lo tsa ba, Skt. locchava). Tibetan
translators of the canonical texts who usually worked closely with
Indian panditas. The title literally means 'bilingual' (skad gnyis
smra ba) or the 'eyes of the world' ('jig rten mig).
(lo tsa ba vai ro tsa na). See Vairotsana.
|Lotus King (pad ma rgyal po). Same as Guru
Rinpoche. One of his eight manifestations.
|Lotus Speech (pad ma gsung). The heruka of
the padma family or the tantric teachings connected to this deity
among the Eight Sadhana Teachings.
|Lower realms (ngan song). The three abodes
of hell beings, hungry ghosts and animals.
|Lui Gyaltsen (klu yi rgyal mtshan). See Chokro
gsal). A key term in Vajrayana philosophy signifying a departure from
Mahayana's over-emphasis on emptiness which can lead to nihilism.
According to Mipham Rinpoche, 'luminosity' means 'free from the
darkness of unknowing and endowed with the ability to cognize.'
The two aspects are 'empty luminosity,' like a clear open sky, which
is the cognizant quality of the nature of mind; and 'manifest luminosity,'
such as five-colored lights, images, and so forth. Luminosity is
the uncompounded nature present throughout all of samsara and nirvana.
|Luminous Vajra Essence ('od gsal rdo rje snying
po). A synonym for the Great Perfection, Dzogchen.
|Machen Pomra (rma chen spom ra). A powerful
local spirit from the area of Kham, the chief of twenty-one major
|Machig Labdron (ma
gcig lab sgron). (1031-1129). The great female master who
set down the Cho practice, cutting through ego-clinging. Disciple
and consort of the Indian master Phadampa Sangye. Machig Labdron
means 'Only Mother Lamp of Dharma.'
|Magical Net (sgyu 'phrul). A collective term
for the manifestations of enlightenment to tame whoever needs in
whichever way is necessary. In this book the term refers to a collection
of tantric scriptures belonging chiefly to Mahayoga.
|Magical Net of Manjushri ('jam dpal sgyu 'phrul).
A Mahayoga scripture. Vol. BA of the Nyingma
|Magical Net of the Goddess (lha mo sgyu 'phrul).
A Mahayoga scripture. Vol. BA of the Nyingma
|Magical Net of Vairochana (rnam snang sgyu
'phrul drva ba). A Mahayoga scripture which functions as subsidiary
support for engaging in yogic activities connected to the mandala.
See Eighteen Mahayoga Tantras.
|Mahabodhi Temple (byang chub chen po). The
enormous shrine in front of the bodhi tree at Vajra Seat, Bodhgaya.
|Mahamudra (phyag chen, phyag rgya chen po).
In the context of this book, 'mahamudra' refers to the 'supreme
attainment of mahamudra' which is synonymous with complete enlightenment
or to the 'vidyadhara level of mahamudra,' the third of the four
|Mahamudra level of the path of cultivation (sgom
lam phyag rgya chen po). Same as the vidyadhara level of mahamudra.
(theg pa chen po). See also
Mahayana, a definition, (theg
pa chen po). 'Greater vehicle.'
(rnal 'byor chen po). The first
of the 'Three Inner Tantras.'
|Maitreya (byams pa). 'The Loving One.' The
bodhisattva regent of Buddha Shakyamuni, presently residing in the
Tushita heaven until becoming the fifth buddha of this aeon; author
of five treatises preserved by Asanga.
|Major and Minor Gathering Tantra (tshogs rgyud
che chung). A Mahayoga scripture explaining the ritual of a ganachakra.
See also 'feast offering.'
|Maledictory Fierce Mantra (rmod pa drag sngags).
One of the Eight Sadhana Teachings.
|Mamo (ma mo). 1) See under Mundane Mother
Deities. 2) A class of semi-divine beings who sometimes act as protectors
of the Dharma.
|Mamo (ma mo).
Abbreviation of 'Mundane Mother Deities' ('jig
rten ma mo). One of the Eight
Sadhana Teachings. Female divinities manifested out of dharmadhatu
but appearing in ways that correspond to mundane appearances through
the interrelationship between the mundane world and the channels,
winds, and essences within our body. They have both an ultimate
and relative aspect. The chief figure in this mandala is Chemchok
Heruka, the wrathful form of Buddha Samantabhadra in the form known
as Ngondzok Gyalpo, the King of True Perfection.
|Mandala (dkyil 'khor).
1) 'Center and surrounding.' Usually a deity along with its surrounding
environment. A mandala is a symbolic, graphic representation of
a tantric deity's realm of existence. 2) A mandala offering is an
offering visualized as the entire universe, as well as the arrangement
of offerings in tantric ritual.
(man da ra ba me tog). Princess of Zahor and close disciple of Guru Rinpoche.
|Mang-yul (mang yul). The area north of the
Kathmandu valley, between Trisuli and the present border to Tibet.
('jam dpal dbyangs). One of the eight main bodhisattvas. He
is the personification of the perfection of transcendent knowledge.
|Manjushri Body ('jam
dpal sku). The heruka of the Tathagata Body family or the
tantric teachings connected to this deity among the 'Eight
Sadhana Teachings.' Also known as Yamantaka, the wrathful form
|Manjushri Namasangirti Tantra Expressed in Songs
of Praise ('jam dpal gyi mtshan yang dag par brjod pa bstod
pa glur blangs pa'i rgyud). A tantra belonging to Kriya Yoga known
to all Tibetan Buddhists as 'Jampal Tsenjo.' Translated as Chanting
the Names of Manjushri, A. Wayman, Shambhala Publications.
('jam dpal bshes gnyen, pron. Jampal Shenyen). An Indian master
in the Dzogchen lineage and the chief disciple of Garab
Dorje. See also Sadhana Section.
1) A synonym for Vajrayana. 2) A particular combination of sounds
symbolizing and communicating the nature of a deity and which lead
to purification and realization, for example 'om mani padme hung'.
There are chiefly three types of mantra: guhya mantra, vidya mantra
and dharani mantra.
|Mantra and Philosophy (sngags dang mtshan
nyid). Mantra is synonymous with Secret Mantra or Vajrayana while
Philosophy refers to the 'causal
vehicles of philosophy:' Hinayana and Mahayana.
|Mantra, vehicle of (sngags;
sngags kyi theg pa). Same as Mantrayana. See under Vajrayana.
|Mantradhara (sngags 'chang). An adept of tantric
kyi theg pa). Syn. for Secret Mantra or Vajrayana.
|Mantric (sngags kyi). Of or pertaining to
pa). A practitioner of Vajrayana.
|Mantrika (sngags pa). See tantrika.
|Mara (bdud). Demon or demonic influence that
creates obstacles for practice and enlightenment. Mythologically
said be a powerful god who dwells in the highest abode in the Realm
of Desire; the master of illusion who attempted to prevent the Buddha
from attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya. For the Dharma practitioner,
Mara symbolizes one's own ego-clinging and preoccupation with the
eight worldly concerns. Generally, there are four maras or obstructions
to practice of the Dharma: those of defilements, death and the aggregates,
and the godly mara of seduction. Sometimes the four maras are mentioned
by name; Lord of Death, Godly Son, Klesha and Skandha.
|Maratika ('chi ba mthar byed). The sacred
place in eastern Nepal where Guru Rinpoche and Mandarava were blessed
with immortal life by Buddha Amitayus.
|Master (bla ma).
In the Lamrim Yeshe Nyingpo, Padmasambhava says: "The
vajra master, the root of the path, is someone who has the pure
conduct of samaya and vows. He is fully adorned with learning, has
discerned it through reflection, and through meditation he possesses
the qualities and signs of experience and realization. With his
compassionate action he accepts disciples." In short, someone
with the correct view and genuine compassion.
|Master Bodhisattva (slob dpon bo dhi sa tva).
|Master of Uddiyana (o
rgyan gyi slob dpon). Another name for Padmasambhava.
|Meadow of Monkha (mon kha ne'u ring). Possibly
identical with Monkha Senge Dzong, a cave situated to the east of
Bumthang in Bhutan which was used by Padmasambhava and later by
Yeshe Tsogyal as a sacred place for the sadhana of Vajra Kilaya.
|Meaningful Lasso Tantra (don yod zhags pa'i
rgyud). A tantra focused on Avalokiteshvara; belongs to Kriya Yoga
and is also known as Amogha Pasha.
|Means and knowledge (thabs
dang shes rab; Skt. prajna and upaya). Buddhahood is attained
by uniting means and knowledge; in Mahayana, compassion and emptiness,
relative and ultimate bodhichitta. In Vajrayana, means and knowledge
are the stages of development and completion. According to the Kagyu
schools, means refers specifically to the 'path of means,' the Six
Doctrines of Naropa and knowledge to the 'path of liberation,' the
actual practice of Mahamudra. According to Dzogchen, 'knowledge'
is the view of primordial purity, the Trekcho practice of realizing
the heart of enlightenment in the present moment, while 'means'
is the meditation of spontaneous presence, the Togal practice of
exhausting defilements and fixation through which the rainbow body
is realized within one lifetime.
pa). In the context of Mahamudra or Dzogchen practice, meditation
is the act of growing accustomed to or sustaining the continuity
of the recognition of our buddha nature as pointed out by a qualified
master. In the context of learning, contemplating and meditating,
it means the act of assimilating the teachings into one's personal
experience, then growing accustomed to them through actual practice.
|Meditation and postmeditation (mnyam bzhag
dang rjes thob). 'Meditation' here means resting in equanimity free
from mental constructs, like pure space. 'Postmeditation' is when
distracted from that state of equanimity, and one conceptually regards
appearances as an illusion, mirage, dream, etc.
|Mighty Lotus (padma dbang chen). Same as the
tantric deity Hayagriva, the chief heruka of the padma family. See
also Drubpa Kabgye.
|Mighty Lotus Tantra (padma dbang chen gyi
rgyud). Several Mahayoga tantras with resembling names occur in
Vol. HA of the Nyingma Gyubum.
(mi la ras pa). (1040-1123). One
of the most famous yogis and poets in Tibetan religious history.
|Mind and prana (rlung sems). 'Prana' here
is the 'wind of karma,' the current of conceptual thinking, as well
as the energy-currents in the body. 'Mind' is the dualistic consciousness
of an unenlightened being. These two are closely related.
|Mind Only School (sems
tsam pa, Chittamatra). A Mahayana school of Buddhist philosophy
propagated by the great master Asanga and his followers. Founded
on the Lankavatara Sutra and other scriptures, its main premise
is that all phenomena are only mind, i.e. mental perceptions that
appear within the all-ground consciousness due to habitual tendencies.
Positively, this view relinquishes the fixation on a solid reality.
Negatively, there is still clinging to a truly existing 'mind' within
which everything takes place.
|Mind Section (sems sde). The first of the
Three Sections of Dzogchen. In this book twenty-five tantras and
eighteen major scriptures are mentioned. Most are found in the first
three volumes of the Nyingma
|Mind terma (dgongs
gter). A revelation directly within the mind of a great master,
without the need for a terma of material substance. The teachings
revealed in this way were implanted within the 'indestructible sphere'
at the time when the master in a former life was one of Padmasambhava's
|Most Supreme (che mchog). Chemchok Heruka.
Usually identical with Nectar Quality, the chief heruka of the ratna
family. Sometimes, in the case of Assemblage
of Sugatas, the Most Supreme is the heruka who embodies all
the buddha families.
|Mother Deities (ma mo). See mamo.
|Mother Deities Assemblage Tantra (ma mo 'dus
pa'i rgyud). Tantra belonging to the Sadhana Section of Mahayoga.
Found in Vol. A of the Nyingma
|Mother Tantra (ma rgyud). One of the three
aspects of Anuttara Yoga which place emphasis on completion stage
or prajna. Sometimes equivalent of Anu Yoga.
|Mount Hepori (has po ri). See Hepori.
|Mount Sumeru (ri rab lhun po). The mythological
giant mountain at the center of our world-system, where the two
lowest classes of gods of the Desire Realm live. It is surrounded
by chains of lesser mountains, lakes, continents, and oceans and
is said to rise 84000 leagues above sea-level.
|Mount Sumeru and the four continents Mount Sumeru
(ri rab lhun po gling bzhi dang bcas pa). The mythological
giant mountain at the center of our world-system surrounded by the
four continents, where the two lowest classes of gods of the Desire
Realm live. It is encircled by chains of lesser mountains, lakes,
continents, and oceans and is said to rise 84,000 leagues above
sea-level. Our present world is situated on the southern continent
|Mudra (phyag rgya). Can mean either 'hand
gesture,' spiritual consort, or the 'bodily form' of a deity.
|Mundane Worship ('jig rten mchod bstod). One
of the Eight Sadhana Teachings.
The channels in the vajra body through which the energy currents
mdud). Sometimes the equivalent of chakra, a major junction
or meeting point of channels, sometimes a subtle blockage that needs
to be untied through yogic practices.
|Naga (klu). Powerful long-lived serpent-like
beings who inhabit bodies of water and often guard great treasure.
Nagas belong half to the animal realm and half to the god realm.
They generally live in the form of snakes, but many can change into
|Nagaraja angkusha dzah (Skt.). A command which
means: “I summon the king of the nagas!”
(klu grub). An Indian master of philosophy and a tantric siddha.
|Nalanda (Skt.). The great monastic center
for Buddhist studies in ancient India. Situated in the present Indian
state of Bihar, a few hours drive from Bodhgaya.
Nyingpo of Nub (gnubs nam mkha'i
snying po). Counted among the twenty-five
disciples of Guru Rinpoche.
|Namo (phyag 'tshal lo). Expression of homage
and respect; salutation.
|Namo ratna guru (bla ma rin po che la phyag
'tshal lo). “I pay homage to the precious master!”
|Nanam Yeshe, alias Yeshe Dey of Nanam (sna nam ye shes sde). Also known as Bandey Yeshe
Dey of Shang (zhang gi bhan dhe ye shes sde). A prolific translator
of more than 200 scriptures and a disciple of Padmasambhava, this
learned and accomplished monk once exhibited his miraculous powers,
attained through mastery of Vajra Kilaya, by soaring through the
sky like a bird. Yeshe mean 'original wakefulness.'
|Natural Confession (rang bzhin gyi bshags
pa). A synonym for the Confession of the Expanse of the View, 'Tawa
|Nectar (bdud rtsi, Skt. amrita). 1) The 'nectar
of immortality;' the ambrosia of the gods conferring immortality
or other powers. 2) Abbreviation of 'Nectar Quality,' the heruka
of the ratna family among the Eight Sadhana
|Nectar Medicine (bdud rtsi sman). 1) The nectar
of immortality. 2) Same as Nectar Quality.
|Nectar Quality (bdud rtsi yon tan). One of
the Eight Sadhana Teachings. The
heruka of the ratna family or the tantric teachings connected with
|Ngadag Nyang (mnga' bdag nyang / myang). See
Nyang Ral Nyima Oser.
|Ngagyur Shechen Tennyi Dargye Ling (snga 'gyur
zhe chen bstan gnyis dar rgyas gling). The seat of His Holiness
Dilgo Khyentse in Nepal, situated at the Great Stupa of Jarung Khashor
|Ngakpa (sngags pa). See Tantrika.
|Nihilism (chad lta).
Literally, 'the view of discontinuance.' The extreme view of nothingness:
no rebirth or karmic effects, and the nonexistence of a mind after
|Nine gradual vehicles
(theg pa rim pa dgu). Shravaka,
Pratyekabuddha, Bodhisattva, Kriya, Upa, Yoga, Maha Yoga, Anu Yoga,
and Ati Yoga. The first two are Hinayana; the third is Mahayana;
the next three are the Three Outer Tantras; and the last three are
called the Three Inner Tantras.
|Nine Root Tantras (rtsa ba'i rgyud dgu). The
most important Mahayoga tantras of the Sadhana Section (sgrub sde).
Listed in Chapter 19.
|Nine Sadhana Sections (sgrub pa sde dgu).
The Eight Sadhana Teachings in addition
to the teachings connected to Guru
Vidyadhara. Sometimes the Assemblage of Sugatas is counted as
|Nine serene states of successive abiding (mthar gyis gnas pa'i snyoms par 'jug pa dgu). The
four dhyanas, the four formless states, and the shravaka's samadhi
of peace, also known as the serenity of cessation.
sku). 'Emanation body,' 'form of magical apparition.' The
third of the three kayas. The aspect of enlightenment that can be
perceived by ordinary beings.
|Nirmanakaya Padmasambhava (sprul sku pad ma
'byung gnas). Same as Guru Rinpoche. A respectful way of addressing
Guru Rinpoche showing that he is a manifestation of an enlightened
|Nonarising (skye ba med pa). In the aspect
of ultimate truth, all phenomena are devoid of an independent, concrete
identity and have therefore no basis for such attributes as 'arising,
dwelling or ceasing' i.e. coming into being, remaining in time and
place, and ceasing to exist.
|Nonarising dharmata (chos nyid skye ba med
pa). The nature of things which like space does not come into being
as a concrete, apprehensible entity.
|Nonarising nature of mind (sems
nyid skye ba med pa). In the aspect of ultimate truth, all
phenomena are devoid of an independent, concrete identity and have
therefore no basis for such attributes as 'arising, dwelling or
ceasing' i.e. coming into being, remaining in time and place, and
ceasing to exist.
|Non-Buddhist (mu stegs pa, Skt. tirthika).
Teachers of non-Buddhist philosophy who adhere to the extreme views
of eternalism or nihilism.
|Nonconceptual (rnam par mi rtog pa). Of or
pertaining to the absence of conceptual thinking or discursive thought.
|Nonfabrication (bzo med, ma bcos). The key
point in the training of Mahamudra and Dzogchen; that innate wakefulness
is not created through intellectual effort.
|Nonhumans (mi ma yin). Spirits, ghost, demons.
|Nonmeditation (mi bsgom). The state of not
holding on to an object meditated upon nor a subject who meditates.
|Nonreturn (phyir mi ldog pa). See under 'fruition
|Nonthought (mi rtog
pa). See 'bliss, clarity and nonthought.'
|Nonvirtues (mi dge ba). Usually referring
to the ten unvirtuous actions: The physical misdeeds of killing,
taking what is not given, and engaging in sexual misconduct; the
verbal misdeeds of lying, uttering divisive talk, harsh words, and
gossiping; and the mental misdeeds of harboring covetousness, ill-will,
and wrong views.
|Nyang Ral (nyang
ral). Short for Nyang
Ral Nyima Özer.
Ral Nyima Özer / Oser (nyang
ral nyi ma 'od zer). (1124-1192). The first of the Five Terton
Kings and a reincarnation of King Trisong Deutsen.
|Nyenchen Tanglha (gnyan chen thang lha). Important
protector of the Nyingma teachings, regarded as a bodhisattva on
the eighth level. Also a name of a mountain range.
(rnying ma rgyud 'bum). 'The Hundred Thousand Tantras of the
|Nyingma Kama (rnying ma bka' ma). 'The Oral
Transmission of the Old School.' 56 volumes in the expanded edition
published by His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche, New Delhi.
|Nyingma School (rnying ma). The teachings
brought to Tibet and translated mainly during the reign of King
Trisong Deutsen and in the subsequent period up to Rinchen Sangpo
in the ninth century chiefly by the great masters Padmasambhava,
and Vairotsana. The two
subsequent main types of transmission are Kama and Terma. Practices
are based on both the Outer and Inner Tantras with emphasis on the
practice of the Inner Tantras of Mahayoga, Anu Yoga and Ati Yoga.
|Nyingma Tantras (rnying rgyud). See Nyingma
(snying thig ya bzhi). One of the
most famous collections of Dzogchen scriptures.
|Ocean of Cleansing Sacred commitment (dam
tshig khrus lung rgya mtsho). Name of a tantric scripture on purification
of samaya, the vows of Vajrayana practice.
|Orgyen (o rgyan). 1) Uddiyana, the country.
2) The master from Uddiyana, Padmasambhava.
|Original wakefulness (ye
shes). Usually translated as 'wisdom.' Basic cognizance independent
of intellectual constructs.
|Outer and inner teachings of Secret Mantra (gsang
sngags phyi nang gi chos). The three outer are Kriya, Upa and Yoga.
The three inner are Mahayoga, Anu Yoga and Ati Yoga.
|Outer Secret Mantra (gsang sngags phyi pa).
Same as 'Outer Tantras of Secret Mantra.'
|Outer Tantras of Secret Mantra (gsang sngags
phyi'i rgyud sde). The tantras belonging to the three vehicles
of Kriya, Ubhaya and Yoga. In the context of the Old School of the
Early Translations, Ngagyur Nyingma, they were translated into Tibetan
mainly by Shantarakshita
and Kawa Paltsek. Listed in chapter 12.
|Padma (pad ma). 1) Same as Padmasambhava.
2) The lotus family among the five buddha families.
Garwang Lodro Thaye (padma gar
dbang blo gros mtha' yas). Another name for Jamgon Kongtrul.
Padma Garwang means 'Lotus Lord of the Dance,' and Lodro Thaye means
|Padma Thotreng Tsal (padma thod phreng rtsal).
The secret name of Guru Rinpoche meaning 'Powerful Lotus of the
Garland of Skulls.'
|Padmakara (pad ma 'byung gnas). 'Lotus-born.'
Same as Guru Rinpoche. Padmakara and Padmasambhava are interchangeable
in Tibetan literature, sometimes is used the Tibetan translation
Pema Jungney, sometimes the Sanskrit.
(pad ma 'byung gnas). 'Originated from a Lotus.'
|Palgyi Dorje (Wangchuk) of Lhalung alias Lhalung
Palgyi Dorje (lha lung dpal gyi rdo rje).
Born in Upper Drom, he served as a border guard but developed renunciation
and together with his two brothers received ordination from Vimalamitra.
He received the bodhisattva vow from Padmasambhava as well as empowerment
and oral instructions in Vajrayana. He practiced meditation in the
White Gorge of Tsib and at Yerpa, where he reached the accomplishment
of being able to move freely through solid rock. Years later he
assassinated the evil king Langdarma. Palgyi Dorje means 'Resplendent
|Palgyi Senge of Lang (rlangs
dpal gyi seng ge). His father was Amey Jangchub Drekhol, a mantrika powerful enough
to employ the eight classes of gods and demons as his servants.
Palgyi Senge of Lang was one of the eight chief disciples of Padmasambhava
when the empowerment of the Assemblage of Sugatas was conferred.
He attained both the common and supreme accomplishments at Paro
Taktsang through the practice of the Tamer of All Haughty Spirits.
The Dzogchen Rinpoches are regarded as his reincarnations. Palgyi
Senge means 'Glorious Lion.'
|Palgyi Senge of Shubu (shud
bu dpal gyi seng ge). One of the ministers of King Trisong
Deutsen, sent among the first emissaries to invite Padmasambhava
to Tibet. He learned translation from Padmasambhava and rendered
numerous teachings of Mamo, Yamantaka and Kilaya into Tibetan. Having
attained accomplishment through Kilaya and Mamo, he could split
boulders and divide the flow of rivers with his dagger. His reincarnations
include the great Terton Mingyur Dorje of the Namcho tradition.
Palgyi Senge means 'Glorious Lion.'
|Palgyi Wangchuk of Kharchen (mkhar
chen dpal gyi dbang phyug). In the Sanglingma biography
he is the father of Yeshe Tsogyal; elsewhere he is described as
her brother, a close disciple of Padmasambhava who attained siddhi
through the practice of Vajra Kilaya. Palgyi Wangchuk means 'Resplendent
|Palgyi Wangchuk of O-dren ('o
dran dpal gyi dbang phyug). A great scholar and tantrika,
he attained siddhi through practicing Guru Drakpo, the wrathful
aspect of Padmasambhava. Palgyi Wangchuk means 'Resplendent Lord.'
|Palgyi Yeshe (dpal gyi ye shes). Born into
the Drogmi clan he was also known as Palgyi Yeshe of Drogmi. He
was an adept translator and rendered numerous sutras and tantras
into Tibetan including the Tantra of the Mother Deities Mamo. He
received the transmission of the Mother Deities, from Padmasambhava
and became an accomplished mantrika.
|Palgyi Yeshe of Lang (rlangs dpal gyi ye she).
One of the first Tibetans to take ordination. He received also transmission
from Hungkara in India but
died on the way back.
|Palgyi Yeshe of Sogpo (sog
po dpal gyi ye shes). Disciple of Padmasambhava and Jnana
Kumara of Nyag. Palgyi Yeshe means 'Glorious Wisdom.'
|Pal-yang (dpal dbyangs). A Tibetan translator
predicted by Padmasambhava. The first monk ordained by Khenpo
Bodhisattva. He is also known as Ratna of Ba (sba ratna).
|Pandita (mkhas pa).
A learned master, scholar or professor in Buddhist philosophy.
|Paramita (pha rol
tu phyin pa). Literally, 'paramita' means 'reaching the other
shore.' Particularly, it means transcending concepts of subject,
object and action. The Paramita vehicle
(phar phyin gyi theg pa) is the Mahayana system of
the gradual path through the five paths and ten bhumis according
to the Prajnaparamita scriptures. See also 'six paramitas.'
|Parinirvana (yongs su mya ngan las 'das pa).
'Completely passing beyond suffering.' 1) The final entry into nirvana.
2) Honorific term for the passing away of a buddha or a fully accomplished
|Path of accumulation (tshogs
lam). The first of the five paths which forms the foundation
for the journey towards liberation and involves gathering a vast
accumulation of merit dedicated towards this attainment. On this
path one gains an intellectual and conceptual understanding of egolessness
through learning and reflection. By means of cultivating the four
applications of mindfulness, the four right endeavors, and the four
legs of miraculous action, one succeeds in eliminating the gross
defilements that cause samsaric suffering and in attaining the virtuous
qualities of the superknowledges and the 'samadhi of the stream
of Dharma' leading to the path of joining.
|Path of consummation (thar
phyin pa'i lam). The fifth of the five paths and the state
of complete and perfect enlightenment.
|Path of cultivation (sgom
lam). The fourth of the five paths on which one cultivates
and trains in the higher practices of a bodhisattva, especially
the eight aspects of the path of noble beings.
|Path of liberation (grol lam). 1) When related
to the 'path of ripening' it refers to the practice of the oral
instructions of one's personal vajra master. 2) When related to
the 'path of means' it refers to the practice of sustaining the
natural state of mind; Mahamudra or Dzogchen.
|Path of ripening (smin lam). The process of
receiving the four empowerments.
|Path of seeing (mthong
lam). The third of the five paths which is the attainment
of the first bhumi, liberation from samsara and realization of the
truth of reality.
|Path of training (slob pa'i lam). The first
four of the five paths. The fifth is also called the 'path beyond
training' and corresponds to perfect buddhahood.
See under 'five paths.'
|Patra (pa tra). A brick ornamented with flourishes.
A gold patra possibly weighs several kilos.
|Pearl Crystal Cave of Pama (Juniper) Ridge (mu
tig shel gyi spa ma gangs). This is the practice cave of Guru Rinpoche
where he gave many of the Instructions found in Dakini
Teachings and Advice
from the Lotus-Born.
|Pema Ledrel Tsal (padma
las 'brel rtsal) (1291-1315). The reincarnation of Pema Sal,
the daughter of King Trisong Deutsen. The revealer of the Dzogchen
teachings of Guru Rinpoche renowned as Khandro Nyingtig.
His immediate rebirth was as Longchenpa. Pema Ledrel Tsal means
'Lotus Power of Karmic Link.'
|Pema Sal, Princess (lha
lcam padma sal). The daughter of King Trisong Deutsen, to
whom Padmasambhava entrusted his own lineage of the Great Perfection
known as Khandro Nyingtig. She died at an early age, after
which Padmasambhava miraculously called her back to life. When her
father asked why someone with the great merit to be both a princess
and a disciple of the Lotus-Born master had to die while still a
child, Padmasambhava told the story of how she had been a bee who
stung one of the four brothers during the completion of the Great
Stupa of Boudhanath. Pema Sal means 'Radiant Lotus.'
mched). A state of meditative absorption, possibly lasting
many aeons. See under 'Formless Realms.'
(mtshan nyid kyi theg pa). A collective
name for Hinayana and Mahayana; includes the three vehicles for
shravakas, pratyekabuddhas, and bodhisattvas.
|Phonya (pho nya). 1) Messenger, emissary.
2) Spiritual consort in Vajrayana practice.
|Pointing-out instruction (ngo
sprod). The direct introduction to the nature of mind. A
root guru is the master who gives the 'pointing-out instruction'
so that the disciple recognizes the nature of mind.
|Postmeditation (rjes thob). Generally, the
period of being involved in sense perceptions and daily activities.
Specifically, the period of being distracted from the natural state
|Potala (gru 'dzin). The pure land of Avalokiteshvara.
(glang po'i od). Same as Prahasti.
po'i od, Skt. Prabhahasti).
'Radiant Elephant.' Among the Eight Vidyadharas
the receiver of the transmission of the tantras of Kilaya Activity.
|Prajna and upaya (thabs
dang shes rab). Prajna is knowledge or intelligence; in particular,
the knowledge of realizing egolessness. Upaya is the method or technique
that brings about realization. See also under 'means and knowledge.'
|Prajnaparamita (shes rab kyi pha rol tu phyin
pa). 'Transcendent knowledge.' The Mahayana teachings on insight
into emptiness, transcending the fixation of subject, object and
action. Associated with the Second Turning of the Wheel of Dharma.
|Prana (rlung). The 'winds' or energy-currents
of the body.
sems). Prana here is the 'wind of karma' and 'mind' the dualistic
consciousness of an unenlightened being. These two are closely related.
rgyal, rang sangs rgyas). 'Solitarily Enlightened One.' A
Hinayana Arhant who attains Nirvana chiefly through contemplation
on the twelve links of dependent origination in reverse order, without
needing teachings in that lifetime. He lacks the complete realization
of a buddha and so cannot benefit limitless sentient beings as a
|Precious human body (mi lus rin po che). Comprised
of the eight freedoms and ten riches. The freedoms are to avoid
rebirth in the eight unfree states: three lower realms, a long-living
god, having wrong views, a savage, a mute, or born in an age without
buddhas. The riches are five from oneself and ten from others. The
five riches from oneself are: to be a human, centrally born, with
intact sense powers, having unperverted livelihood and faith in
the right place. The five riches from others are: a buddha appeared
and he taught the Dharma, the teachings remain and have followers
and (teachers) who compassionately benefit others.
'gro). The general outer preliminaries are the Four Mind
Changings: reflections on precious human body, impermanence and
death, cause and effect of karma, and the shortcomings of samsaric
existence. The special inner preliminaries are the Four Times Hundred
Thousand Practices of refuge and bodhichitta, Vajrasattva recitation,
mandala offering, and guru yoga. See Torch of Certainty (Shambhala
Publications), and The Great Gate (Rangjung Yeshe Publications).
|Prince Murub (lha
sras mu rub). The second son of King Trisong Deutsen.
|Prince Virtuous Protector (lha sras dge mgon).
The youngest son of Trisong Deutsen also known as Murub Tseypo.
|Protectors (srung ma). See 'Dharma protector.'
|Pure Abodes (gnas
gtsang ma). The five highest heavens among the 17 abodes
of the Realms of Form. They are called 'pure' because only noble
beings, achievers of the path of seeing, can take birth there. Rebirth
here is caused by a pure training in the fourth dhyana depending
upon whether this cultivation is lesser, medium, great, greater,
or extremely great.
|Pure perception (dag
snang). The Vajrayana principle of regarding the environment
as a buddhafield, self and others as deities, sounds as mantras,
and thoughts as the display of wisdom.
|Rahula (gza'). One of the eight classes of
gods and demons.
|Raksha (srin po). One of the eight classes
of gods and demons. Also the cannibal savages inhabiting the southwestern
continent of Chamara. At times 'raksha' refers to the unruly and
untamed expression of ignorance and disturbing emotions.
|Ralpachen (ral pa can). (815-841) or (866-901).
The third great Dharma King of Tibet. He supported the standardization
of new grammar and vocabulary for translation and the revision of
old translations. He renewed old centers for learning and practice
and invited many Buddhist scholars to Tibet. He was renowned for
his devotion to the Dharma and is regarded as an incarnation of
|Ramochey (ra mo che). One of two important
temples in Lhasa housing the statue of Buddha Shakyamuni brought
to Tibet by the queens of King Songtsen
|Rampant Elephant Tantra (glang po che rab
'bog gi rgyud). A Mahayoga scripture. A tantra of this title is
found in Vol. DZA of the Nyingma
|Rangnang / personal experience (rang snang). Exemplified by the dream experience,
this term is sometimes translated as 'one's own projection' or 'self-display.'
|Ratna (rin chen, dkon mchog). Jewel; precious.
|Realms of Desire ('dod
khams). Comprised of the abodes of hell beings, hungry ghosts,
animals, humans, asuras, and the gods of the six abodes of Desire
gods. It is called 'desire realm' because the beings there are tormented
by the mental pain of desire and attachment to material substance.
|Realms of Form (gzugs
khams). Seventeen samsaric heavenly abodes consisting of
the threefold four Dhyana Realms and the five Pure Abodes. A subtle
divine state of samsaric existence between the desire realm and
the formless realm, where sense of smell, sense of taste and sexual
organs are absent. The beings there have bodies of light, long lives
and no painful sensations. Unwholesome mental factors such as attachment
|Red Rock (brag dmar). The location of the
temple complex of Samye. The mountain slope behind Samye is of a
bright red color.
vehicles ('bras bu'i theg pa).
The Vajrayana system of taking fruition as the path by regarding
buddhahood as inherently present and the path as the act of uncovering
the basic state. Same as Vajrayana. For details, see 'causal and
Godem (rig 'dzin rgod kyi ldem
phru can). Alias Ngodrub Gyaltsen (dngos
grub rgyal mtshan), (1337-1408). The great treasure revealer
of the Jangter Tradition.
Gokyi Demtru Chen (rig 'dzin rgod
kyi ldem phru can). Same as 'Rigdzin Godem.'
|Rinchen Chok of Ma (rma
rin chen mchog). Early Tibetan translator, among the first
seven Tibetans to take ordination from Shantarakshita
and the chief recipient of the Magical Net of Mahayoga. He is known
for translating the Essence of Secrets Guhyagarbha Tantra, the chief
tantra of Mahayoga. Through the teachings he received from Padmasambhava
he attained the level of a vidyadhara. Rinchen Chok means 'Sublime
(rin chen gter mdzod chen mo). 'The Great Treasury of Precious
|Ripening and liberation (smin
grol). Two vital parts of Vajrayana practice: the empowerments
which ripen one's being with the capacity to realize the four kayas
and the liberating oral instructions enabling one to actually apply
the insight introduced through the empowerments.
|Rishi (drang srong). 1) 'Seer', inspired Vedic
sage, Brahmanical ascetic with magical powers. 2) Title for someone
has attained the power of truthful speech so that whatever he says
|Roaring Lion (seng ge sgra grogs). Senge Dradrog.
One of Padmasambhava's eight manifestations.
|Rombuguhya Devachandra (Skt., lha'i zla ba).
One of the Eight Vidyadharas, receiver
of the transmission of Mundane Worship; born in Uddiyana.
|Rongzompa, Rongzom Pandita, Chokyi Sangpo
(rong zom pa chos kyi bzang po). (1012-1088). Together
with Longchenpa, he is regarded as the Nyingma scholar of outstanding
|Root Tantra of the Assemblage
of Sugatas (bde gshegs 'dus pa rtsa ba'i rgyud). Tantra
belonging to the Sadhana Section of Mahayoga found in Vol. OM and
AH of the Nyingma Gyubum.
See also Assemblage of Sugatas.
|Roots of virtue (dge
ba'i rtsa ba). A good deed; a moment of renunciation, compassion,
or faith. Virtuous deeds created in the present or in former lives.
|Sacred commitment (dam tshig, Skt. samaya).
|Sacred Great Perfection (bka' rdzogs pa chen
po). See Dzogchen, Ati Yoga, and Great Perfection.
|Sacred Incantation (gzungs, Skt. dharani).
A particular type of mantra, usually quite long.
|Sacred Peace Deity Tantra (zhi ba dam pa lha'i
rgyud). One of the Eighteen Mahayoga Tantras. In the Golden Garland
Chronicles this same text is named Peaceful Vajradhatu Tantra (zhi
ba rdo rje dbyings kyi rgyud).
|Saddharma Pundarika Sutra (dam chos pad-ma
dkar po'i mdo). 'The Sutra of the White Lotus of the Sacred Dharma.'
Famous Mahayana scripture.
|Sadhana (sgrub thabs).
'Means of accomplishment.' Tantric liturgy and procedure for practice
usually emphasizing the development stage. The typical sadhana structure
involves a preliminary part including the taking of refuge and arousing
bodhichitta, a main part involving visualization of a buddha and
recitation of the mantra, and a concluding part with dedication
of merit to all sentient beings.
|Sadhana Section (sgrub sde). One of the two
major aspects of Mahayoga scriptures, the other being the Tantra
Section. See also 'Assemblage of Sugatas' or Mahayoga.
|Saha World (mi mjed
kyi 'jig rten) Our known world system; the 'World of Endurance,'
because the sentient beings here endure unbearable suffering. Saha
can also mean 'Undivided' because the karmas and disturbing emotions,
causes and effects, are not separately divided or differentiated.
|Saha world-system (mi mjed kyi 'jig rten gyi
khams). The name of our present world system. Saha means 'enduring'
because the sentient beings here endure unbearable suffering.
|Samadhi (ting nge
'dzin). 'Adhering to the continuity of evenness.' A state
of undistracted concentration or meditative absorption which in
the context of Vajrayana can refer to either the development stage
or the completion stage.
tu bzang po). The 'Ever-excellent One.' 1) The primordial dharmakaya buddha.
2) The bodhisattva Samantabhadra used as the example for the perfection
of increasing an offering infinitely.
|Samantabhadri (kun tu bzang mo). See under
|Samaya (dam tshig).
The sacred pledges, precepts or commitments of Vajrayana practice.
Samayas essentially consist of outwardly, maintaining harmonious
relationship with the vajra master and one's Dharma friends and,
inwardly, not straying from the continuity of the practice. At the
end of a chapter, the single word 'samaya' is an oath that confirms
that what has been stated is true.
spyod rdzogs pa'i sku). The 'body of perfect enjoyment.'
In the context of the 'five kayas of fruition,' sambhogakaya is
the semi-manifest form of the buddhas endowed with the 'five perfections'
of perfect teacher, retinue, place, teaching and time which is perceptible
only to bodhisattvas on the ten levels.
|Sambhogakaya Great Compassion (longs sku thugs
rje chen po). Same as Avalokiteshvara.
|Samsara ('khor ba). 'Cyclic existence,' 'vicious
circle' or 'round' of birth and death and rebirth within the six
realms of existence, characterized by suffering, impermanence, and
ignorance. The state of ordinary sentient beings fettered by ignorance
and dualistic perception, karma and disturbing emotions. Ordinary
reality, an endless cycle of frustration and suffering generated
as the result of karma.
|Samsaric ('khor ba'i). Of or pertaining to
samsara; worldly, mundane, profane.
|Samye (bsam yas).
The wondrous temple complex, modeled after the Indian monastery
Odantapuri, built by King Trisong Deutsen (790-844) and consecrated
by Guru Rinpoche in 814. A major center of the early transmission
of Buddhism in Tibet. It is situated in Central Tibet close to Lhasa.
It is also known as Glorious Temple of Samye, the Unchanging and
Spontaneously Fulfillment of Boundless Wishes. Its three stories
are of Indian, Chinese and Tibetan designs. See The
|Samye Chimphu (bsam
yas chims phu). The sacred place of Padmasambhava's speech.
A mountain retreat situated four hours walk above Samye. During
the last twelve centuries numerous great masters have meditated
in the caves at this hermitage.
|Sandal Grove charnel ground (tsan dan tshal
gyi dur khrod). The Golden Garland Chronicles (p. 179) describes
this place as: 'The eminent celestial sacred place of the vidyadharas,
the wild jungle which is a crossroad on the secret path of great
bliss.' It is also counted among the traditional Eight Charnel Grounds.
|Sangha (dge 'dun). The community of practitioners;
usually the fully ordained monks and nuns. The Noble Sangha means
those who have achieved the path of seeing among the five paths
and therefore are liberated from samsara.
(zangs gling ma). The name of the text used for this translation
of Padmasambhava's life story. See Translator's Preface.
Lingpa (sangs rgyas gling pa). (1340-1396). A reincarnation of the second son of King Trisong
Deutsen; a major terton and revealer of the Lama
Gongdu cycle in 13 volumes.
Yeshe of Nub (gnubs sangs rgyas
ye shes). One of the twenty-five
disciples of Padmasambhava, he was the chief recipient of the
Anu Yoga teachings.
|Sarma Schools (gsar ma). 'New Schools.' The
New Schools are Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug as well as Shijey and Cho,
Jordruk, Shangpa Kagyu, and Nyendrup (the Kalachakra system).
|Sarvabuddha Samayoga (sangs rgyas mnyam sbyor).
'Equalizing Buddhahood.' A Mahayoga scripture. Three tantras of
this name are found in Vol. MA of the Nyingma
Gyubum. Sometimes counted among the Eighteen Mahayoga Tantras
as the tantra of enlightened body.
|Scripture (mdo, lung). In the context of this
book, a scripture belonging to the category of Anu Yoga or Ati Yoga.
|Scripture in Eight Chapters (lung bam po brgyad
pa). One of the Eighteen Mahayoga Tantras. Vol. LA of the Nyingma
|Scripture of the Embodiment of the Realization
of All Buddhas. (sangs rgyas thams cad dgongs pa 'dus pa'i mdo).
The Anu Yoga scripture renowned as 'Gongdu'.
|Scriptures and realization (lung dang rtogs
pa). Authoritative scriptures and the realization of the Dharma
in the minds of noble beings.
|Secret Mantra (gsang
sngags, Skt. guhyamantra). Synonymous with Vajrayana or tantric teachings. 'Guhya' means
secret, both concealed and self-secret. 'Mantra' in this context
means eminent, excellent, or praiseworthy.
|Secret Mantra of the Early Translations (gsang
sngags snga 'gyur). The Vajrayana system of the Nyingma School the
emphasis of which is on the Three Inner Tantras: Mahayoga, Anu Yoga
and Ati Yoga. According to Jamgon Kongtrul, the chief scriptures
are the Magical Net of Mahayoga, the Embodiment of Realization of
Anu Yoga, and the Dzogchen tantras of the Mind Section and Space
Section. These are adorned with the Eight
Sadhana Teachings while the vital life force is the Instruction
Section of Dzogchen, the extract of the realization of Padmasambhava
and Vimalamitra which is
contained in the collection renowned as Nyingtig
Yabshi. See also Three Inner Tantras and Nyingma School.
|Secret Moon Essence (zla gsang thig le). A
Mahayoga scripture. Vol. MA of the Nyingma
Gyubum. Sometimes counted among the Eighteen Mahayoga Tantras
as the tantra of enlightened speech.
bzhin). An inherently existent and independent entity of
the individual self or of phenomena.
|Self-existing wisdom (rang byung ye shes).
Basic wakefulness that is independent of intellectual constructs.
bzhin). See 'Self-entity.'
|Sengchen Namtrak (seng
chen nams brag). One of the 25 sacred places of Kham opened by Chokgyur Lingpa.
Sengchen Namtrak means 'Great Lion Sky Cliff.'
|Sense bases (skye
mched). The twelve sense factors are the organs of eye, ear,
nose, tongue, body and mind consciousness as well as their corresponding
objects which are visual form, sound, smell, taste, texture, and
|Sentient being (sems can). Any living being
in one of the six realms who has not attained liberation.
|Serenity of cessation ('gog
pa'i snyoms 'jug). The meditative state entered by an arhant
after all disturbing emotions, sensations and thinking have ceased.
It is not considered the ultimate goal by the Mahayana schools.
|Seven aspects of union (kha sbyor yan lag
bdun). The seven qualities of a sambhogakaya buddha: complete enjoyment,
union, great bliss, absence of a self-nature, presence of compassion,
being uninterrupted, and being unceasing.
|Seven golden mountains (gser ri bdun). According
to the cosmology of the Abhidharma, seven circles of mountains surrounding
Mount Sumeru in the center of our universe.
|Seven Line Supplication (tshig
bdun gsol 'debs). The famous supplication to Padmasambhava
beginning with "On the northwest border of the country of Uddiyana,
|Seven precious substances (rin chen bdun).
Ruby, sapphire, lapis, emerald, diamond, pearl and coral. Sometimes
the list includes gold, silver, and crystal.
|Seven ways of transmission (bka'
babs bdun). Canonical or oral lineage, revealed treasure,
rediscovered treasure, mind treasure, recollection, pure vision
and hearing lineage.
|Sevenfold purity (dag
pa bdun). Same as the seven branches: Prostrating, making
offerings, confessing, rejoicing, requesting to turn the Wheel of
the Dharma, beseeching not to pass into nirvana, and dedicating
the merit for the welfare of all beings.
|Shakputri (Skt.). The son of King Jah and
lineage holder of both Mahayoga and Anu Yoga. He is also known as
Indrabhuti the Younger and Master Lawapa.
|Shakya (Skt.). The name of the family clan
into which Buddha Shakyamuni was born. practitioners are often given
Shakya as a part of their Buddhist name.
|Shakya Senge (sha kya seng ge). One of the
eight manifestations of Padmasambhava.
|Shakyadevi (Skt.). The daughter of the Nepalese
king Punyedhara. She is one of the five chief female disciples of
Padmasambhava. Since her mother died during her birth, she was abandoned
in a charnel ground and brought up by monkeys. Having been accepted
as Padmasambhava's worthy companion, she was his consort for the
practice of the nine divinities of Vishuddha in the Cave of Yanglesho
where they displayed the manner of achieving the vidyadhara level
of mahamudra. Shakyadevi attained the accomplishment of the female
buddha Mamaki and finally achieved the indestructible rainbow body.
|Shakyamuni (sha kya thub pa). 'The Sage of
the Shakyas,' Buddha Shakyamuni, our historical buddha.
|Shamanism (bon 'gyer). In this book the term
has the negative connotation of rituals performed for selfish or
superficial mundane aims.
|Shamatha (zhi gnas)
'calm abiding' or 'remaining in quiescence' after thought activity
has subsided; or, the meditative practice of calming the mind in
order to rest free from the disturbance of thought.
(zhi ba 'tsho). The Indian
pandita and abbot of Vikramashila and of Samye who ordained the
first Tibetan monks.
|Shintam Garbha (Skt.,
zhi ba'i snying po). One of the Eight
Vidyadharas, receiver of the transmission of Maledictory Fierce
Mantra. Born in Uddiyana and reputed to have visited Tibet and participated
in the consecration of the Samye Temple.
|Shramana (dge sbyong).
A spiritual practitioner. Often has the connotation of an ascetic
or mendicant monk.
|Shravaka (nyan thos).
'Hearer' or 'listener.' Hinayana practitioner of the First Turning
of the Wheel of the Dharma on the four noble truths who realizes
the suffering inherent in samsara, and focuses on understanding
that there is no independent self. By conquering disturbing emotions,
he liberates himself, attaining first the stage of Stream Enterer
at the Path of Seeing, followed by the stage of Once-Returner who
will be reborn only one more time, and the stage of Non-returner
who will no longer be reborn into samsara. The final goal is to
become an Arhant. These four stages are also known as the 'four
results of spiritual practice.'
|Shri Guhyasamaja (dpal
gsang ba 'dus pa). Literally, 'Assembly of Secrets.' One of the major tantras
and yidams of the New School.
(Skt). Shri Singha was the chief disciple and successor of Manjushrimitra
in the lineage of the Dzogchen teachings.
|Shurma (shur ma).
A Tibetan script, half way between printed and written script.
|Siddha (grub thob). 'Accomplished one.' Someone
who has attained siddhi; an accomplished master.
|Siddhi (dngos grub). See Accomplishment.
|Sign language of dakinis (mkha' 'gro'i brda
yig). The secret script of the female spiritual beings which can
only be decoded by accomplished masters.
Red or deep orange substance often used in tantric rituals.
|Singala (Skt.). The land where the Anu Yoga
|Singharaja of Ruley (ru le sim ha ra dza).
One of the first Tibetans to take ordination who received transmission
from Hungkara in India.
Also known as Viryaraja of Ru-yong.
|Single Form (phyag rgya rkyang pa). Sadhana
text of Mahayoga composed by Padmasambhava. The title refers to
the sadhana practice of a single deity without a retinue.
|Single Syllable (yi ge gcig ma). A Mahayana
sutra. Refers to the letter A, the syllable symbolizing the nonarising
nature of emptiness.
|Six classes of beings ('gro
ba rigs drug). Gods, demigods, human beings, animals, hungry
ghosts, and hell beings.
|Six classes of sentient beings ('gro ba rigs
drug). Gods, demigods, human beings, animals, hungry ghosts, and
|Six limits (mtha'
drug). The views of the expedient and definitive meaning,
the implied and the not implied, the literal and the not literal.
Together with the 'four modes' they form the indispensable keys
for unlocking the meaning of the tantras.
|Six limits of Secret Mantra (gsang sngags
kyi mtha' drug). The views of the expedient and definitive meaning,
the implied and the not implied, the literal and the not literal.
|Six paramitas (phar
phyin drug). The six transcendent actions of generosity,
discipline, patience, diligence, concentration, and discriminating
|Six Secret Sections (gsang ba sde drug). Listed
in Chapter 12. The five first are found in the most common list
of the Eighteen Mahayoga Tantras.
|Six superknowledges (mngon
par shes pa drug). The capacities for performing miracles,
divine sight, divine hearing, recollection of former lives, cognition
of the minds of others, and the cognition of the exhaustion of defilements.
|Sixty-eight Crescents (zla gam drug cu rtsa
brgyad). Name of a mandala connected to the teachings of Vishuddha
|Skillful Lasso (thabs kyi zhags pa). Also
known as Concise Lotus Garland (pad mo phreng ba'i don bsdus pa),
this scripture functions as a support for rituals to attain accomplishment.
See Eighteen Mahayoga Tantras.
|Sky Treasury Consecration Tantra (nam mkha'
mdzod byin rlabs kyi rgyud). The word sky treasury has the connotation
of inexhaustible wealth.
Gampo (srong btsan sgam po). (569-650) or (617-650). The
king of Tibet in the seventh century Tibetan who prepared the way
for transmission of the teachings.
|Stream-of-being (rgyud, sems rgyud). The individual
continuity of cognition in an individual sentient being.
|Stupa (mchod rten). A dome-shaped monument
housing relics of the Buddha or an accomplished master. The shape
of the stupa embodies an elaborate symbolism.
|Subjugating mantras (drag snags). Mantras
of wrathful deities.
|Subsequent True Enlightenment Tantra (phyi
ma mngon par byang chub pa'i rgyud). Tantra belonging to the Sadhana
Section of Mahayoga. found in Vol OM of the Nyingma
|Suchness (de bzhin nyid, Skt. tattva). Synonym
for emptiness or the 'nature of things,' dharmata, it can also be
used to describe the unity of dependent origination and emptiness.
|Sugata (bde bar gshegs pa). 'Blissfully gone.'
1) The historical Buddha Shakyamuni. 2) Any fully enlightened being.
|Sukhavati (bde ba
can). 'Blissful Realm.' The pure realm of Buddha Amitabha.
See 'Blissful Realm.'
|Superknowledge (mngon shes). Divine sight,
divine hearing, recollection of former lives, cognition of the minds
of others, capacity for performing miracles, and, in the case of
accomplished practitioners, the 'cognition of the exhaustion of
|Supportive rituals (zhabs brten). Rituals
performed to remove obstacles for life and health.
|Supramundane Scripture ('jig rten las 'das
pa'i mdo). One of the Eighteen Mahayoga Tantras; focused on Vishuddha
Mind. Vol. RA in the Nyingma
|Supreme Hundred Families (dam pa rigs brgya).
Name of a sadhana text composed by Guru Rinpoche focused on the
hundred peaceful and wrathful deities.
|Supreme Steed Display Root Tantra (rta mchog
rol pa rtsa ba'i rgyud). Tantra belonging to the Sadhana Section
of Mahayoga. Two versions are found in Vol. HA of Nyingma
|Supreme vidyadhara level of mahamudra (phyag
rgya chen po mchog gi rig 'dzin). 1) Supreme enlightenment. 2) The
third of the four vidyadhara levels. See 'vidyadhara level of mahamudra.'
|Sutra (mdo, mdo
sde). 1) A discourse by or inspired by the Buddha. 2) A scripture
of the Sutra pitaka within the Tripitaka. 3) All exoteric teachings
of Buddhism belonging to Hinayana and Mahayana, the causal teachings
that regard the path as the cause of enlightenment, as opposed to
the esoteric, tantric teachings.
|Sutra and Mantra (mdo sngags). Sutra refers
to the teachings of both Hinayana and Mahayana. Mantra refers to
Vajrayana. Sutra means taking the cause as path. Tantra means taking
the result as path.
|Sutra on the Furtherance of Virtue (mdo dge rgyas).
|Sutra Pitaka (mdo'i
sde snod). See under 'Sutra.'
|Sutra Requested by Unending Intelligence (blo gros mi zad pas zhus pa'i mdo).
|Swift feet (rkang mgyogs). The yogic art of
being able to walk extremely fast, covering a huge distance in a
short time, through control over the inner currents of energy.
|Tamer of All Haughty Spirits (dregs pa kun
'dul). The chief figure in the mandala of Mundane Worship.
|Tanagana (sbyor sgrol). The Vajrayana practice
of 'union and liberation:' liberating ignorance and disturbing emotions
by uniting with the wisdom of the enlightened state.
|Tanglha (thang lha). See Nyenchen Tanglha.
The Vajrayana teachings given by the Buddha in his sambhogakaya
form. The real sense of tantra is 'continuity,' the innate buddha
nature, which is known as the 'tantra of the expressed meaning.'
The general sense of tantra is the extraordinary tantric scriptures
also known as the 'tantra of the expressing words.' Can also refer
to all the resultant teachings of Vajrayana as a whole.
|Tantra of Taming Haughty Spirits (dregs pa
'dul ba'i rgyud). Tantra belonging to the Sadhana Section of Mahayoga;
focused on the section of Mundane Worship.
|Tantra of Taming the Elemental Forces ('byung
po 'dul byed kyi rgyud). A tantra belonging to Kriya Yoga.
|Tantra of the Four Vajra Thrones (rdo rje
gdan bzhi'i rgyud). A Mahayoga scripture. Possibly identical with
the Catuhpitha (gdan bzhi) which is included among the tantras in
|Tantra of the General Accomplishment of Knowledge
Mantras (rig sngags spyi'i sgrub lugs kyi rgyud). One of the
Eighteen Mahayoga Tantras. Also named Galpo Dupa (gal po bsdus pa).
|Tantra of the Immaculate King of Confession
(dri med bshags rgyud kyi rgyal po).
|Tantra of the Magical Net of Vajrasattva (rdo
rje sems dpa' sgyu 'phrul dra ba'i rgyud). Same as Essence of Secrets,
|Tantra Section (rgyud sde). One of the two
divisions of Mahayana. The Mahayoga tantras appeared in this world
when revealed by Vajrasattva and the Lord of Secrets to King Jah,
the ruler of Zahor, who was born 112 years after Buddha's nirvana.
Some of the contemporary lineage holders were Uparaja, Kukuraja,
Vimalakirti, and Jnanamitra. Subsequent masters were Shakputri,
the regent and son of King Jah, King Jah's daughter Gomadevi, Singaraja,
Lilavajra, Buddhaguhya and Vajrahasya. The following generation
of lineage holders were Bhashita, Prabhahasti,
and Padmasambhava, the latter of whom also received the tantras
directly from King Jah.
|Tantras, scriptures and instructions (rgyud
lung man ngag). The teachings of Mahayoga, Anu Yoga, and Ati Yoga
|Tantric (rgyud kyi, sngags kyi). Of or pertaining
|Tantrika (sngags pa). 'Tantric practitioner,'
ngakpa. A person who has received empowerment, continues sadhana
practice and keeps the sacred commitments. In particular, an adept
follower of Mahayoga Tantra.
|Tara Goddess (sgrol ma lha mo). 'Divine Savioress.'
A important female bodhisattva of compassion, the one who takes
beings across the ocean of samsara. There are twenty-one forms of
Tara while the most popular are the white and green Taras.
|Tarpaling in Bumtang ('bum
thang thar pa gling). Temple in eastern Bhutan founded by
|Tathagata (de bzhin gshegs pa). 'Thus-gone.'
Same as a fully enlightened buddha.
|Tatvasamgraha Root Tantra (rtsa ba'i rgyud
de kho na nyid bsdus pa). One the Four Major Sections of Yoga Tantra.
|Tawa Long-yang (lta
ba klong yangs). A treasure cycle of the Father Tantra aspect
of the Great Perfection revealed by Dorje
Lingpa (1346-1405). Tawa Long-yang means 'Vast Expanse of the
|Ten nonvirtues (mi
dge ba bcu). The physical misdeeds are killing, taking what
is not given, and engaging in sexual misconduct. The verbal misdeeds
are lying, uttering divisive talk, harsh words, and gossiping. The
mental misdeeds are harboring covetousness, ill-will, and wrong
|Ten spiritual activities (chos
spyod bcu). Copying scriptures, making offerings, giving
alms, listening to discourses, memorizing, reading, expounding,
reciting, reflecting upon and training in the meaning of the Dharma.
|Ten topics of tantra (rgyud
kyi dngos po bcu). View, conduct, mandala, empowerment, samaya,
activity, accomplishment, samadhi, offering puja, mantra and mudra.
These are the ten aspects of the path of a tantric practitioner,
as well as the ten primary topics to be explained.
|Ten virtues (dge
ba bcu). Generally, to refrain from the ten nonvirtues. In
particular, to engage in their opposites; for example, to save life,
be generous, etc.
|Tengam (rten gam).
Room of box of sacred objects.
|Tenma Goddesses or Twelve Tenma Goddesses
(brtan ma bcu gnyis). Important female protectors
of the Nyingma lineage, semi-mundane semi-wisdom protectors. See
Twelve Tenma Goddesses.
|Tenth Day Practice in Eight Chapters (tshe bcu le'u brgyad pa).
|Terma (gter ma).
'Treasure.' 1) The transmission through concealed treasures hidden,
mainly by Guru Rinpoche and Yeshe Tsogyal, to be discovered at the
proper time by a 'terton,' a treasure revealer, for the benefit
of future disciples. It is one of the two chief traditions of the
Nyingma School, the other being 'Kama.' This tradition is said to
continue even long after the Vinaya of the Buddha has disappeared.
2) Concealed treasures of many different kinds, including texts,
ritual objects, relics, and natural objects.
|Terma treasures (gter ma). See Terma.
|Terton (gter ston). A revealer of hidden treasures,
concealed mainly by Guru Rinpoche and Yeshe Tsogyal.
|Terton (gter ston).
A revealer of hidden treasures, concealed mainly by Guru Rinpoche
and Yeshe Tsogyal.
|Testament of Padma (padma'i
bka' chems). Revealed by the great terton Nyang Ral, and
presumably identical with the medium-length version of the Sanglingma
biography of Padmasambhava, an English translation of which is published
as The Lotus-Born (Shambhala Publications, 1993).
|Thread-cross (mdos). A tantric ritual involving
structures of sticks with colored yarn used to appease mundane spirits.
|Three doors (sgo
gsum). Body, speech and mind; thought, word and deed.
Inner Tantras (nang rgyud sde gsum). Mahayoga, Anu Yoga,
and Ati Yoga.
|Three Jewels (dkon
mchog gsum). The Precious Buddha, the Precious Dharma and
the Precious Sangha. In The Light of Wisdom (Shambhala Publ.),
Jamgon Kongtrul explains: "The Buddha is the nature of the
four kayas and five wisdoms endowed with the twofold purity and
the perfection of the twofold welfare. The Dharma is what is expressed,
the unconditioned truth of total purification comprised of cessation
and path, and that which expresses, the two aspects of statement
and realization appearing as the names, words and letters of the
teachings. The Sangha consists of the actual Sangha, the sons of
the victorious ones abiding on the noble bhumis who are endowed
with the qualities of wisdom and liberation, and the resembling
Sangha who are on the paths of accumulation and joining as well
as the noble shravakas and pratyekabuddhas."
|Three kayas (sku
gsum). Dharmakaya, sambhogakaya and nirmanakaya. The three
kayas as ground are 'essence, nature, and expression,' as path they
are 'bliss, clarity and nonthought,' and as fruition they are the
'three kayas of buddhahood.' The three kayas of buddhahood are the
dharmakaya which is free from elaborate constructs and endowed with
the 'twenty-one sets of enlightened qualities;' the sambhogakaya
which is of the nature of light and endowed with the perfect major
and minor marks perceptible only to bodhisattvas on the levels;
and the nirmanakaya which manifests in forms perceptible to both
pure and impure beings.In the context of The
Lotus-Born, the three kayas are sometimes Buddha Amitabha, Avalokiteshvara,
|Three realms (khams gsum). The samsaric realms
of Desire, Form and Formlessness.
|Three roots (rtsa
ba gsum). Guru, Yidam and Dakini. The Guru is the root of
blessings, the Yidam of accomplishment, and the Dakini of activity.
|Three Sections of Dzogchen (rdzogs chen sde
gsum). After Garab Dorje
established the six million four hundred thousand tantras of Dzogchen
in the human world, his chief disciple, Manjushrimitra,
arranged these tantras into three categories: the Mind Section emphasizing
luminosity, the Space Section emphasizing emptiness, and the Instruction
Section emphasizing their inseparability.
|Three sets of vows (sdom
pa gsum). The Hinayana vows of individual liberation, the
Mahayana trainings of a bodhisattva, and the Vajrayana samayas of
a vidyadhara, a tantric practitioner.
|Three trainings (bslab pa gsum). The trainings
of discipline, concentration, and discriminating knowledge.
|Threefold Excellence (dam
pa gsum). The excellent beginning of bodhichitta, the excellent
main part without conceptualization and the excellent conclusion
of dedication. Also called the three excellencies. For a detailed
explanation, see Repeating the Words of the Buddha (Rangjung
|Tidro Cave at Shoto (sho
stod sti sgro). Sacred place of Padmasambhava and Yeshe Tsogyal near Drigung
Til in Central Tibet. Opened by Padmasambhava for future practitioners,
this important pilgrimage site also has hot springs with healing
|Tika (thig le). Essence; sphere.
|Tilaka (thig le). Essence; sphere.
|Torma (gtor ma).
An implement used in tantric ceremonies. Can also refer to a food
offering to protectors of the Dharma or unfortunate spirits.
|Tramen (phra men). Goddesses with human bodies
and animal heads. 'Tramen' means 'hybrid' or 'alloy.'
Precious Termas (rin chen gter
mdzod). See 'Rinchen Terdzo.'
|Tri Ralpachen (khri ral pa can). See Ralpachen.
(sde snod gsum). The three collections
of the teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni: Vinaya, Sutra, and Abhidharma.
|Triple-storied Central Temple (dbu rtse rigs
/ rim gsum). The central structure at the temple complex of Samye.
Deutsen (khri srong de'u btsan).
(790-844) The second great Dharma king of Tibet who invited Guru
Vimalamitra, and many other
Buddhist teachers .
|Troma Nagmo (khros
ma nag mo). A wrathful black form of the female buddha Vajra
Yogini. Troma Nagmo means 'Black Lady of Wrath.'
|Trulnang ('phrul snang). One of two important
temples in Lhasa built by King Songtsen
Gampo and housing a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni.
|Tsangpo (gtsang po, Skt. Brahmaputra). The
river flowing by Samye.
|Tsele Natsok Rangdrol (rtse le sna tshogs
rang grol). (b. 1608) Important master of the Kagyu and Nyingma
schools. He is also the author of Mirror of Mindfulness and Lamp
of Mahamudra, both Shambhala Publications.
|Tsemang of Denma (ldan ma rtse mang). Important
early Tibetan translator of the Tripitaka. Extremely well-versed
in writing, his style of calligraphy is continued to the present
day. Having received transmission of Vajrayana from Padmasambhava,
he had realization and achieved perfect recall. He is said to be
the chief scribe who wrote down many termas including the Assemblage
of Sugatas connected to the Eight Sadhana
A type of evil spirit.
|Tsogyal (mtsho rgyal).
See under 'Yeshe Tsogyal.'
Barchey Kunsel (thugs sgrub bar
chad kun sel). A cycle of teachings revealed by Chokgyur
Lingpa together with Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo consisting of about
ten volumes of texts. Belong to the principle of Guru
Vidyadhara. For details, see foreword to The Great Gate
(Rangjung Yeshe Publ.). Tukdrub means 'Heart practice,' Barchey
Kunsel means 'dispeller of all obstacles.'
Urgyen Rinpoche (sprul sku u rgyan
rin po che). A recent master of the Kagyu and Nyingma lineages,
who lived at Nagi Gompa in Nepal.
|Twelve Kyongma Goddesses (skyong ma bcu gnyis).
Retinue of the Twelve Tenma Goddesses.
|Twelve Tenma Goddesses (brtan ma bcu gnyis).
Important female protectors of the Nyingma lineage, semi-mundane
|Twelve Yama Goddesses (ya ma bcu gnyis). Retinue
of the Twelve Tenma Goddesses.
|Twelvefold Kilaya Tantra (ki la ya bcu gnyis).
Tantra belonging to the Sadhana Section of Mahayoga. Tantras with
similar titles are found in Vol. DZA and HA of the Nyingma
|Twenty-eight shvari goddesses (dbang phyug
ma nyer brgyad). Wrathful emanations of the four female gate keepers
among the 42 peaceful deities in the mandala of Magical Net; seven
for each of the four activities.
|Twenty-five tantras (rgyud nyi shu rtsa lnga).
Dzogchen tantras belonging to the Mind Section and possibly also
the Space Section, taught by Shri
Singha to Vairotsana
and Lekdrub. Listed in Chapter Fourteen.
|Two accumulations (tshogs gnyis). The accumulation of merit with concepts
and the accumulation of wisdom beyond concepts.
|Two obscurations (sgrib
gnyis). The obscuration of disturbing emotions and the cognitive
|Two stages (rim gnyis). See 'development stage'
and 'completion stage.'
|Two truths (bden
pa gnyis). Relative truth and ultimate truth. Relative truth
describes the seeming, superficial and apparent mode of all things.
Ultimate truth describes the real, true and unmistaken mode. These
two aspects of reality are defined by the Four Philosophical Schools
as well as the tantras of Vajrayana in different ways, each progressively
deeper and closer to describing things as they are.
|Ubhaya (gnyis ka). 'Both' or 'twin.' The second
of the three outer sections of tantra, usually known as Upa Yoga.
The scriptures appeared first in Mount Jakang Chen and Cool Grove.
The name refers to a combination of two aspects: the conduct of
Kriya Yoga and the view of Yoga Tantra.
|Uddiyana (u rgyan, o rgyan). The country to
the north-west of ancient India where Guru Rinpoche was born on
a lotus flower. The literal meaning of Uddiyana is 'vehicle of flying'
or 'going above and far.' See also 'Orgyen' which is a corruption
of the Indian word.
'Especially eminent' or 'supremely exalted.' This flower is said
to appear and bloom only accompanying the appearance of a fully
|Unified stage of the path of training (slob
pa'i zung 'jug). A high level of accomplishment. Same as the vidyadhara
level of mahamudra.
|Unsurpassable Magical Net (sgyu 'phrul bla
ma). A Mahayoga scripture. Vol. PHA of the Nyingma
|Upa Yoga (Skt.). See Ubhaya Tantra.
|Upasaka (dge bsnyen).
A Buddhist layman, bound by the five vows to avoid killing, stealing,
lying, sexual misconduct, and intoxicating liquor. The Tibetan equivalent,
genyen, means 'pursuer of virtue.'
See 'means and knowledge.'
|Ushnika (gtsug thor) A protuberance which
raises infinitely into space from the top of a buddha's head. It
can be seen only by a bodhisattva who attained the first bhumi.
|Vairochana (rnam par snang mdzad). One of
the five families, the chief buddha of the tathagata family.
(Skt.). The great translator
who lived during the reign of King Trisong Deutsen.
|Vajra (rdo rje). 'Diamond,' 'king of stones.'
As an adjective it means indestructible, invincible, firm etc. The
ultimate vajra is emptiness, the conventional vajra is the ritual
implement of material substance.
|Vajra body (rdo
rje'i lus / sku). The human body, the subtle channels of
which resemble the structure of a vajra.
|Vajra Hell (rdo
rje'i myal ba). The lowest hell of Incessant Pain.
|Vajra Kilaya (rdo rje phur ba). One of the
main yidams of the Nyingma School belonging to the Eight
|Vajra master (rdo rje slob dpon). A tantric
master who is adept in the rituals and meaning of Vajrayana. The
master from whom one receives tantric teaching and empowerment.
Can also refer to the master who presides over a tantric ritual.
|Vajra Seat (rdo
rje gdan, Skt. vajrasana). The 'diamond throne' under the
Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya where Buddha Shakyamuni attained enlightenment.
|Vajra Thotreng Tsal (rdo rje thod phreng rtsal).
'Powerful Vajra Garland of skulls.' One of Padmasambhava's names.
|Vajra Totreng (rdo
rje thod phreng). 'Vajra Garland of skulls.' One of Padmasambhava's
|Vajra Varahi (rdo rje phag mo). A sambhogakaya
manifestation of the female buddha Samantabhadri. She is also one
of the chief yidam deities of the Sarma Schools, as well as a wisdom
rje 'chang). 'Vajra-holder.' The dharmakaya buddha of the
Sarma Schools. Can also refer to one's personal teacher of Vajrayana
or to the all-embracing buddha nature.
|Vajradhatu (rdo rje dbyings). Indestructible
|Vajradhatu Mandala (rdo
rje dbyings kyi dkyil 'khor). An important sadhana of Mahayoga
containing the 42 peaceful deities.
|Vajradhatu Mandala of Peaceful Deities (zhi
ba rdo rje dbyings kyi dkyil 'khor). An important sadhana of Mahayoga.
See also 'Forty-two peaceful deities.'
rje 'dzin pa). 1) Respectful title for an accomplished master.
2) The state of enlightenment.
|Vajrakaya (rdo rje'i
sku). The unchanging quality of the buddha nature. Sometimes
counted among the five kayas of buddhahood.
(phyag na rdo rje). 'Vajra Bearer.'
One of the eight great bodhisattvas and the chief compiler of the
Vajrayana teachings. Also known as 'Lord of Secrets.'
|Vajrasattva (rdo rje sems dpa'). A sambhogakaya
buddha who embodies all of the five or hundred buddha families.
He is also a support for purification practices.
|Vajrayana (rdo rje
theg pa). The 'vajra vehicle.' The practices of taking the
result as the path. Same as 'Secret Mantra,' or resultant
(theg pa). The practice of
a set of teachings which 'carries' one to the level of fruition.
In Buddhism there are mainly three vehicles: Hinayana, Mahayana
pa 'dzin pa). 'Knowledge-holder.' Holder (dhara) or
bearer of knowledge (vidya) mantra. A realized master on
one of the four stages on the tantric path of Mahayoga, the tantric
equivalent of the eleven levels. Another definition is: Bearer of
the profound method, the knowledge which is the wisdom of deity,
mantra and great bliss.
|Vidyadhara Accomplishment Tantra (rig 'dzin
grub pa'i rgyud). One of the Eighteen Mahayoga Tantras. The Golden
Garland Chronicles names this scripture The Tantra of Six Vidyadharas
(rig 'dzin drug pa'i rgyud).
|Vidyadhara level of longevity (tshe'i rig
'dzin, tshe la dbang ba'i rig 'dzin). The second of the four vidyadhara
levels. Corresponds to the path of seeing. The practitioner's body
turns into the subtle vajra-like body while his mind matures into
the wisdom of the path of seeing. It is the attainment of longevity
beyond birth and death.
|Vidyadhara level of mahamudra (phyag rgya
chen po'i rig 'dzin). The third of the four vidyadhara levels. The
stage of the path of cultivation; the practitioner emerges from
the luminosity of the path of seeing in the form of the wisdom body
of unified state of the 'path of training.'
|Vidyadhara level of maturation (rnam par smin
pa'i rig 'dzin). The first of the four vidyadhara levels. The beginning
of the path of seeing; the practitioner has reached stability in
the development stage and his mind has 'matured' into the form of
the yidam deity, but he is yet to purify the remainder of the physical
|Vidyadhara level of spontaneous perfection (lhun
gyis grub pa'i rig 'dzin). The fourth of the four vidyadhara levels.
Corresponds to buddhahood, the path beyond training. The final fruition
and state of a vajra holder endowed with the spontaneously perfected
five kayas: dharmakaya, sambhogakaya, nirmanakaya, vajrakaya, and
|View, meditation, conduct and fruition (lta ba sgom pa spyod pa 'bras bu). The philosophical
orientation, the act of growing accustomed to that - usually in
sitting practice, the implementation of that insight during the
activities of daily life, and the final outcome resulting from such
training. Each of the nine
vehicles has its particular definition of view, meditation,
conduct and fruition.
(dri med bshes gnyen). A master
in the Dzogchen lineage and the crown ornament of five hundred panditas,
who had attained the indestructible form of the rainbow body; invited
to Tibet by King Trisong Deutsen. One of the three main forefathers
of the Dzogchen teachings, especially Nyingtig, in Tibet. Vimalamitra
means 'Flawless Kinsman.'
|Vinaya ('dul ba).
'Discipline.' One of the three parts of the Tripitaka. The Buddha's
teachings showing ethics, the discipline and moral conduct that
is the foundation for all Dharma practice, both for lay and ordained
|Vinaya Pitaka ('dul
ba'i sde snod). See Tripitaka.
mthong). 'Clear' or 'wider seeing.' Usually referring to
insight into emptiness. One of the two main aspects of meditation
practice, the other being shamatha.
|Vishuddha (yang dag). The heruka of the vajra
family or the tantric teachings connected to that wrathful deity.
One of the Eight Sadhana Teachings
of the Nyingma School.
|Vishuddha Heruka (yang dag he ru ka). See
|Vishuddha Mind (yang dag thugs). See Vishuddha.
|Vows and precepts (bslab sdom). See under 'Three sets of vows.'
|War Goddess of Shangshung (zhang zhung gi
dgra lha). A protectress of the Bonpo doctrine. She was subjugated
by Padmasambhava and given the name Great Glacier Lady of Invincible
|Wheel of the Dharma (chos
kyi 'khor lo). To turn the wheel of Dharma is poetic for
giving teachings. In specific, the cycle of teachings given by the
Buddha; three such cycles, known as the Three Turnings of the Wheel
of the Dharma, were taught by Shakyamuni Buddha during his lifetime.
|Wheel of Yama (gshin rje'i 'khor lo). Tantra
belonging to the Sadhana Section of Mahayoga; focused on a wrathful
form of Manjushri.
|White Skull Naga Forefather (klu'i mes po
thod dkar). Another name for the protector Nyenchen Tanglha.
|Wind of karma (las kyi rlung). 1) Another
word for conceptual thinking. 2) The inevitable force of the ripening
effect of former deeds.
|Wisdom (ye shes).
In this book this word is usually translated as 'original wakefulness.'
There are also the five wisdoms, aspects of how the cognitive quality
of buddha nature functions: the dharmadhatu wisdom, mirror-like
wisdom, wisdom of equality, discriminating wisdom and all-accomplishing
|Wisdom dakini (ye shes kyi mkha' 'gro ma).
Enlightened female being, the root of activity among the Three Roots.
|Wishfulfilling jewel (yid bzhin nor bu). A
gem which grants the fulfillment of all one could desire; thus the
Buddha, one's personal master, and the nature of mind are often
referred to as a wish-fulfilling gem.
|World-system ('jig rten gyi khams). A universe
comprised of Mount Sumeru, four continents and eight sub-continents.
|Wrathful Blue Lotus Tantra (khro bo pun da
ri ka'i rgyud). One of the Eighteen Mahayoga Tantras; focused on
Vishuddha Mind. Found in Vol. RA
of the Nyingma Gyubum.
|Yaksha (gnod sbyin). A class of semidivine
beings, generally benevolent but sometimes wicked. Many are powerful
local divinities, others live on Mount Sumeru, guarding the realm
of the gods.
|Yama (gshin rje). The Lord of Death. A personification
of impermanence, the unfailing law of karma and one's inevitable
rje gshed). A wrathful form of Manjushri, representing wisdom
that subdues death. Among the Eight Sadhana
Teachings he is the wrathful buddha of the Body Family. Yamantaka
means 'Slayer of Yama,' the Lord of Death. Also 'Manjushri
|Yana (theg pa).
'That which carries,' 'vehicle.'
A set of teachings which enable one to journey towards rebirth in
the higher realms, liberation from samsara or complete buddhahood.
le shod). See Cave of Yanglesho.
|Yarlha Shampo (yar lha sham po). Important
Dharma protectors of Tibet, especially for the Cho teachings.
|Yeshe Dey of Nanam (sna
nam ye shes sde). Also known as Bandey Yeshe Dey of Shang
(zhang gi bhan dhe ye shes sde). Prolific expert translator and
disciple of Padmasambhava. He was a monk, both learned and accomplished,
and once exhibited his miraculous powers by soaring through the
sky like a bird.
(ye shes mtsho rgyal). The chief
compiler of all the inconceivable teachings given by the great master
|Yeshe Yang of Ba (sba
ye shes dbyangs). Tibetan translator predicted by Padmasambhava.
The chief scribe for writing down the termas of Padmasambhava, he
was an accomplished yogi, able to fly like a bird to the celestial
realms. Also known as Atsara Yeshe Yang. Yeshe Yang means 'Melodious
|Yidam (yi dam).
A personal deity and the root of accomplishment among the Three
Roots. The yidam is one's tutelary deity; a personal protector of
one's practice and guide to enlightenment. Traditionally, yidam
practice is the main practice that follows the preliminaries. It
includes the two stages of development and completion and is a perfect
stepping stone for, or the bridge to approaching, the more subtle
practices of Mahamudra and Dzogchen. Later on, yidam practice is
the perfect enhancement for the view of these subtle practices.
|Yoga (rnal 'byor). 1) The actual integration
of learning into personal experience. 2) See Yoga Tantra.
|Yoga (rnal 'byor).
1) The actual integration of learning into personal experience.
2) The third of the three outer tantras: Kriya, Upa and Yoga. It
emphasizes the view rather than the conduct and to regard the deity
as being the same level as oneself.
|Yoga of shape (dbyibs kyi rnal 'byor). A synonym
for the development stage; the practice of visualizing the form
of the deity.
|Yoga of vidyadhara life (rnal 'byor tshe'i
rig 'dzin). The tantric practice of attaining immortality by accomplishing
the 'vidyadhara level of longevity.'
|Yoga Tantra (rnal 'byor rgyud). The third
of the three outer tantras: Kriya, Upa and Yoga. It emphasizes the
view rather than the conduct and to regard the deity as being the
same level as oneself.
|Yoga vidyadhara level of longevity (rnal 'byor
tshe'i rig 'dzin). See 'vidyadhara level of longevity.'
|Yogi / yogin (rnal 'byor pa). Tantric practitioner.
In this book, the word yogi often holds the connotation of someone
of who has already some level of realization of the natural state
|Yogic (rnal 'byor gyi). Of, or pertaining
to, Vajrayana practice with emphasis on personal training as opposed
to scholarly learning.
|Yogic discipline (rtul
shugs). Additional practices for a tantrika in order to train
in implementing the view of Vajrayana during activities; for example
feast offering or Cho practice in frightening places. It can be
pursued by the practitioner who has strong familiarity with the
view and stability in meditation practice. Carries the connotation
of 'courageous conduct.'
|Yudra Nyingpo (g.yu sgra snying po). One of
the twenty-five disciples of
Guru Rinpoche; the reincarnation of Lekdrub of Tsang. Born in the
region of Gyalmo Tsawarong, he was brought up by Vairotsana
and reached perfection in both learning and yogic accomplishment.
He is counted among the 108 lotsawas and is one of the main lineage
holders of the Mind Section of Dzogchen from the great translator
|Zahor (za hor). An ancient Indian kingdom
believed to be situated around Mandir the present state of Himachal
Pradesh in the northern part of India.
|Zi stone (gzi). Divine agate.