Nyingma Mönlam Series

• The Adamantine Magical Wheel: Invoking the Profound Pledge of Padmākara, the Glorious Victor, to Avert the Final War by Dodrupchen Jigme Tenpe Nyima

This prayer of invocation, which was written by the Third Dodrupchen Rinpoche during a period of political unrest, calls upon Guru Padmasambhava to protect Tibetans from aggressors and the ravages of war. More recently, it was redistributed at the behest of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, who recognized its continued relevance amid the turmoil of the twentieth century.

• Brief Sukhāvatī Aspiration by Tertön Mingyur Dorje

Part of the Namchö (gnam chos) revelation, this extremely popular prayer of aspiration for rebirth in Sukhāvatī derives from a vision in which Buddha Amitābha appeared to Tulku Mingyur Dorje, when the latter was just twelve years old, in 1657.

• Dedication from Vajravārāhī Cycle of Namchö revealed by Mingyur Dorje by Tertön Mingyur Dorje

Sometimes classified as a Sukhāvatī aspiration (bde smon), this well-known prayer for the dedication of virtue (dge ba bsngo ba) is attributed to Buddha Amitābha, who spoke to Tulku Mingyur Dorje in a vision in 1657.

• The Aspiration of the Vajradhātu Maṇḍala revealed by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

This aspiration prayer is said to have been spoken by Guru Padmasambhava when revealing the Vajradhātu maṇḍala in the temple of Samye. The text was revealed by Chokgyur Lingpa and transcribed by Jamgön Kongtrul. Generally, it is known as Mönlam Chokchu Düzhima (Aspiration of the Ten Directions and Four Times), a name which derives from the prayer's first four syllables.

• Aspiration to Generate Bodhicitta, Utterly Pure and Supreme by Patrul Rinpoche

This prayer of aspiration covers the entire Buddhist path, but places special emphasis on the cultivation of bodhicitta in its various forms. For to have bodhicitta, says Patrul Rinpoche, is to have "all that's needed to attain enlightenment."

• The Prayer Which Removes All Obstacles from the Path (Barché Lamsel) by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

This famous prayer to Guru Padmasambhava for the elimination of all obstacles on the spiritual path is the outer practice of The Guru's Heart Practice: Dispelling All Obstacles on the Path (bla ma'i thugs sgrub bar chad kun sel), a joint revelation of Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa and Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo.

• The Means for Accomplishment called the Blazing Wheel 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.

• The Ritual of the Bodhisattva Vow According to the Tradition of Patrul Rinpoche arranged by Chatral Rinpoche

This elaborate ritual for taking the bodhisattva vow, which includes preliminary recitations and practices as well as the vow itself, was arranged according to the tradition of the great Dza Patrul Rinpoche (1808–1887) by the holder of his lineage, Chatral Rinpoche Sangye Dorje, in 1986.

• Chanting the Names of Noble Mañjuśrī from the Words of the Buddha

Commonly known as simply the Nāmasaṅgīti, this is one of the most highly revered tantras throughout all lineages and practice systems of Vajrayāna Buddhism. In it, Buddha Śākyamuni teaches Vajrapāṇi and his retinue a list of names for the wisdom body of Mañjuśrī, the heart of all tathāgatas. Expressed in attractive and at time playful verses, these names evoke an extremely vast array of topics and images, from the mundane to the transcendent, and from the quiescent to the ferocious. The Nāmasaṅgīti has occupied a central role in the daily chanting of Buddhist practitioners for centuries and is often the first text to be recited on special occasions.

• Wisdom's Bestowal: A Way to Accumulate the Recitation of the Tantra 'Chanting the Names of Mañjuśrī' (Mañjuśrī Nāmasaṅgīti) 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.

• The Bodhisattva’s Confession of Downfalls (Nyingma Version) from the Words of the Buddha

A popular Nyingma version of the famous Bodhisattvas’ Confession of Downfalls (byang chub sems dpa’i ltung bshags), also known as the Sūtra of the Three Heaps (phung po gsum pa’i mdo), invoking the thirty-five buddhas of confession as a means of purifying transgressions of vows and downfalls of the bodhisattva vow.

• The Dhāraṇī of Amitāyus from the Words of the Buddha

This brief invocation of Buddha Amitāyus, featured in the Nyingma Mönlam, combines the famous four-line Praise of Amitāyus with the mantra and passages from The Sūtra of Boundless Life and Wisdom.

• Verses of the Eight Noble Auspicious Ones by Mipham Rinpoche

This popular prayer, which Mipham wrote in 1896, is addressed to the eight sugatas, eight bodhisattvas, eight goddesses of auspiciousness, and eight guardians of the world. It is recited at the outset of any virtuous project, or indeed any activity of any kind, in order to bring about auspiciousness, success and good fortune.

• Final Words: The Essential Advice by Minling Terchen Gyurme Dorje

These four lines, which Terdak Lingpa Minling Terchen Gyurme Dorje is said to have pronounced before passing into parinirvāṇa, are commonly recited as a prayer of aspiration. The great Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo reportedly recited them himself before his own passing.

• The Prayer of the Ground, Path & Fruition – From the Heart-Essence of the Vast Expanse by Jigme Lingpa

This famous aspiration to realize the ground, path and fruition of the Great Perfection (rdzogs pa chen po) is part of the Longchen Nyingtik revelation of Jigme Lingpa.

• The Prayer in Six Vajra Lines by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

Popularly known as Dü Sum Sangye (Dus gsum sangs rgyas), this short prayer to Guru Padmasambhava was discovered as a treasure (gter ma) by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa. As indicated in the colophon, it was—and still is—regarded as especially pertinent for the current time.

• The Prayer that Swiftly Fulfils All Wishes (Sampa Nyur Drupma) by Longchen Rabjam and Jigme Lingpa

This prayer to Guru Padmasambhava for the swift fulfilment of all wishes begins with a verse from ‘The Infinite Cloud Banks of Profound Meaning’ (zab don rgya mtsho'i sprin phung), which is part of Longchen Rabjam’s Khandro Yangtik (mkha' 'gro yang tig), and concludes with several verses written by Jigme Lingpa. It is said to be particularly beneficial for Tibet, as it has the power to pacify illness, prevent famine and border invasions, and contribute to the welfare of the teachings and beings.

• Essence of the Profound Path: A General Visualization for Prayers to Guru Rinpoche by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo

These verses to be recited before and after prayers to Guru Padmasambhava, especially the famous Prayer in Seven Chapters (le'u bdun ma), include the practices of taking refuge and arousing bodhicitta, a seven-branch offering, the generation and dissolution of a visualisation, and the dedication of merit.

• The Heart of the Transcendent Perfection of Wisdom from the Words of the Buddha

This edition of the famous Heart Sūtra, complete with additional material, including a section for averting obstacles, is arranged for recitation.

• The Powerful Prayer of Aspiration from the Tantra of the Great Perfection that Reveals the All-Penetrating Wisdom Mind of Samantabhadra (Kunzang Mönlam) by Rigdzin Gödem

This famous prayer of aspiration of Buddha Samantabhadra (kun bzang smon lam), which is taken from the All-Penetrating Wisdom Mind (dgongs pa zang thal) revelation, is among the most popular texts of the Dzogchen tradition. Its recitation is especially recommended during solar and lunar eclipses, at the solstices and new year, as well as during earthquakes and other environmental anomalies.

• Le'u Dünma—Chapter 1: The Prayer to the Three Kāya Guru by Tulku Zangpo Drakpa

The first chapter from The Prayer in Seven Chapters (le'u bdun ma), is the Prayer to the Three-Kāya Guru, supplemented by supplications to the other masters of the lineage.

• Le'u Dünma—Chapter 2: The Prayer Requested by King Tri Songdetsen by Tulku Zangpo Drakpa

The second chapter from The Prayer in Seven Chapters (le'u bdun ma), given to King Tri Songdetsen, is to be recited in the evening, the time of wrath.

• Le'u Dünma—Chapter 3: The Prayer Requested by Khandro Yeshe Tsogyal by Tulku Zangpo Drakpa

The third chapter from The Prayer in Seven Chapters (le'u bdun ma), given to Lady Yeshe Tsogyal, is to be recited before first light, the time of increase or enrichment.

• Le'u Dünma—Chapter 4: The Prayer Requested by Namkhe Nyingpo by Tulku Zangpo Drakpa

The fourth chapter from The Prayer in Seven Chapters (le'u bdun ma), given to the monk Namkhai Nyingpo, is to be recited at dawn, the time of pacification.

• Le'u Dünma—Chapter 5: The Prayer Requested by Nanam Dorje Dudjom by Tulku Zangpo Drakpa

The fifth chapter from The Prayer in Seven Chapters (le'u bdun ma), given to Nanam Dorje Dudjom, is to be recited in the afternoon, the time of magnetizing and power.

• Le'u Dünma—Chapter 6: The Prayer Requested by Prince Mutri Tsenpo by Tulku Zangpo Drakpa

The sixth chapter from The Prayer in Seven Chapters (le'u bdun ma), given to Prince Mutri Tsenpo, is to be recited in the darkness of midnight.

• Le'u Dünma—Chapter 7. The Prayer to Guru Rinpoche that Spontaneously Fulfills All Wishes (Sampa Lhundrupma) by Tulku Zangpo Drakpa

The seventh chapter from The Prayer in Seven Chapters (le'u bdun ma) was given to the king of Gungthang and is to be recited at midday, during rest.

• Prayer for the Long Life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama by Fourteenth Dalai Lama

The most commonly recited prayer for the longevity of His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, which was adapted from a verse composed by Polhané Sonam Tobgyé (1689–1747) for the Seventh Dalai Lama, Kalzang Gyatso (1708–1757).

• The Music of Immortality: A Prayer for the Long Life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö wrote this shorter long-life prayer for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in three four-line verses, in the sacred place of Yamalung near Samye (most likely in 1956).

• General Long-Life Prayer by Minling Terchen Gyurme Dorje

These verses in which the guru's body, speech and mind are related to the three kāyas—nirmāṇakāya, sambhogakāya and dharmakāya—constitute a brief prayer for longevity, or 'stable abiding' (brtan bzhugs), which can be recited to support the long life of any teacher.

• The Melodious Song of Immortality: A Prayer for Long Life by Mipham Rinpoche

This general prayer for the long life of the holders of the teachings was composed by Jamgön Mipham Rinpoche in 1888. It is part of the daily liturgy at the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo, or great prayer festival, held every year in Bodhgaya.

• Maitreya's Aspiration 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).

• Ārya Mañjuśrī Tantra Garbha by Guru Chökyi Wangchuk

This short text is said to encapsulate the essence of the famous tantra known as Chanting the Names of Mañjuśrī (Mañjuśrī Nāmasaṃgīti).

• The Praise to Mañjuśrī—Glorious Wisdom's Excellent Qualities by Vajrāyudha

This edition of the so-called Gang gi lodröma presents the famous praise of Mañjuśrī as it is commonly recited by Tibetan Buddhists—with the deity’s mantra and two additional verses.

• Words to Delight the Sovereigns of the Dharma: A Prayer of Aspiration for the Flourishing and Spread of the Ancient Translation Tradition by Mipham Rinpoche

This prayer for the spread of the teachings of the Nyingma tradition is among Mipham Rinpoche's most famous compositions. It is recited daily at the annual Monlam Chenmo festival and was the subject of a major commentary by Mipham's student and lineage-holder, Shechen Gyaltsab Pema Namgyal (1871–1926).

• The Resounding Drum of Truth: A Prayer and Aspiration by Fourteenth Dalai Lama

Composed at the Vajra Seat, Bodhgayā, in January 2005, this is an aspiration for the welfare of the Buddhist teachings and sentient beings in general and for the flourishing of Dharma in Tibet in particular.

• The Rishi's Maledictory Incantation: An Invocation of Wisdom Mind and Sacred Pledges for Reversing the Disturbances and Agitations of Dark Times In the Form of an Aspiration Prayer by Chatral Rinpoche

This is a prayer for the modern age, or kaliyuga, calling upon Buddha Śākyamuni, Guru Padmasambhava and all enlightened deities, gurus and protectors, in order to transform the minds of those in positions of power, so that terrible weapons of war may be eradicated, and the threats they pose to Dharma and living beings removed, allowing peace to reign throughout the world.

• The Sage's Powerful Words of Truth: A Prayer for the Spread of the Omniscient Buddha's Teachings by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Written in Bodhgayā at a time when Tibet was facing great turmoil and an uncertain future, this is a non-sectarian prayer for the spread of the Buddhist teachings (bstan rgyas smon lam) in all their authentic forms.

• The Treasury of Blessings: A Practice of Buddha Śākyamuni by Mipham Rinpoche

Ju Mipham composed this sādhana of Śākyamuni Buddha, or '[Śākya]muni-ritual' (thub chog), at the request of Orgyen Tendzin Norbu (1841–1900). Both the sādhana and its vast 'supporting teaching' known as The White Lotus (rgyab chos padma dkar po) are among the most popular of Mipham's works.

• The Secret Vajra Knot by Minling Terchen Gyurme Dorje

One of the most popular prayers in the Nyingma tradition, The Secret Vajra Knot (rdo rje rgya mdud) includes aspects of the dedication of virtue (dge ba bsngo ba), as well as various aspirations related to the path in general and the path of the three yogas, i.e., Mahāyoga, Anuyoga and Atiyoga, in particular.

• Accomplishing the Lama through the Seven-Line Prayer: A Special Teaching from the Lama Sangdü by Guru Chökyi Wangchuk

The original revelation of the Seven-Line Prayer (tshig bdun gsol 'debs), which is the most famous and widely chanted of all invocations of Guru Padmasambhava, and which, according to later commentators, can be understood and practised on multiple levels.

• A Daily 'Hand-Clapping' Practice of Siṃhamukhā by Dudjom Rinpoche

This daily 'hand-clapping' (thal rdeb) practice of the lion-faced ḍākinī Siṃhamukhā/Siṃhavaktrā (seng gdong ma) is particularly associated with the elimination of adversity, threats and dangers.

• The Blazing Tower: A Daily Practice of Uṣṇīṣa-Sitātapatrā by Dudjom Rinpoche

In this sādhana arranged for daily recitation, Dudjom Rinpoche synthesizes the visualisations of earlier Sitātapatrā practices with the mantras and key passages from the dhāraṇī known as The Supreme Accomplishment of Sitātapatrā (Tōh. 591; gdugs dkar mchog grub ma).

• A Brief Practice for Paying Homage and Making Offerings to the Buddha together with his retinue of Arhats by Śākyaśrībhadra

Attributed to the great Kashmiri scholar Śākyaśrībhadra, this is the most famous rite of homage and offering (phyag mchod) to the Buddha and the Sixteen Elders (sthavira).

• Prayer for Dispelling Famine 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.

• The Verses that Saved Sakya from Sickness: A Prayer for Quelling the Fear of Diseases 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.

• The Prayer of the Words of Truth by Fourteenth Dalai Lama

In this prayer, which he wrote in 1960, shortly after arriving in exile, His Holiness the Dalai Lama invokes all the buddhas and bodhisattvas, especially Avalokiteśvara, and the power of truth itself, in order to bring an end to the turmoil in Tibet so that the Dharma and all aspects of Tibetan culture can flourish there once again.

• Yeshe Tsogyal's Prayer revealed by Pema Lingpa

This famous prayer of aspiration, which was a terma revelation of Pema Lingpa (1450–1521), is said to record the words of Yeshe Tsogyal to Guru Padmasambhava as he was about to leave Tibet for the land of the rākṣasa demons.

• The Garland of Utpala Flowers: A Prayer to the Masters of the Lineage of Zabtik Drolchok by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo

A brief prayer to the lineage of Zabtik Drolchok, the practice of Green Tārā which was revealed as a mind terma by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa.

• The King of Aspiration Prayers: Samantabhadra's “Aspiration to Good Actions” (Zangchö Mönlam) 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).

• Nyingma Series