Praise Series

• The Sun that Causes the Lotus of Intelligence to Bloom: In Praise of the Lineage of Gurus for the Noble Abhidharma by Rongtön Sheja Künrig

Verses in praise of the lineage of Abhidharma teachers, from the Buddha down to Asaṅga and Vasubandhu, then on to the Indian commentators and the earliest specialists in Tibet.

• Verses in Praise of the Protector Akṣobhya by Drikung Kyobpa Jikten Sumgön

Four verses in praise of Buddha Akṣobhya extolling his appearance and his power to remove faults and bring about awakening.

• Conqueror of Māra, Lord of Death: In Praise of the Immortal Protector Amitāyus by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Jamyang Khyentse composed these verses in praise of the Buddha of Boundless Life in Gangtok on the first day of the Tibetan year of the Earth Dog (1958).

• Praise of White Amitāyus by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

One of three praises—to each of the Three Deities of Long Life (White Tārā, Amitāyus and Uṣṇīṣavijayā)—that Jamyang Khyentse composed while travelling in a boat along the River Ganges.

• Praise of Noble Avalokiteśvara 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 of Noble Avalokiteśvara (Tengyur version) by Lakṣmī

This is the version of Bhikṣuṇī Lakṣmī’s famous praise of Avalokiteśvara (known as the Po Praise) that appears in the Kriyātantra section of the Tengyur (Toh 2738).

• Short Praise of the Buddha's Deeds attributed to Āryaśūra

Although not to be found in the Tengyur, this short praise of Buddha Śākyamuni's deeds is commonly attributed to the Indian master Āryaśūra and became very popular in Tibet.

• Cymbals of the Devas: In Praise of the Lord of Sages, Peerless Teacher to All, Including the Gods by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

A poetic praise of the Buddha's qualities, which Jamyang Khyentse composed at the Mahābodhi Temple, Bodhgaya, in 1956.

• Jamyang Lodrö Gyatso’s Prayer of Unwavering Faith Upon Journeying to the Noble Land of India for a Second Time by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Jamyang Khyentse composed these verses of praise, prayer and aspiration when travelling to India for a second time, in or around January 1958.

• Praise of the Twelve Acts of the Buddha by Jigme Lingpa

In a series of poetic verses Jigme Lingpa pays homage to the Buddha Śākyamuni by recalling his most significant deeds, from his initial descent from the heaven of Tuṣita to his final attainment of parinirvāṇa.

• In Praise of the Twelve Deeds of the Buddha by Nāgārjuna

This is the version of Dvādaśakārastotra found in the Tengyur (Toh 1135). The text, which is attributed to Nāgārjuna, is a praise of the twelve great deeds performed by the Buddha Śākyamuni.

• Praise of the Buddha: With Skilful Means & Compassion... 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.

• Introduction to the Buddha’s Words: A Praise and Aspiration Related to the Words of the Victorious One by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

In these twenty-one verses, composed in 1952, Jamyang Khyentse extols the qualities of the Buddha's Words and prays that the teachings may endure until the very end of existence.

• A Beautiful Lotus Garland: In Praise of the Omniscient Lord of Dharma Butön Rinchen Drup by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

This lengthy praise to the great polymath and prolific scholar Butön Rinchen Drup (1290–1364), which evidently draws upon his biography, was written in October 1941.

• The Swift Infusion of Blessings: In Praise of the Mahāpaṇḍita Candragomin by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Jamyang Khyentse composed these verses in praise of the famous upāsaka Candragomin when feeling inspired by the master’s life story.

• The Melodious Song of Joy: In Praise of the Master Candrakīrti by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Verses in praise of the famous Mādhyamika master Candrakīrti that the author composed in Darjeeling towards the end of his life.

• Praise of Candrakīrti by Khenpo Shenga

Verses in praise of the famous Mādhyamika scholar Candrakīrti concluding with the mantra of Mañjuśrī.

• The Excellent Bilva Tree of Auspiciousness: Praise and Prayer to Terchen Chokgyur Lingpa by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Jamyang Khyentse composed these verses in praise of Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa (1829–1870) while at Tsikey Norbu Ling Monastery, in the presence of the stūpa commemorating the great tertön.

• In Praise of Dezhung Choktrul Rinpoche by Gatön Ngawang Lekpa

This four-line verse in praise of Dezhung Tulku Ajam Rinpoche (1885–1952) incorporates the syllables of the master's name, Jamyang Kunga Tenpé Gyaltsen.

• The Flute of Faith: In Praise of Drikung Kyobpa Rinpoche by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Verses in praise of Drikung Kyobpa Jikten Sumgön (1143–1217), alias Rinchen Pal, founder of the Drikung Kagyü tradition.

• A Homage to His Holiness the Dalai Lama by Trulshik Rinpoche

Written to coincide with Holiness the Dalai Lama's visit to Lerab Gar in France in 2000, this short text pays tribute to His Holiness's qualities and achievements in this and previous lifetimes.

• Verses of Homage by Trulshik Rinpoche

These verses of praise were written as a prologue to His Holiness the Dalai Lama's book The Vision of Enlightenment, published in 2006.

• Praise of Kunga Yeshe, Great Being and Master of Extensive Scriptural Traditions by Gatön Ngawang Lekpa

In these five verses, Ngawang Lekpa praises the body, speech, mind, qualities and activity of Ga Rabjampa, the great scholar and founder of Tharlam Monastery. The author incorporates the syllables of the master's name, Kunga Yeshe (meaning total joy and wisdom), into every verse.

• Cloud Banks of Blessings: Praise and Prayer to the Vajradhara Ngawang Lekpa by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Verses in praise of the great Sakya teacher Ngawang Lekpa (1864–1941) composed at the request of two of his devoted disciples, Yeshe Nyima and Ngawang Rinchen.

• In Praise of Gratifying Sentient Beings by Nāgārjuna

In this verse summary of a teaching from the Bodhisattva Piṭaka, the Buddha explains the importance of sentient beings and how pleasing them is the greatest form of offering.

• Verses of Homage to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas Together with their Mantras by Trulshik Rinpoche

Trulshik Rinpoche compiled these brief verses of praise and mantras so that all those connected with him could recite them daily or on special occasions. The deities included are Buddha Śākyamuni, Vajrasattva, Amitāyus, Amitābha, Ratnaśikhin, Medicine Buddha, Maitreya, Avalokiteśvara, Mañjuśrī, Vajravidāraṇa, Vijayā, Tārā, Guru Padmasambhava, and the union of Hayagrīva, Vajrapāṇi and Garuḍa.

• Thunderous Melody: In Praise of the Omniscient Gorampa Sonam Senge by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Jamyang Khyentse composed these verses in praise of the famed Sakya scholar Gorampa Sonam Senge in 1958 following a vivid experience that brought the master clearly to mind.

• In Praise of Padmākara, the Great Guru of Uḍḍiyāna by Drikung Kyobpa Jikten Sumgön

This very short work in praise of Guru Padmasambhava—the Great Guru of Uḍḍiyāna—appears at the beginning of the first volume of the Drikung Yangre Gar (ʾbri gung yang re sgar) edition of Jikten Sumgön's collected works.

• The Three Kāyas: Praises to the Great Master Padmasambhava by Mipham Rinpoche

This praise to the Master Padmasambhava is part of a set of three praises commemorating the lives of the so-called Abbot, Master and Dharma-King (Khen Lob Chö Sum), i.e., Śāntarakṣita, Guru Padmasambhava and Trisong Detsen.

• A Praise to the Lotus King by Śāntigarbha

This four-line praise may be the earliest prayer to Padmasambhava preserved in writing. It forms the colophon of the Noose of Methods (IOL Tib J 321, Thabs zhags, or Upāyapāśa), a Mahāyoga commentary attributed to Padmasambhava. A 10th century manuscript of the Noose of Methods including this praise was found at the Dunhuang caves. The prayer shows some similarity to the famous Seven-Line Prayer (tshig bdun gsol ‘debs).

• Fully Blossomed Learning and Contemplation: A Praise of the Great Spiritual Friend Jamyang Gyaltsen by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Three verses in praise of the Sakya lama Jamyang Gyaltsen (1870–1940), who is known primarily for his efforts to gather and publish the collected writings of Gorampa Sonam Senge (1429–1489).

• In Praise of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo

A four-line prayer to Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo composed by the master himself at the behest of Wangchuk Sengé of Nangso.

• The Bestowal of Supreme Blessings: Praise to the Vajradhara Loter Wangpo by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

These verses in praise of the great Sakya master Jamyang Loter Wangpo (1847–1914) were composed at the behest of Tsangsar Choktrul Rinpoche.

• In Praise of Jigme Lingpa’s Pre-Eminence by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

In these verses, Jamyang Khyentse highlights the special qualities of Jigme Lingpa (1730–1798) by describing his superiority to the majority of scholars, adepts and authors.

• Sweet Melody to Delight the Glorious Deity: In Praise of Śrī Kālīdevī by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Written in Kolkata, a city associated with Kālī, these verses of praise identify the goddess as having "a hundred names and thousand attributes" and as being one with Samantabhadrī, Prajñāpāramitā, Ekajaṭī and many other prominent female deities in the Tibetan Buddhist pantheon.

• Offering the Flowers of Remembered Kindness: In Praise of the Gracious Teacher, Khen Rinpoche Kunpal by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

This lengthy tribute, composed in Sikkim, is an important source of information concerning Khenpo Kunpal's life, even though it seemingly misidentifies his birth year.

• Beautiful Adornment of the Earth: In Praise of Kṣitigarbha by Mipham Rinpoche

A poem of eight verses praising the bodhisattva Kṣitigarbha (Essence of the Earth), playing on the literal meaning of his name and evoking the earth's qualities as a nurturing support and foundation for growth and development.

• Praise of Longchen Rabjam by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

An eight-verse poem in praise of Longchen Rabjam (1308–1364) written in January 1954.

• Vast Clouds of Blessings: In Praise of the Omniscient Lord of Dharma by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Jamyang Khyentse composed these verses in praise of Longchen Rabjam (1308–1364) during a visit to the master's cave on the slopes of Gangri Tökar.

• In Praise of Longchenpa – The Greatness of the Omniscient Longchen Rabjam by Khenpo Shenga

Taken from his miscellaneous writings, Khenpo Shenpen Nangwa's text compares the great Dzogchen master Longchen Rabjam to the most celebrated Buddhist saints of India and praises him as the unique embodiment of all the qualities exhibited by Tibet's own learned and accomplished figures.

• In Praise of the Lords of the Three Families by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

A short text in praise of the 'Lords of the Three Families' (rigs gsum mgon po), i.e., Mañjughoṣa, Avalokiteśvara and Vajrapāṇi.

• Cutting through the Four Demons in Absolute Space: A Praise of Machik Labdrön by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

In this verse panegyric, Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö praises the great Machik Labdrön (ma gcig lab sgron, 1031–1129) and incorporates references to many key terms and concepts from the Chöd ('Cutting') practice for which she is renowned.

• Music to Delight the Ḍākinī: A Praise to the Deathless Mandāravā by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo

Verses in praise of the eighth-century princess and ḍākinī Mandāravā, one of the principal consorts of Guru Padmasambhava.

• The Flourishing Splendour of Intelligence: In Praise of Mañjuśrī by Do Dasel Wangmo

Poetic verses describing Mañjuśrī's appearance, praising his qualities and invoking the light of his wisdom.

• Praise and Prayer to the Five Families of Mañjuśrī by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Jamyang Khyentse drew heavily upon the famous tantra Chanting the Names of Mañjuśrī (Mañjuśrī-nāma-saṅgīti) in order to compose this praise and supplication to the deities of the five families of Mañjuśrī.

• The Fresh Saffron Flower: In Praise of Venerable Mañjughoṣa by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Jamyang Khyentse composed this poetic paean to Mañjuśrī, with its long, seventeen-syllable lines, in Gangtok in the summer of 1957.

• The Light of Wisdom: Praise to Mañjuśrī by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Eleven verses in praise of Mañjuśrī which Jamyang Khyentse composed at the end of the Water Dragon year (i.e., in January 1953), while he was in retreat.

• The Lute of Vajra Harmony: Praise to the Protector Mañjuśrī by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Jamyang Khyentse composed these verses in praise of Mañjuśrī at the request of his master of ceremonies, Lama Chokden, while relaxing in a forest in Darjeeling.

• The Swift Infusion of Blessings: In Praise of Mañjughoṣa by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Verses in praise of Mañjughoṣa written at the behest of the Third Palpung Öntrul—five verses in praise of the deity's body, speech, mind, qualities and activity, followed by a verse of dedication.

• In Praise of Mañjuśrī: Increasing Intelligence to the Full by Mipham Rinpoche

This praise of Mañjuśrī for increasing the power of one's intelligence consists of fourteen four-line verses—fourteen, says Mipham, being the number of vital essences (dwangs ma) in beings and the world. The text was written in 1906.

• In Praise of Mañjuśrī: The Great Treasure of Blessings by Mipham Rinpoche

Mipham wrote this short text of praise in 1881 during a retreat that was focused upon Mañjuśrī.

• In Praise of the Protector Mañjughoṣa by Mipham Rinpoche

A succinct four-line praise of Mañjughoṣa's enlightened body, speech and mind.

• Like the Middle of Vajra Space: In Praise of Mañjuvajra by Mipham Rinpoche

In thirty-two verses, Mipham Rinpoche praises the ultimate Mañjuśrī, beyond colour and physical characteristics, the basic space of enlightened mind in which all is equal.

• Unchanging Auspiciousness: In Praise of Mañjuśrī by Mipham Rinpoche

Mipham Rinpoche composed this short text at the age of just eighteen. It inspired a commentary by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.

• Ultimate Praise of the Noble and Venerable Mañjuśrī by Nāgārjuna

This short praise attributed to Ācārya Nāgārjuna focuses on the ultimate nature of Mañjuśrī—insubstantial, non-dual, colourless, sizeless, and profound. The text is included in the Tengyur (Toh 1131).

• Praise to Mañjughoṣa by Tsongkhapa Lobzang Drakpa

A short, five-verse praise to Mañjughoṣa, the foremost bodhisattva and father of all the victorious ones.

• 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.

• The Praise to Mañjuśrī—Glorious Wisdom's Excellent Qualities 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).

• In Praise of the Goddess Mārīcī (Özerchenma) by Jigme Lingpa

Jigme Lingpa says that he wrote this brief text in praise of Mārīcī ('od zer can ma), the goddess of the dawn, in order to bring protection from fear during turbulent times.

• In Praise of Jetsün Mila Shepa Dorje by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö praises the great eleventh-century poet and yogi Milarepa, describing him as a ‘crown-jewel’ among the many siddhas, or accomplished adepts, to have appeared in the Land of Snows.

• The Definitive Ascertainment of Tantra: In Praise of the Great Master Milarepa by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Jamyang Khyentse composed these eight verses in praise of the great yogi Milarepa on the anniversary of the master's parinirvāṇa in March 1947.

• Homage to Milarepa by Nāropa

This four-line verse of praise, which is attributed to Nāropa, appears in Milarepa’s famous biography by Tsangnyön Heruka.

• The Purifier of Ethical Discipline: An Aspirational Praise to Vajradhara Kunga Zangpo by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

These nine verses in praise of the great Sakya teacher Ngorchen Kunga Zangpo (1382–1456) include elements of supplication and the aspiration to emulate the master and receive his continued guidance.

• The Swiftest Blessings: In Praise of the Wisdom Ḍākinī Niguma by Rongtön Sheja Künrig

These verses in praise of the great Indian yoginī Niguma are included in the recently compiled anthology known as Ḍākinīs' Great Dharma Treasury.

• In Praise of Patrul Orgyen Jigme Chökyi Wangpo by Dodrupchen Jigme Tenpe Nyima

Verses in praise of Patrul Rinpoche (1808–1887), which Dodrupchen Jigme Tenpe Nyima wrote for his own personal recitation.

• In Praise of Sönam Palge by Dodrupchen Jigme Tenpe Nyima

These verses in praise of Rogza Sönam Palge (rog bza' bsod nams dpal dge, 1800–1884) provide a rough sketch of the master's life, including his dates. In fact, this is the only known text that specifies the years of his birth and parinirvāṇa.

• Fulfilment of the Wish for Twofold Accomplishment: Praise to the Glorious Lord of Yogins, the Great Sakyapa Kunga Nyingpo by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Jamyang Khyentse composed these eleven verses of praise on the anniversary of the master's parinirvāṇa while he was staying at Lhundrup Teng, Derge, in 1928.

• A Short Guide to Yangleshö in Nepal by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

This is a poetic guide to the sacred site of Yangleshö (yang le shod) near the village of Pharping to the south of the Kathmandu Valley, where it is said that Guru Padmasambhava attained the level of a Mahāmudrā vidyādhara. Jamyang Khyentse wrote the text following a series of visionary experiences; it has the quality of a revelation and ends with a series of cryptic prophecies.

• A Song of Perfect Joy: In Praise of the Sacred Sites of Rājgṛha, Vulture Peak and Nālandā by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Verses in praise of three sacred sites: Rājgṛha (rgyal po'i khab), the ancient capital of Magadha; Vulture Peak (bya rgod spungs ri), where Buddha taught the Prajñāpāramitā sūtras; and Nālandā (nālendra), site of the famous monastic university.

• Drumbeat of the Gods: In Praise of the Great Place of Yerpa by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Jamyang Khyentse wrote these verses in praise of Yerpa while visiting its sacred Moon Cave (Dawa Puk), most likely in 1955.

• In Praise of Devāvatāra, Site of Buddha's Descent from Heaven by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

A panegyric on Devāvatāra or Sāṃkāśya, the place where Buddha supposedly returned to earth after spending a rainy season teaching Abhidharma to his mother and others in the deva realm.

• In Praise of Kuśinagara by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

A short poetic text in praise of Kuśinagara, the scene of Buddha Śākyamuni's final act, passing beyond this world and into parinirvāṇa.

• In Praise of Vārāṇasī, the Supreme Place by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Although entitled a praise of Vārāṇasī, this short poetic work concerns Sarnath or Ṛṣipatana, located approximately 10 kilometres from that ancient city. It was in the deer park of Sarnath that Buddha Śākyamuni first taught, setting in motion the Wheel of Dharma.

• In Praise of Yangleshö in Nepal by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Verses in praise of the sacred site of Yangleshö (yang le shod) near the village of Pharping to the south of the Kathmandu Valley, where it is said that Guru Padmasambhava attained the level of a Mahāmudrā vidyādhara.

• In Praise of the Great Indian City of Kolkata by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

In this verse text, probably composed in 1958, Jamyang Khyentse playfully marvels at modernity and expresses a sense of wonder upon encountering the vast Indian city of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) and all its unfamiliar attractions for the first time. The real highlight of the city as he sees it, however, is the chance to view the Buddha's relics, which were housed at the Indian Museum.

• Offering Clouds to Delight the Victorious Ones, Combining A Praise of Redreng with a Prayer of Aspiration by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Composed in 1955 when Jamyang Khyentse passed through the area, this is a short verse text in praise of Redreng/Reting, the famous monastery founded by Atiśa's foremost disciple, Dromtönpa Gyalwé Jungné, in 1056–1057.

• Praise and Prayer to Kharchu, Great Sacred Place of Lhodrak by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Jamyang Khyentse wrote this text in praise of Lhodrak Kharchu as he passed through the sacred place in 1956. The site is associated with Namkhai Nyingpo, who is said to have attained accomplishment here through the practice of Yangdak Heruka.

• The Conquerors' Delight: In Praise of Śrāvastī by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

A short poetic text in praise of Śrāvastī (mnyan yod), where Buddha Śākyamuni spent many rainy seasons and where, it is said, he defeated rival teachers in a contest of miraculous ability. Jamyang Khyentse composed the work during a visit to the town in 1956.

• The White Lotus Garland of Immortality: In Praise of the Supreme Vajra Place, Tso Pema (Lotus Lake) by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Tso Pema (mtsho padma) or 'Lotus Lake' in Rewalsar, Northern India is identified with a lake in the ancient kingdom of Zahor, which was created, it is said, when the king and his ministers attempted to burn Guru Padmasambhava and his consort Mandāravā alive. The master transformed his funeral pyre into a lake, where he appeared, unharmed and seated upon a lotus.

• The White Lotus: In Praise of Lumbinī by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Jamyang Khyentse composed this poem in praise of Lumbinī, the site of Buddha's birth and a major place of pilgrimage, during a visit in the late 1950s.

• Melodious Sound: In Praise of Vulture Peak Mountain by Rongtön Sheja Künrig

A short laudation of Vulture Peak Mountain (bya rgod phung po'i ri bo; Gṛdhrakūta), located in modern Bihar state in India, and renowned as the site at which Buddha taught the Prajñāpāramitā.

• Praise to Sakya Paṇḍita by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

This brief paean to the famed scholar Sakya Paṇḍita Kunga Gyaltsen (1182–1251) is the shortest of at least six such texts composed by Jamyang Khyentse.

• Gentle Splendour: Praises to the Great Abbot Śāntarakṣita by Mipham Rinpoche

This praise to the Abbot Śāntarakṣita is part of a set of three praises commemorating the lives of the so-called Abbot, Master and Dharma-King (Khen Lob Chö Sum), i.e., Śāntarakṣita, Guru Padmasambhava and Trisong Detsen.

• Ripples on the Ganges: In Praise of the Goddess Sarasvatī by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Jamyang Khyentse composed this poetic hymn to Sarasvatī while travelling along the Ganges river in the Fire Monkey year (1956).

• The Melodious Song of Vajra Harmony: In Praise of Red Sarasvatī by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

This brief tribute to Red Sarasvatī was composed by moonlight during an evening boat trip on the Ganges.

• The Sweet Sound of Perfect Joy: In Praise of the Goddess Sarasvatī by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Jamyang Khyentse wrote this hymn in praise of the goddess Sarasvatī while he was visiting Palpung Monastery in Eastern Tibet. The text includes her mantra, the recitation of which is said to bring increased intelligence.

• The Melody of Youthful Joy: In Praise of Sarasvatī by Longchen Rabjam

This poetic tribute to Sarasvatī, the goddess of eloquence, is taken from Longchenpa's miscellaneous writings.

• Praise of Sarasvatī, Goddess of Eloquence by Tsongkhapa Lobzang Drakpa

This famous poem is a combined invocation, praise and prayer to Sarasvatī, goddess of eloquence. It is included in the recently compiled anthology known as Ḍākinīs' Great Dharma Treasury.

• Intensely Brilliant Wisdom: In Praise of the Great Elder Smṛtijñāna by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Jamyang Khyentse wrote these verses in praise of the famed 11th-century Indian paṇḍita Smṛtijñānakīrti in 1958 after an inspiring dream of the master.

• An Extremely Concise Praise of the Twenty-One Tārās by Atiśa Dīpaṃkara

Tārā herself is credited with composing this short praise, through which Atiśa, who had fallen sick in Nyethang, recovered his health.

• The Praise to Tārā with Twenty-One Verses of Homage and The Excellent Benefits of Reciting the Praise from the Words of the Buddha

Perhaps the most popular of all prayers to Tārā, this tantra praises her twenty-one forms, both peaceful and wrathful. The first twenty-one verses are at once a series of homages to Tārā and a poetic description of her physical features, postures, qualities, abilities, mantras, and hand gestures. The remaining six verses describe how and when the Praise should be recited, as well as the benefits of its recitation.

• The Fulfilment of All Aspirations: In Praise of Noble Tārā by Candragomin

This praise of Tārā is one of several such texts attributed to the famous Indian master Candragomin. It focuses on Green Tārā (śyāmatārā), who is lauded for her swiftness in action.

• A Surge of Faith: Verses In Praise of Tārā by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

An acrostic text extolling the goddess Tārā, which Jamyang Khyentse wrote in 1924 when he was 31 years old (or 32 by Tibetan reckoning).

• Flower of Faith: In Praise of Tāranātha, Lord of Secrets by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Jamyang Khyentse says that he spontaneously composed these verses in praise of the great Jetsün Tāranātha (1575–1634) some time during the Water Bird year (1933–1934) after reading the master's writings.

• A Blossoming of the Intellect: In Praise of the Great Pioneer Thönmi Sambhoṭa by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

An acrostic poem in praise of Thönmi Sambhoṭa who is credited with inventing the Tibetan writing system and composing the first Tibetan grammatical treatises.

• Adorning Expression: In Praise of the Three Great Translators by Rongtön Sheja Künrig

A poetic tribute to three of Tibet's greatest translators, Zhang Yeshé Dé, Chokro Lüi Gyaltsen, and Kawa Paltsek.

• In Praise of the Three Jewels by Mātṛcetra

This short text, which is included in the Tengyur (Toh 1144), consists of only four verses, paying homage to the Buddha, Dharma and Saṅgha from the Mahāyāna perspective.

• In Praise of the Three Jewels by Vasubandhu

A very short text included in the Tengyur (Toh 1146), which praises the Buddha, Dharma and Saṅgha from a Mahāyāna perspective.

• Snowy Lands: Praises to the Great Dharma Emperor Tri Songdetsen by Mipham Rinpoche

This praise to the Emperor Tri Songdetsen is part of a set of three praises commemorating the lives of the so-called Abbot, Master and Dharma-King (Khen Lob Chö Sum), i.e., Śāntarakṣita, Guru Padmasambhava and Tri Songdetsen.

• Sweet Song of the Kalaviṅka: In Praise of Tseringma by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Composed in Darjeeling in 1958, these verses in praise of the goddess Tseringma are in abecedarian form, meaning that each line begins with successive letters of the Tibetan alphabet (ka, kha, ga, nga, and so on).

• The Flower of Faith: Praise to the Great Lord Guru Tsongkhapa by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

One of two texts in praise of Tsongkhapa Lobzang Drakpa (1357–1419) that Jamyang Khyentse composed, this one dates from early 1959 and follows what he describes as a delusory dream of filling a statue of the master.

• Praise of Uṣṇīṣavijayā by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

One of three praises—one to each of the Three Deities of Long Life (White Tārā, Amitāyus and Uṣṇīṣavijayā)—composed while travelling in a boat along the River Ganges.

• A Song to Delight Vaiśravaṇa: Praise of the Great King Vaiśravaṇa by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Verses in praise of Vaiśravaṇa, the guardian of the northern direction, who is associated with wealth and prosperity, together with the eight principal figures in his retinue, known as the eight masters of the horses (rta bdag brgyad).

• The Roaring Laughter of Vajra Wrath: In Praise of Glorious Vajrakumāra by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Jamyang Khyentse composed these verses in praise of Vajrakīla while engaged in intensive meditation upon the deity,

• A Song of Innermost Praise to Vajrasattva by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Composed during the ceremonies that followed the death of Princess Sangay Deki in 1957, this short texts focuses on the ultimate significance of Vajrasattva as the teacher of threefold tantra.

• Wish-Granting Provision of Twofold Accomplishment: A Praise of Vajrasattva by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Jamyang Khyentse composed these verses in praise of Vajrasattva during a visit to Katok Monastery in Kham.

• In Praise of Glorious Vajrasattva by Patrul Rinpoche

In this series of verses Patrul Rinpoche praises the deity Vajrsattva (rdo rje sems dpa') by describing his unique qualities, forms and functions.

• The Staircase Ascending to Khecara: A Praise in Accord with the Arrangement of the Realm of Holy Nāro Khecarī by Ngorchen Könchok Lhundrup

In these verses in praise of the Khecara realm of Vajrayoginī, Könchok Lhundrup provides a poetic description of the place as well as a supplication to be led there by the deity herself.

• The Hero's Bellowing Laughter: In Praise of the Lord of Yogins by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Verses in praise of the great lord of yogis (rnal 'byor dbang phyug) Virūpa, who is renowned as a mahāsiddha on account of his mastery of tantric practice.

• The Delightful Play of Sarasvatī: In Praise of Yeshe Tsogyal, Foremost of Ḍākinīs, Queen of Space by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

In poetic language, this fifteen-verse tribute recounts the legend of Yeshe Tsogyal's life of liberation, extolling her accomplishments and qualities.

• Songs and Poems Series