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ISSN 2753-4812
ISSN 2753-4812

Compendium of Sādhanas

Compendium of Sādhanas Restricted

English (45) | Deutsch (7) | Español (44) | Français (25) | Português (2) | Italiano (5) | Nederlands (3) | 中文 (3) | བོད་ཡིག (45)

Texts belonging to (and related to) the Compendium of Sādhanas (sgrub thabs kun btus), a collection originally compiled by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo (1820–1892) and later supplemented by Jamyang Loter Wangpo (1847–1914). Note that the volume numbers below correspond to the fourteen-volume Derge edition (reproduced by Dzongsar Institute):

Volume 1

by Chöje Lingpa
This long-life practice (tshe sgrub) and empowerment (tshe dbang) of Thangtong Gyalpo (1361–1485?) is said to bring together the oral, treasure and visionary teachings. It combines Thangtong Gyalpo's original Glorious Bestower of Immortality ('chi med dpal ster) with Chöjé Lingpa's own treasure revelation and visionary account.
Longevity Termas Empowerment Rinchen Terdzö Restricted 20 Nov 2020
by Chöje Lingpa
This pith instruction for accomplishing longevity (tshe sgrub) through Thangtong Gyalpo (1361–1485?) is said to bring together the oral, treasure and visionary teachings. According to its colophon, Chöjé Lingpa received the instruction from Thangtong Gyalpo directly in a vision. Jamgön Kongtrul included the text in the Precious Treasury of Revelations (Rinchen Terdzö).
Longevity Termas Rinchen Terdzö Restricted 9 Jan 2020
by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
This brief supplication to the saviouress Tārā incorporates and expands upon the literal meaning of the syllables of her root mantra (oṃ tāre tuttāre ture svāhā).
Tārā Damngak Dzö Khyentse Kabab 1 Oct 2020
by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
This concise instruction for accomplishing longevity (tshe sgrub) is said to be an abridgement of Thangtong Gyalpo's (1361–1485?) original sādhana. According to the colophon, Khyentse Wangpo composed the practice in a meditation cave used by Thangtong Gyalpo himself.
Longevity Amitāyus Sādhanas Restricted 7 Jul 2021

Volume 2

by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
Lineage prayer for the Mañjuśrī sādhana based on the Gang gi Lodröma praise attributed to Vajrāyudha, which is included in Compendium of Sādhanas.
Mañjuśrī Lineage Prayers 29 Dec 2021
by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
For this 'means of recitation' (bklag thabs), which provides additional prayers and practices to be said before and after the root text of Chanting the Names of Mañjuśrī (Mañjuśrī-nāmasaṅgīti; 'jam dpal mtshan brjod), Khyentse Wangpo relied upon and adapted the writings of the great Sakya patriarchs Jetsün Drakpa Gyaltsen and Sakya Paṇḍita.
Mañjuśrī Nyingma Mönlam Reading Methods 16 May 2015
by Karma Chakme
This prayer to Buddha Amitābha, Mañjuśrī the 'Lion of Speech' (smra ba'i seng ge) and the goddess Sarasvatī was composed by Karma Chakmé for his own daily practice. It includes a series of aspirations related to wisdom and intelligence.
Mañjuśrī Prayers Sarasvatī 3 May 2008
by Vajrāyudha
Popularly known as the Gang gi lodröma (based on its first four syllables), this is perhaps the most famous praise of Mañjuśrī recited by Tibetan Buddhists. According to legend it was composed by 500 Indian paṇḍitas simultaneously, in response to a request from their abbot, after whom it takes its formal name—Śrī Jñāna Guṇaphala (dpal ye shes yon tan bzang po), "Glorious Wisdom's Excellent Qualities". It is included in the Kriyātantra section of the Tengyur (Toh 2711).
Mañjuśrī Praise Tengyur 6 Apr 2008

Volume 3

from the Words of the Buddha
A popular text (Tōh. 748) teaching the incantation (dhāraṇī) and rituals associated with the Blue-Clad (nīlāmbaradhara) form of the deity Vajrapāṇi. According to Karmavajra’s commentary (Tōh. 2676), the dhāraṇī is at once a powerful protection against, and remedy for, spirits, demons and disease.
Dhāraṇī Vajrapāṇi Kangyur Ten Royal Sūtras 20 Oct 2019
by Chögyal Pakpa Lodrö Gyaltsen
This brief sādhana of Avalokiteśvara in the form of Mahākāruṇika, The Great Compassionate One, incorporates instructions on examining the nature of mind according to the approach of Mahāmudrā. It is included within the Compendium of Sādhanas (sgrub thabs kun btus).
Avalokiteśvara Sādhanas Sakya Kabum Restricted 3 Sep 2021
by Gyalse Tokme Zangpo
A two-verse prayer of aspiration to follow Avalokiteśvara, the Great Compassionate One, and contribute to his enlightened activity.
Aspiration Prayers Avalokiteśvara 21 Nov 2022
by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
This short maṇḍala liturgy is included within the Compendium of Sādhanas (sgrub thabs kun btus). It features seven heaps representing: 1) Mount Meru; 2-5) the four continents; 6) the sun and 7) the moon.
Maṇḍala Offering 30 Dec 2021
by Jetsün Drakpa Gyaltsen
Extracted from Drakpa Gyaltsen's Four-Maṇḍala Prayer to Tārā (sgrol ma'i gsol 'debs maN+Dal bzhi pa).
Tārā Prayers Sakya Kabum 30 Jul 2012
by Lakṣmī
This is the commonly recited version of Bhikṣuṇī Lakṣmī’s famous praise of Avalokiteśvara, often known as the Po Praise. It includes several differences from the version preserved in the Tengyur, as noted in the text.
Praise Avalokiteśvara Ḍākinī Treasury 13 Feb 2019
by Lakṣmī
This seven-branch offering, which is found in many Tārā sādhanas, is attributed to the famous nun Lakṣmī (Gelongma Palmo), founder of the Nyungné tradition.
Tārā Seven Branches Ḍākinī Treasury 21 May 2020
by Ngorchen Könchok Lhundrup
This sādhana of Mahākāruṇika, The Great Compassionate One, incorporates instructions on examining the nature of mind according to the approach of Mahāmudrā. It is included within the Compendium of Sādhanas (sgrub thabs kun btus).
Avalokiteśvara Sādhanas Restricted 3 Sep 2021
recalled by Thangtong Gyalpo
Thangtong Gyalpo recalled this supplication to Noble Avalokiteśvara from the devotional practices of a previous lifetime as the bhikṣu Padma Karpo.
Avalokiteśvara Prayers Rinchen Terdzö Damngak Dzö 17 Apr 2020

Volume 5

by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
A simple practice of visualization and mantra recitation for Bhaiṣajya Guru, the Buddha of Medicine, which appears in the Kriyā tantra section of the extended Nyingma Kama collection.
Medicine Buddha Sickness & Healing Sādhanas Restricted 26 Mar 2020

Volume 7

from the Words of the Buddha
Vajravidāraṇa (rdo rje rnam ‘joms) is a semi-wrathful form of Vajrapāṇi and the deity’s dhāraṇī (gzungs), counted as a kriyā-tantra, is known for its healing and purifying effect. The dhāraṇī has inspired a large number of ritual liturgies and commentaries, both Indic and Tibetan, and is commonly recited by Tibetan and Newar Buddhists. In Tibetan it is preserved mainly in two forms, one in the Kangyur and the Nyingma version presented here, which is said to be a reconstruction based on commentarial literature.
Dhāraṇī Vajravidāraṇa Ten Royal Sūtras 18 Jun 2019

Volume 8

by Jamgön Amnye Zhab Ngawang Kunga Sönam
Amnye Zhab Ngawang Kunga Sönam composed this supplication to Guru Padmasambhava for the swift fulfilment of all wishes in 1641, when war and chaos were afflicting the regions of Ü and Tsang. The prayer is included within the Compendium of Sādhanas (sgrub thabs kun btus).
Guru Rinpoche Prayers Guru Padmasambhava 3 Oct 2022
by Lhodrak Namkha Gyaltsen
A short practice requesting Sitātapatrā (gdugs dkar) to come to the aid of practitioners and avert or repel (zlog pa) all forms of obstacle and misfortune.
Sitātapatrā Averting Obstacles 13 May 2015

Volume 9

by Ngorchen Kunga Zangpo
This famous prayer is taken from the author's text in praise of the Vasudhārā (Tib. Norgyünma) maṇḍala, dPal ldan lha mo nor rgyun ma'i dkyil 'khor gyi lha tshogs la bstod pa chos dang dpal 'byor rgyas byed.
Aspiration Prayers 2 Jul 2018

Volume 10

by Gyalse Tokme Zangpo
A supplication to the lineage of the Seven Points of Mind Training (blo sbyong don bdun ma), or Verses of Mahāyāna Mind Training.
Seven Points of Mind Training Lineage Prayers Damngak Dzö 29 Nov 2022
by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
A non-sectarian (ris med) prayer to 25 of the most important figures in Tibetan Buddhism, five for each of the five major traditions: Nyingma, Sakya, Kagyü, Kadam and Geluk.
Nonsectarianism Lineage Prayers 18 Dec 2011
by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
This brief prayer to the buddhas and bodhisattvas, learned and accomplished masters of India, and figures from all Tibetan traditions, reflects the author's famously nonsectarian approach.
Nonsectarianism Lineage Prayers 1 Oct 2020
by Nāgārjuna
Popularly known as "With Skilful Means and Compassion..." (thabs mkhas thugs rje ma), this is the liturgical arrangement of the Dvādaśakārastotra, Nāgārjuna's praise of the twelve great acts performed by Buddha Śākyamuni.
Praise Buddha Śākyamuni 24 Oct 2011
by Ngorchen Kunga Zangpo
This supplication to the gurus of the lineage of transmission for Śāntideva's classic text down to Kunga Zangpo himself includes a request for the inspiration and blessings required to perfect the bodhisattva path.
Lineage Prayers Bodhicaryāvatāra 12 Feb 2019
by Ngorchen Kunga Zangpo
A prayer to the lineage of masters who held the instructions for the famous four-line teaching from the Buddha and Mañjuśrī down to Ngorchen's own guru, Sharchen Yeshe Gyaltsen (shar chen ye shes rgyal mtshan, 1359–1406).
Lineage Prayers Parting from the Four Attachments Damngak Dzö Sakya 21 Feb 2019

Volume 11

from the Words of the Buddha
This aspiration to accomplish the eleven transcendent perfections—generosity, ethical discipline, patience, diligence, meditative concentration, insight, skilful methods, strength, aspiration, primordial wisdom and the dharmakāya—is popular in the Sakya tradition, and is included within the Compendium of Sādhanas.
Aspiration Prayers Six Pāramitās 24 Nov 2022
from the Words of the Buddha
In the sūtra The Question of Maitreya (Toh. 85, Maitreya­paripṛcchā, byams pas zhus pa), Buddha Śākyamuni recounts this prayer that Maitreya made as a bodhisattva aspiring to accomplish the six perfections and attain the ten bodhisattva levels. The prayer is also included in the Miscellaneous section of the Tengyur (Toh 4378).
Aspiration Prayers Kangyur Tengyur Six Pāramitās Nyingma Mönlam 30 Jan 2021
from the Words of the Buddha
Popularly known as 'The Teachings Blaze' (bstan 'bar ma), this prayer for the spread of the teachings (bstan rgyas smon lam) is especially popular in the Gelug tradition. The first verse appears to be taken from the Pratimokṣa-sūtra (so sor thar pa'i mdo), while the remainder of the prayer, from the second verse onwards, is to be found in Atiśa Dīpaṃkara's Great Compendium of the Sūtras (Mahāsūtrasamuccaya; mdo kun las btus pa chen po).
Aspiration Prayers Rinchen Terdzö 30 Apr 2008
from the Words of the Buddha
So popular and influential is Samantabhadra’s “Aspiration to Good Actions” (bzang spyod smon lam) from the Gaṇḍavyūha chapter of the vast Avataṃsaka Sūtra, it is known as the king of all aspiration prayers. It is included in the Dhāraṇī section of the Kangyur (Toh 1095) and the Miscellaneous section of the Tengyur (Toh 4377).
Aspiration Prayers Kangyur Tengyur Nyingma Mönlam Ten Royal Sūtras 2 Jun 2008
from the Words of the Buddha
These three famous verses, related to the Three Jewels of Buddha, Dharma and Saṅgha, are drawn from a longer text that appears in the Kangyur and in the Tengyur, where the text is attributed to Nāgārjuna. The version here is taken from the Compendium of Sādhanas.
Auspiciousness Three Jewels 23 Nov 2022

Volume 12

from the Words of the Buddha
The Aparimitāyurjñāna-nāma mahāyāna-sūtra ('phags pa tshe dang ye shes dpag tu med pa zhes bya ba theg pa chen po'i mdo, Toh 674 & 849) is said to bring extraordinary merit and longevity when written out, read aloud, copied, or venerated with offerings.
Longevity Amitāyus Kangyur Ten Royal Sūtras 15 Feb 2007
by Dromtön Gyalwe Jungne
This short prayer to White Tārā is included in the praises to the Three Deities of Long Life (tshe lha rnam gsum) compiled by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo and included in the Compendium of Sādhanas.
Tārā Prayers 6 Nov 2023
by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
This guru yoga of the three deities of longevity—White Tārā 'Wish-fulfilling Wheel', Amitāyus and Uṣṇīṣavijayā—is considered an auxiliary to the Chimé Pakmé Nyingtik practice.
Guru Yoga Longevity Three Deities of Long Life Chimé Pakmé Nyingtik Rinchen Terdzö Restricted 7 May 2021

Volume 13

from the Words of the Buddha
The Vajrakīla Root Tantra Section (or Fragment) (Tōh. 439), the remains of a much larger Vajrakīla tantra, was discovered and translated into Tibetan by Sakya Paṇḍita (1182–1251). According to the text's colophon, it was Guru Padmasambhava who brought the original to Tibet. The tantra contains several famous verses that appear in most Vajrakīlāya sādhanas and is the only Vajrakīlāya text included within the Kangyur. The edition translated here includes a colophon by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo and benedictory verse by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö.
Vajrakīlaya Kangyur Restricted 4 Mar 2021
by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
This brief prayer to Guru Padmākara, which Khyentse Wangpo says came to him spontaneously, includes requests to dispel all obstacles and fulfil all wishes.
Guru Rinpoche Prayers Guru Padmasambhava Termas Tsasum Drildrup 31 May 2013
by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
A compilation of several well-known prayers, including the Seven-Line Prayer, verses from the Le'u Dünma, and four-line invocations of the masters Nyangral Nyima Özer (1124–1192) and Guru Chökyi Wangchuk (1212–1270), which is included in the Compendium of Sādhanas (sgrub thabs kun btus).
Lineage Prayers 27 Sep 2022
revealed by Tulku Zangpo Drakpa
This terma (gter ma), which Tulku Zangpo Drakpa revealed and passed on to Rigdzin Gödem (1337–1408), presents a sūtra-like scenario in which Buddha Śākyamuni reveals a dhāraṇī for subduing enemies and demonic forces.
Dhāraṇī Termas Rinchen Terdzö Nyingma Mönlam Northern Treasures 12 Feb 2018
by Tulku Zangpo Drakpa
This famous prayer to Guru Padmasambhava for the spontaneous fulfilment of wishes forms the outer section of The Guru’s Heart Practice: The Wish-Fulfilling Jewel (thugs sgrub yid bzhin nor bu). This version of the prayer, without the colophon, appears in volume thirteen of the Compendium of Sādhanas compiled by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo.
Guru Rinpoche Prayers Guru Padmasambhava 3 Mar 2020

Volume 14

by Gyalse Tokme Zangpo
This simple prayer of aspiration in five verses is included in the final volume of the Compendium of Sādhanas (sgrub thabs kun btus).
Aspiration Prayers 29 Dec 2021
by Thangtong Gyalpo
First spoken in the presence of the sacred Jowo Rinpoche statue in Lhasa, this prayer of aspiration is credited with ending a famine that affected Tibet, especially Kham, in 1437.
Aspiration Prayers Rinchen Terdzö Nyingma Mönlam Tibet 15 May 2015
by Thangtong Gyalpo
This prayer to alleviate the terrors of conflict was spoken by the great siddha Thangtong Gyalpo at a time when war ravaged Minyak in eastern Tibet. Such was the power of his words, it is said, the conflict instantly came to an end, and peace and prosperity reigned.
Aspiration Prayers 20 Apr 2020
by Thangtong Gyalpo
This prayer is said to have ended a virulent epidemic which had swept through the famous monastery-town of Sakya, proving effective where all other measures, including tantric rituals, had failed.
Aspiration Prayers Sickness & Healing Nyingma Mönlam 7 Oct 2022

Related Topics

Rinchen Terdzö Sādhanas Sakya

Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo

Courtesy of Himalayan Art Resources

Further information:

Sakya Research Centre
BDRC sgrub thabs kun btus

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ISSN 2753-4812

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