Prayers Series

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Courtesy of Jurek Schreiner

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A selection of prayers or supplications (Skt. adhyeṣaṇa; Tib. gsol 'debs):

Adzom Drukpa

A brief prayer to the Nyingtik master Adzom Drukpa Drodül Pawo Dorje (1842–1924), who was one of Jamyang Khyentse's most important Dzogchen teachers.

Akhyuk Rinpoche

Akhyuk Rinpoche says that he composed this prayer to himself in order to increase the pure perception of his disciples. In it he lists some of his previous incarnations: the mahāshiddha Śāntipa, Drokmi Palgyi Yeshe, Langdro Lotsāwa, Gyalwa Chokyang, Longchen Rabjam, and Longsal Nyingpo (1625–1692).

Amitābha

A four-line prayer to Amitābha, the Buddha of Boundless Light, aspiring to take rebirth in his blissful paradise of Sukhāvatī.

Amitāyus

Jamyang Khyentse composed these verses of prayer to Amitāyus after completing the recitation for the Iron Tree longevity practice (tshe sgrub lcags sdong ma), which is part of the Northern Treasures.

A four-line supplication of Amitāyus, the Buddha of Boundless Life, requesting the bestowal of supreme and indestructible longevity.

Apang Tertön

A short supplication of Apang Tertön Chöying Dorje, invoking him as an emanation of both Guru Padmasambhava and Thangtong Gyalpo.

A four-line supplication of Apang Tertön Chöying Dorje, alias Trinlé Lingpa, written by the master himself.

Atiśa

Two verses: the first a prayer to Atiśa as an emanation of Padmasambhava and the second an aspiration for rebirth in the pure land of great bliss.

A short four-line prayer to Atiśa composed in October 1956 on the master’s anniversary.

Avalokiteśvara

A simple two-verse prayer to Avalokiteśvara written at the request of a disciple from Washul, Amdo.

In 1758, one year after the first, principal revelation of Dukngal Rangdrol, Jigme Lingpa had a vision of Avalokiteśvara, the Great Compassionate One, in standing posture and extending to the far reaches of the eastern sky. Following this, he tells us in his autobiography, "tears of devotion welled up" and he composed this prayer.

This brief prayer to Avalokiteśvara, combined with the famous mantra oṃ maṇi padme hūṃ, is a heartfelt request for blessings and inspiration, so that all obstacles to the path may be overcome and bodhisattva activity may be accomplished.

Thangtong Gyalpo recalled this supplication to Noble Avalokiteśvara from the devotional practices of a previous lifetime as the bhikṣu Padma Karpo.

Bardos

A four-verse prayer to attain realization and enlightenment either in the present lifetime or during the intermediate states of dying, dharmatā or becoming.

Biographical Prayers

Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye composed this beautiful prayer summarizing Samten Lingpa’s famous terma biography of Khandro Yeshe Tsogyal in 1893 at the request of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo and the yoginī Doshul Khandro.

Jigme Lingpa wrote this prayer recalling his own life and liberation at the request of the First Dodrupchen, Jigme Trinlé Özer (1745–1821). The prayer includes a summary of his previous lives, as well as his most important accomplishments and qualities, when—as he puts it—he emphasized the positive.

This prayer recalling the accomplishments of Jamgön Mipham Rinpoche, written by the master himself, was later supplemented by additional verses composed by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö at the behest of Khenpo Kunpal (1862–1943).

This prayer, which recounts Mandāravā’s lives and liberation, forms the 37th chapter of Samten Lingpa’s famous terma biography of Princess Mandāravā.

Buddha Śākyamuni

A simple four-line prayer to Buddha Śākyamuni and a retinue of the sixteen elders.

This eight-line prayer to the Buddha, Eight Great Bodhisattvas and Sixteen Arhats was written at the end of the Fire Sheep year (early 1908).

Butön Rinchen Drup

A short, four-line prayer to Butön Rinchen Drup (1290–1364), which Khyentse Rinpoche composed on the basis of a dream experience.

Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

This short prayer to Chokgyur Lingpa invokes the great tertön by means of three different names: Chokgyur Lingpa, Dechen Lingpa, and Zhikpo Lingpa.

Jamgön Kongtrul’s biographical prayer to Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa (1829–1870) details the master's life and legacy, especially his terma revelations and accomplishments. The text is included within the Rinchen Terdzö collection.

A brief prayer invoking Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa, composed by the great tertön's eldest son, Tersé Gyurme Tsewang Drakpa.

Clear Light

A short prayer to the guru requesting his or her blessings in order to master the practice of recognizing clear light within the dream state.

A short prayer to inspire the recognition of clear light or luminosity ('od gsal), especially during dream yoga as a preparation for the dawning of luminosity in the bardo or intermediate state.

Confession

As Dudjom Rinpoche himself explains, this is simultaneously a supplication, confession, and aspiration prayer. It involves the invocation of one's gurus, contemplation and confession of one's faults, and aspiration to overcome such flaws and realise the nature of the guru.

Ḍākinīs

A prayer to invoke various wisdom ḍākinīs, including Yeshe Tsogyal, Tārā and Vajravārāhī, in order to request their blessings and aid.

Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

A four-line supplication to Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche composed by the master himself at the request of Pegyal Lingpa (1924–1988).

Rabjam Rinpoche adapted the text of 'A Short Remembrance of, and Prayer to My Master, the Wish-Fulfilling Jewel entitled, A Lament of Faith,' which was composed by Khenpo Chimé Rigdzin and addressed to Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok (1933–2004), in order to create this moving supplication to Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910–1991).

Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje

This biographical prayer to Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje was written by the master himself at the request of a king (sa dbang), most likely Namkha Lhundrup of Trokyap.

Drukpa Kunley

A short supplication of the 'crazy' adept Drukpa Kunley (1455–1529) composed at the request of Tupten Chödzin (Peter Galambos).

Dudjom Lingpa

A seven-line supplication combined with an aspiration, which Dudjom Lingpa composed spontaneously at the request of Tsultrim Gyatso.

Dudjom Lingpa composed this four-line prayer to himself, which emphasizes his Dzogchen realization, at the request of a student named Dorje Namgyal.

Dzogchen

This short prayer invokes the figures of the Dzogchen lineage from Buddha Samantabhadra onwards, including the peaceful and wrathful deities, calling upon them all to grant their inspiration and blessing, so that the practitioner might perfect the four visions and attain the rainbow body.

A short prayer written at the request of Thinley Norbu Rinpoche (1931–2011).

This popular supplication, said to derive from the Vima Nyingtik, appears in a number of liturgies, including Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo's Direct Path to the Primordial (gdod ma'i gseng lam).

This invocation, drawn from the Khandro Yangtik collection, includes additional verses for some of the masters who followed Longchenpa in the lineage: Chökyi Drakpa, Nyima Özer, Kunga Gyaltsen, and Chöying Drakpa.

This prayer invokes the blessings of all the three-kāya gurus, yidam deities, ḍākinīs and dharmapālas to inspire recognition of the ultimate nature of the Great Perfection (Dzogpachenpo), which Longchenpa describes in evocative detail.

Eight Mahāsiddhas

This prayer by Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen is addressed to eight of the most famous Indian mahāsiddhas: Nāgārjuna, Indrabhūti, Ḍombī Heruka, Saraha, Ghaṇṭapa, Kukkurīpā, Luipa, and Padmavajra.

Eighty-Four Mahāsiddhas

Following a vision of the ḍākinī Kadalī, Jedrung Jampa Jungné composed this prayer that invokes all eighty-four Mahāsiddhas and accompanies the guru yoga sādhana known as Luminous Bindu.

Fifteenth Karmapa

A seven-verse supplication to the Fifteenth Karmapa, Khakhyab Dorje (1871–1922), composed at the behest of Akhar Choktrul Tupten Jampal Dorje.

Fourteenth Dalai Lama

This four-line text, which was requested by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, is both a panegyric on His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama and a prayer for the fulfilment of his aspirations.

Lodi Gyari Rinpoche, who was the Dalai Lama's special envoy in Washington DC for many years, composed this short prayer to His Holiness in 2006.

Ga Rabjampa Kunga Yeshe

As he was approaching death, Gatön Ngawang Lekpa composed this four-line prayer to Ga Rabjampa Kunga Yeshe (1397–1470) requesting his assistance in order to reach the pureland of Sukhāvatī.

Gatön Ngawang Lekpa

Dezhung Tulku Ajam's three-verse supplication to his root teacher, Gatön Ngawang Lekpa (1864–1941), includes a prayer for the master's long life and the flourishing of his activity.

A four-line prayer composed by the master himself at the request of the monks of Dezhung Monastery.

General

These verses to be recited at the beginning of every session, which invoke the blessings of the guru, were copied from notes in Rinpoche's own hand.

This prayer invoking the blessing of the buddhas, bodhisattvas and accomplished practitioners (vidyādharas) of Tibet is taken from the compilation A Shower of Precious Blessings: A Garland of Supplications to Guru Rinpoche, Embodiment of All Refuge Objects, and to the Three Roots and Lineage Masters.

A four-line prayer to Guru Padmasambhava, Longchen Rabjam and Rigdzin Jigme Lingpa.

A simple prayer for the elimination of obstacles and the fulfilment of positive aspirations.

A four-line prayer to the ultimate guru, one's own non-conceptual awareness.

One of the few surviving texts by Rigdzin Jalü Dorje, this is an invocation of the guru's blessings and an aspiration to escape saṃsāra and enter the ultimate sphere of the guru's wisdom.

It is said that Dodrupchen Jalü Dorje composed this prayer after a Han Chinese prisoner, whom he had been teaching in secret, attained the rainbow body.

In this undated prayer, Jamyang Khyentse calls upon the buddhas and bodhisattvas to help overcomed negative tendencies of body, speech and mind and progress along the path to awakening.

Composed in 1958, this prayer invokes the Three Roots in general and three gurus in particular: the two great Thartsé khenpo brothers, Jampa Kunga Tendzin (1776–1862) and Jampa Naljor Jampal Zangpo (1789–1864), and their student, Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo (1820–1892).

This prayer to Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, Jamgön Kongtrul and Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö was written for Jamyang Sonam, prince of Yönru in Lithang.

Written in Darjeeling in 1958, this supplicated is addressed to Guru Padmasambhava, Tārā (in two forms), Vajrakīla and Mahākāla.

This four-line supplication to the root and lineage gurus is included among the writings of Jokyab Pema Trinlé Nyingpo but attributed to Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo (1820–1892).

This five-verse prayer, composed for a female practitioner named Lobzang Chödzin, is included in the recent 53-volume anthology known as the Ḍākinīs' Great Dharma Treasury.

This popular prayer is extracted from Ocean of Siddhis: The Stages of Guru Service (bla ma'i rim pa dngos grub rgya mtsho), which is part of the Lama Yangtik.

Three prayers—a petition for the purification of impairments and breakages of samaya, a brief supplication to Mañjuśrī, and an appeal to the Three Roots—all composed in the Earth Pig year, i.e., 1899/1900.

A short prayer composed while circumambulating stūpas dedicated to the early masters of Katok Monastery.

An appeal to the guru and Three Roots to grant their blessings, thereby ensuring happiness, peace and prosperity throughout the land.

Rabjam Rinpoche composed this prayer and aspiration in October 2020, at the request of Ven. Lungrik Nyima, after completing the textual arrangements for several of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche's mind treasures (dgongs gter).

Brief verses of prayer invoking Buddha Śākyamuni, Prajñāpāramitā, Avalokiteśvara, Guru Padmasambhava, Vajrasattva, and the protector Bernakchen, together with their mantras, composed for daily recitation or use on special occasions.

Gesar

A short prayer calling upon Gesar to shower down his inspiration and blessings.

This daily prayer to Gesar includes elements of invocation, offering, and supplication related to the four types of activity—pacifying, enriching, magnetizing and wrathful subjugation.

Gorampa Sonam Senge

Jamyang Khyentse composed this ten-verse prayer to the famed Sakya scholar Gorampa Sonam Senge following an auspicious dream some time in 1952 or 1953.

Götsang Gönpo Dorje

Composed at the behest of Lama Yeshe Lhundrup, this short prayer invokes the blessings of Götsangpa Gönpo Dorje (1189–1258), founder of the Upper Drukpa branch of the Drukpa Kagyü school.

Gyaltsen Tsemö Pung Gyen

A short prayer to Dhvajāgrakeyūra (rgyal mtshan rtse mo'i dpung rgyan), a female deity whose dhāraṇī is particularly treasured as a method for enhancing windhorse (rlung rta).

Gyalwa Yangönpa

Jamyang Khyentse composed this brief prayer to the famed Drukpa Kagyü adept Yangönpa Gyaltsen Pal (1213–1258) following what he describes as a 'minor visionary experience'.

Gyarong Khandro

This description of a vision in which Gyarong Khandro Dechen Wangmo met hosts of ḍākinīs is included in the recently compiled anthology known as Ḍākinīs' Great Dharma Treasury.

This prayer to the extraordinary Gyarong Khandro Dechen Wangmo, who was considered to be an emanation of Mandāravā, was written by Jamyang Khyentse at the request of Khandro Tsering Chödrön (1929–2011).

Gyurme Tsewang Gyatso

A three-verse supplication to Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö's father and teacher Gyurme Tsewang Gyatso, who is also known as Chimé Nangdzé Dorje.

Two prayers: one addressed to Gyurme Tsewang Gyatso (alias Chimé Nangdze Dorje) and one to invoke the blessings of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo.

Jamgön Kongtrul

Jamgön Kongtrul composed this four-line supplication to himself at the request of a monk named Tsoknyi Dorje.

This prayer to Jamgön Kongtrul was composed by the master himself at the request of one of his disciples. It contains references to his life and the qualities he considers important, such as—to adopt the words of the text—the pure perception, with which he upheld all Buddha's teachings impartially.

A four-line prayer to Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thayé (1813–1899) that is commonly recited as part of longer supplications to the lineage.

Jampa Kunga Tendzin

An eight-verse supplication to Thartse Khenchen Jampa Kunga Tendzin (1776–1862), who was an important teacher of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo (1820–1892).

Jamyang Gyaltsen

This prayer to Jamyang Gyaltsen occurs twice in the latest version of Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö's collected writings. The colophon to this second occurrence provides the circumstances of its composition: when Jamgyal gave the reading transmission for his new 13-volume edition of Gorampa Sonam Senge's writings at the Dragang retreat centre.

Jamyang Khyenrab Tayé

This prayer is the only known source for key biographical information about Jamyang Khyenrab Tayé (1862–1937), a master from whom Jamyang Khyentse received the Kālacakra empowerment and other teachings.

Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

This short prayer based on the life and liberation of Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö (1893–1959) was composed by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche in the presence of the master's reliquary.

Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche adapted the words of a long-life prayer he had previously composed in order to create this supplication, which incorporates the name Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö into three of its four verses.

Dudjom Rinpoche adapted the words of an earlier long-life prayer to create this two-verse supplication to Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö (1893–1959).

This nine-verse composition is both a supplication to Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö (1893–1959) and a prayer for his long life.

This three-verse prayer incorporates the syllables of two of the master's own names, Jamyang Chökyi Lodrö and Tsuklak Lungrik Nyima Mawé Sengé.

A two-verse prayer to Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö composed by the master himself at the request of Yakzé Tsewang Gyurme.

This two-verse supplication, composed by Jamyang Khyentse himself at the behest of a certain Lama Chödrak, invokes the master's inspiration and blessings as a means to realize the view of the Great Perfection.

A four-line prayer to Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö composed by the master himself at the request of an unnamed discipline.

A four-line prayer to Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö composed by the master himself at the request of a discipline named Ngawang Sherab.

This prayer, composed at the request of a physician, invokes Jamyang Khyentse as a manifestation of Khyentse Wangpo and requests his inspiration and blessing to realize the true nature of mind.

A two-verse invocation of Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö composed by the master himself at the request of two disciples.

A four-line prayer to Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö composed by the master himself at the behest of Khangsar Tulku.

A four-line prayer composed by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö himself, which incorporates the syllables of his name.

A four-line prayer composed by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö himself at the behest of Lama Lodrö.

A three-verse prayer to Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö composed by the master himself at the request of someone called Ngawang Lobzang.

A three-verse prayer to Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo and Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö composed at the request of Ngawang Sherab.

A four-line prayer composed by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö himself at the behest of Lama Lodrö. The text includes an alternative fourth line for transforming the prayer into a long-life supplication.

This three-verse invocation of both Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo and his reincarnation Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö was composed by the latter at the request of a woman called Rigdzin Lhamo.

A four-line prayer to Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö composed by the master himself at the behest of Tekchok Dorje.

Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo

This four-line prayer is commonly recited as part of longer invocations of the lineage.

Jamgön Kongtrul composed this biographical prayer (rnam thar gsol 'debs) to Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo by extracting verses from a longer prayer to the masters of the Shangpa Kagyü lineage. For this edition, which is found in the Rinchen Terdzö, Jamyang Khyense Chökyi Lodrö composed three additional verses that refer to Khyentse Wangpo's parinirvāṇa and rebirth.

A simple two-verse supplication prayer composed by the master himself, with the first verse elaborating on the literal meaning of his name.

This short biographical prayer (rnam thar gsol 'debs) to Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo (1820–1892) is drawn from the collection of texts known as The Whispered Transmission of Thangtong Gyalpo (thang stong snyan brgyud).

Jatsön Nyingpo

A four-verse prayer to Jatsön Nyingpo for daily recitation. It was composed by the master himself.

Jigme Lingpa

Jamyang Khyentse composed this prayer to the great revealer of the Longchen Nyingtik when he passed through the master's place of residence, the Yarlung Valley, during his first trip to central Tibet in 1925.

Jowo Rinpoche

Jigme Lingpa wrote this prayer for a student who was accumulating prayers before the famous Jowo Rinpoche statue in the Jokhang temple in Lhasa. It is not only a prayer to Śākyamuni Buddha, but also a means to receive the four empowerments: vase, secret, wisdom-knowledge, and the supreme empowerment of great rays of light.

Kagyü

A prayer to invoke the blessings of the masters of the Kagyü lineage, especially the Karmapa incarnations beginning with Düsum Khyenpa (1110–1193).

Karmapas

A simple, four-line prayer to the Fifteenth Karmapa composed by the master himself at the request of one of his disciples.

A prayer to the Karmapas from the first incarnation, Düsum Khyenpa (1110–1193), through to the fifteenth, Khakhyab Dorje (1870/71–1921/22).

Karsé Kongtrul

A short supplication to Karse Kongtrul Khyentse Özer (1904–c.1953), who was a reincarnation of Jamgön Kongtrul and son of the Fifteenth Karmapa.

Khandro Tsering Chödrön

Khyentse Rinpoche composed this four-line prayer to Khandro Tsering Chödrön, which incorporates the syllables of her name, out of single-pointed devotion.

A four-line prayer to Khandro Tsering Chödrön (1929–2011), which identifies her as an emanation of Shelkar Dorje Tso.

Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche composed this prayer to the great ḍākinī Tsering Chödrön, spiritual consort of Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö, shortly after her passing in 2011.

Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche, one of the pioneers of Tibetan Buddhism in America, composed this short prayer to Khandro Tsering Chödrön, the spiritual wife of Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö, shortly after her parinirvāṇa in 2011.

Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok

The most famous four-line prayer to Khenchen, which he himself composed.

This devotional prayer to invoke the blessings of the guru is one of Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok's best known compositions. It was written in 1987 at Mount Wutai (Wutai Shan) at the request of an elderly disciple, Lama Rigdön.

This celebrated prayer extols the benefits of guru devotion in general and praises the qualities of Khenchen Jikme Puntsok Rinpoche (1933–2004) in particular, invoking his inspiration and blessings as a means to progress along the path.

Khenpo Munsel

This eight-line supplication of Khenpo Munsel was composed by the master himself at the request of his disciples.

Khenpo Ngawang Palzang

A short, two-verse supplication to the famed Dzogchen master Khenchen Ngawang Palzang (1879–1941) alias Khenpo Ngakchung, from whom Jamyang Khyentse received teachings.

Khenpo Sodargye

An invocation of Khenpo Sodargye (b. 1962) that includes verses of prayer to his teacher Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok (1933–2004) and the latter's previous incarnation Nanam Dorje Dudjom. (Access text via link in bio)

Khyen Kong Chok Sum

A four-line prayer to invoke the blessings of the three great masters Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye and Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa.

Verses of supplication to Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thayé, Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa, and Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, which Khyentse Wangpo composed at Jamgön Kongtrul's behest.

Lamrim

This concise prayer of just fourteen stanzas encapsulates the entire teaching of the graduated path (Tib. lamrim) to enlightenment, including both sūtra and tantra.

Longchen Rabjam

Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche composed this 16-line prayer to the great Dzogchen master Longchen Rabjam (1308–1363) based on the writings of Ju Mipham.

This song of devotion, composed on the master's anniversary in 1950, emphasizes the ultimate nature of Longchen Rabjam, according to which he does not exist externally but in the nature of one's own mind.

Jamyang Khyentse composed this poetic, devotional invocation of the great Dzogchen master Longchen Rabjam (1308–1364) in 1934.

Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche added a line to this popular invocation of Longchen Rabjam, transforming it into a prayer to realize the natural state, which is the true nature of the mind.

Loter Wangpo

A short, three-verse supplication to Jamyang Loter Wangpo (1847–1914), which Jamyang Khyentse composed spontaneously when recalling his guru.

A short prayer to Jamyang Loter Wangpo (1847–1914), which Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö composed in order to reinvigorate devotion.

Machik Labdrön

A short supplication in three verses addressed to the Mother Prajñāpāramitā, Krodhakālī, and the great Machik Labdrön.

Magnetizing

A brief prayer for magnetizing or bringing under one’s control (dbang du sdud pa), which invokes many of the deities associated with this form of activity.

This prayer of magnetizing (dbang du bsdud pa) all appearance and existence, which Ju Mipham wrote in 1879, focuses on nine deities associated with magnetizing: Padmasambhava in the form of Padmarāja or Pema Gyalpo (padma rgyal po), Vajradharma (rdo rje chos), Amitābha, Avalokiteśvara in the form of Padmapāṇi, Hayagrīva, Guhyajñāna, Vajravārāhī, Kurukullā and the King of Desire ('dod pa'i rgyal po). It was made popular in recent years by the late Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok.

Mañjuśrī

An invocation and supplication of Mañjuśrī together with other deities of the three kāyas and figures from the Dzogchen lineage including Apang Tertön (alias Trinlé Lingpa) himself.

A four-line supplication to Mañjuśrī invoking his power to dispel ignorance and grant courageous eloquence (pratibhāna) and intelligence.

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.

One of many four-line prayers to Mañjuśrī that Mipham Rinpoche composed, this one invokes the deity's glorious powers of speech.

A brief, four-line supplication of Mañjuśrī requesting his bestowal of a prodigious intellect.

Marpa

This prayer invokes the great translator Marpa Chökyi Lodrö, together with his wife Dakmema, his physical heir Darma Dodé and his foremost spiritual heir Milarepa. Jamyang Khyentse composed the text while on a visit to the site of Marpa's estate in Lhodrak, most likely in 1956.

This prayer was composed in 1940, following a visionary encounter with the great translator and forefather of the Kagyü tradition and the surge of devotion that this vision inspired.

Marpa, Milarepa & Gampopa

Jamyang Khyentse says that he wrote this four-verse prayer to the founders of the practice lineage, i.e., Marpa Lotsāwa, Milarepa and Gampopa, in the first month of the Wood Ox year (1865) following a dream.

Milarepa

A three-verse prayer to Milarepa, which arose, the author says, out of his oceanic faith for the great yogin.

Jamyang Khyentse says that he composed this song of invocation and prayer out of sadness. In it, he calls upon the great yogin to help him overcome his failings and turn his mind towards the Dharma.

Composed on Milarepa's anniversary in 1952, this eight-verse prayer lauds the great yogin for his accomplishment of the transcendent perfections (pāramitā) and other qualities.

An elaborate practice of supplication or prayer to the great poet-yogi Milarepa, preceded by practices for taking refuge and generating bodhicitta.

Ngawang Samten Lodrö

A two-verse supplication to Ngawang Samten Lodrö, which incorporates the syllables of his full name, Ngawang Samten Lodrö Nyengyü Tenpai Gyaltsen Palzangpo.

Jamyang Khyentse composed this lament and invocation of his teacher Ngawang Samten Lodrö following the master's passing in 1931.

Ngorchen Kunga Zangpo

Jamyang Khyentse composed this seven-verse prayer to Ngorchen Kunga Zangpo (1382–1456) in Darjeeling on the morning of the master's anniversary in June 1958.

Nonsectarianism

A non-sectarian prayer invoking many of the greatest luminaries in Tibetan Buddhist history, from King Trisong Detsen and the twenty-five disciples of Guru Padmasambhava down to Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo and Jamgön Kongtrul.

Nyala Pema Dündul

Nyala Pema Dündul composed this prayer to himself at the request of his disciples. It is a plea to receive his inspiration and blessings in order to follow in his footsteps and perfect the practice of Dzogpachenpo.

Parṇaśavarī

A simple supplication to the goddess Parṇaśavarī (or Parṇaśabarī, lo gyon ma) calling upon her to pacify and eliminate the suffering brought about by sickness and disease.

Karma Chakmé composed this five-verse prayer to Parṇaśavarī (or Parṇaśabarī, lo gyon ma) on the basis of a vision of the goddess, which he experienced when performing a fire offering.

Patrul Rinpoche

This five-line supplication to Patrul Orgyen Jigme Chökyi Wangpo (1808–1887) is taken from the prayers section of Jamgön Kongtrul's collected writings.

Jamyang Khyentse composed this invocation of Dza Patrul Rinpoche (1808–1887) on an anniversary of the master's parinirvāṇa, which falls on the eighteenth day of the fourth Tibetan month.

Jamyang Khyentse wrote this twelve-line prayer to Patrul Rinpoche during the festival of Chökhor Düchen in 1860. The text identifies Patrul as an emanation of Śāntideva and the early Dzogchen adept Aro Yeshe Jungne, and praises his qualities of renunciation, bodhicitta and wisdom.

Pegyal Lingpa

This two-verse prayer to the tertön Pegyal Lingpa (1924–1988) was composed in Darjeeling, most likely in 1958.

Prayers to Previous Incarnations

This prayer to the chain of successive emanations (skye phreng gsol 'debs) of the First Dodrupchen was written by the master himself and includes a verse that famously prophesies his subsequent incarnation as Jigme Puntsok Jungné (1824–1863).

Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö himself composed this prayer to the 'garland' of his own previous incarnations (skye phreng gsol 'debs), from the Buddha Mañjuśrī down to his immediate predecessor, Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo (1820–1892).

This longer prayer to Jamyang Khyentse's successive rebirths was composed in 1952 for Dongna Tulku, who requested a long version of the prayer known as Beautiful Garland of Uḍumbara Flowers.

A supplication to the successive Trungpa (drung pa) incarnations of Zurmang Monastery, up to and including Jamyang Khyentse's own teacher, Karma Chökyi Nyinché (c. 1879–1938), who was the Tenth Trungpa, and a prayer for the longevity of his immediate reincarnation, Chögyam Trungpa (1939–1987).

Jigme Lingpa wrote this prayer at the request of his students. It invokes many of his previous incarnations, beginning with the primordial Buddha Samantabhadra.

Jigme Lingpa wrote this prayer to the Dzogchen Rinpoches and their previous incarnations at the request of his disciple Jigme Ngotsar (b. 1763).

In this short prayer, written at the insistence of his disciples, Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok lists his own previous incarnations according to a prophecy by Apang Tertön Pawo Chöying Dorje (1895–1945).

A three-verse prayer to the great Khenpo Ngawang Palzang—here referred to as Dorje Zijitsal—listing some of his previous incarnations and invoking his blessings.

A short prayer to the previous incarnations of the famous tertön Trulshik Dongak Lingpa (1862–1922), who was also known as Kunzang Tongdrol Dorje.

A prayer to Sera Khandro's successive incarnations including Red Vetala (Rolang Marmo), Shelkar Dorje Tso, Kunga Buma, and Changchub Chödrön.

This prayer to Sera Khandro's successive incarnations is one of several such texts to be found in her collected writings.

A prayer to Shabkar identifying his previous incarnations, including Avalokiteśvara, Milarepa, Gyalse Tokme Zangpo and Thangtong Gyalpo, composed at the request of a noblewoman named Drolma Kyidzom.

Rabjam Rinpoche composed this prayer to the various masters in his own incarnation line at the request of Tulku Kunga, who had transcribed the list of names from a handwritten note by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.

Written in verse, this is a list of Kyabje Trulshik Rinpoche's previous incarnations and a prayer to receive their inspiration and blessing.

A supplication prayer that recalls Kyabje Trulshik Rinpoche's thirty previous incarnations and their major accomplishments, as well as the master's own life and future emanations.

Raudracakrin

This four-line prayer for pacifying war and conflict is addressed to Raudracakrin (drag po'i 'khor lo can), the last in the line of legendary Dharma Kings of Shambhala.

Rendawa Shönnu Lodrö

Tsongkhapa composed this five-line verse in honour of his teacher Rendawa Shönnu Lodrö (who then in turn adapted it into the famous Miktséma prayer to Tsongkhapa himself).

Sakya

A brief invocation of the abbots of Ngor, from Kunga Zangpo (1382–1456) through to Könchok Lhundrup (1497–1557), followed by an aspiration to emulate their conduct and realization.

An invocation of deities associated with magnetizing and enriching for the sake of the teachings in general and the Sakya teachings in particular.

A prayer to six master scholars from the Sakya tradition: Ngorchen Kunga Zangpo (1382–1456), Dzongpa Kunga Namgyal (1432–1496), Yaktön Sangye Pal (1350–1414), Rongtön Sheja Kunrig (1367–1449), Gorampa Sonam Senge (1429–1489) and Śākya Chokden (1428–1507).

A two-verse prayer to all the gurus and deities of the Sakya tradition, invoking their inspiration and blessings to follow the path in the present and future lives.

Sakya Paṇḍita

According to his biography, Gatön Ngawang Lekpa recited this prayer to Sakya Paṇḍita together with the famous four-line Shejama (shes bya ma) prayer that he accumulated 4,300,000 times while performing prostrations.

A supplication to the great Sakya scholar and patriarch Kunga Gyaltsen (1182–1251) calling upon him to assist beings of the degenerate age, especially practitioners of the Dharma. Shenpen Nangwa composed the text while visiting the Sakya monastery of Lhundrup Teng in Derge, also known as Derge Gonchen.

Śāntarakṣita

Jamyang Khyentse composed this prayer as part of a series of supplications addressed to the Dharma King Tri Songdetsen, Guru Padmasambhava, and Abbot Śāntarakṣita (mkhan slob chos gsum) as well as the future king of Shambhala, Raudracakrin, all written at the behest of the Sixth Dzogchen Rinpoche and a lama from Dzogchen Monastery called Pema Düdül.

Sarasvatī

A four-verse prayer to Sarasvatī in which each line begins with a repeated word for the sake of emphasis, an example of epizeuxis.

Sé Pakchok Dorje

A prayer to Sé Pakchok Dorje, the mind emanation of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo (1820–1892) and one of the six sons of Tokden Śākya Śrī (1853–1919), invoking his inspiration and blessings in order to perfect the path of Dzogchen.

Sera Khandro

The treasure-revealer Sera Khandro Dekyong Wangmo wrote this short, six-line prayer to herself for the sake of her followers.

Shabkar Tsokdruk Rangdrol

This supplication to Shabkar himself, invoking the blessings of his body, speech and mind, was composed at Mount Kailash.

Shakya Shri

A devotional prayer to the guru Shakya Shri for inspiration and blessings to realize the Great Perfection.

Shechen Kongtrul

Khenpo wrote this prayer to his root teacher Shechen Kongtrul Pema Drimé Lekpé Lodrö in 1959 in Yolmo, Nepal, shortly after fleeing Tibet.

Smṛtijñānakīrti

A four-line prayer to the famous 11th-century paṇḍita and translator who travelled to eastern Tibet.

Tārā

A short, eight-line prayer to Tārā in the recognition that she and her twenty-one forms are none other than pure awareness and its manifestations.

It is said that Atiśa spoke this prayer to the goddess Tārā during a life-threatening storm on his journey across the ocean to meet the master Serlingpa. Tārā, who is renowned for the swiftness with which she protects living beings from fear and danger, appeared directly and rescued Atiśa and his fellow travellers from peril.

A brief prayer to noble Tārā requesting protection from fear and the fulfilment of aspirations.

A simple, four-line supplication to Tārā requesting her protection from fear and suffering in this life, the next and the bardo state.

Jigten Gönpo composed these seven verses of supplication following a visionary experience in which he saw seven different forms of Tārā. The prayer became known as the 'sevenfold refuge' (skyabs bdun ma), and is renowned for the extraordinary blessings it conveys.

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.

A brief six-line supplication to the guru, indivisible from Ārya Tāra, mother of all the buddhas, written at the behest of Jampal Tendar and other devoted disciples.

This prayer to Tārā, written in 1936, calls upon her aid to overcome various obstacles, including threats of danger, poverty, depleted vital energy and harmful forces.

One of several prayers to Tārā by Jamyang Khyentse, this one was written in Darjeeling during the holy month of Saga Dawa in either 1957 or (more likely) 1958.

A short, four-line supplication of White Tārā, Wish-Fulfilling Jewel, who overcomes death and bestows longevity and wisdom.

Extracted from Drakpa Gyaltsen's Four-Maṇḍala Prayer to Tārā (sgrol ma'i gsol 'debs maN+Dal bzhi pa).

This four-line verse of homage to noble Tārā is also a prayer that incorporates the syllables of her root mantra: oṃ tāre tuttāre ture svāhā.

A short, two-verse prayer to noble Tārā in her twenty-one emanations, composed (or revealed) in response to a request from a monk-physican named Samten.

Tertön Sogyal

This biographical prayer (rnam thar gsol 'debs) to Tertön Sogyal Lerab Lingpa was written by fellow tertön, Drimé Ösal Lingpa, at the request of the latter's son, Pema Wangchuk.

Thangtong Gyalpo

Khyentse Wangpo composed this five-verse supplication prayer to Thangtong Gyalpo at the request of the Eighth Sangye Nyentrul Rinpoche by combining and supplementing previous prayers.

Three Deities of Long Life

Jamyang Khyentse says he composed this prayer to the three deities of long life—Tārā, Amitāyus and Vijayā—after completing the recitation of Chimé Pakmé Nyingtik during his thirty-third year, i.e., in or around 1925.

Tri Songdetsen

Jamyang Khyentse composed this prayer as part of a series of supplications addressed to the Abbot Śāntarakṣita, Guru Padmasambhava, the Dharma King Tri Songdetsen (mkhan slob chos gsum) as well as the future king of Shambhala, Raudracakrin, all written at the behest of the Sixth Dzogchen Rinpoche and a lama from Dzogchen Monastery called Pema Düdül.

Tsarchen Losal Gyatso

A four-line supplication to Tsarchen Losal Gyatso (1502–1567) composed in 1956.

Jamyang Khyentse composed this supplication before the master's reliquary at Dar Drangmoché in 1956.

Tsongkhapa Lobzang Drakpa

Jamyang Khyentse composed this prayer in seventeen verses on Tsongkhapa's anniversary in December 1931.

Tsultrim Zangpo

A prayer to Tsultrim Zangpo, whose Prayer of the Six Syllables, was rediscovered as a treasure by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo.

Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche

Dudjom Rinpoche composed this four-line supplication after he received the empowerments and transmissions for the Three Sections of the Great Perfection (rdzogs chen sde gsum) from Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche in Lhasa.

Vajrakīla

A four-line supplication to Vajrakīla, the wrathful embodiment of enlightened activity.

A prayer for Tsogyal's Whispered Transmission of Kīla (mtsho rgyal snyan brgyud phur pa), which was revealed by Gyarong Khandro, together with Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö and Khandro Tsering Chödrön, from the Zadü (gza' bdud) cave at Khyungdrak Dorjei Yangdzong in the Water Snake year (1953), and then transmitted by Jamyang Khyentse to Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche in the Wood Sheep year (1955).

For this prayer from the Vajrakīla cycle known as Yang Zab Nyingpo (Deepest Heart-Essence), the practitioner assumes the form of the deity Vajrakīla and prays to Guru Padmākara and consort, who are visualized above the head.

From the Vajrakīla cycle known as Yang Zab Nyingpo (Deepest Heart-Essence), this is the descent of blessings (byin 'bebs).

Vimalamitra

A short, four-line prayer to Vimalamitra, the great paṇḍita and Dzogchen master.

Virūpa

A short, four-line prayer to invoke the blessings of the great adept Virūpa.

Yeshe Tsogyal

A supplication to the ḍākinī, who is the Great Mother on the dharmakāya level, Vajravārāhī on the sambhogakāya, and Yeshe Tsogyal on the nirmāṇakāya.

A four-line prayer to Yeshe Tsogyal.

A short prayer invoking Khandro Yeshe Tsogyal in order to dispel obstacles and fulfil wishes.

Composed in 1946, this supplication to Yeshe Tsogyal identifies her as the universal mother and queen of ḍākinīs and calls upon her assistance to transform one's subtle channels, wind-energies and essences and attain the state of deathlessness.

A short, four-line prayer to Yeshe Tsogyal, "the foremost of ḍākinīs" and "Great Bliss Queen".

Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal

This famous three-verse prayer to Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal is said to have been composed by the master’s father, Mipham Tenpai Nyima.

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