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The Home of Tibetan Buddhist Texts in Translation
ISSN 2753-4812
ISSN 2753-4812

Songs and Poems Series

Songs and Poems

English (113) | Deutsch (30) | Español (9) | Français (33) | Português (9) | Italiano (1) | 中文 (16) | བོད་ཡིག (113)

A selection of spiritual songs (mgur; glu) or poems:

Acrostic
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A simple song of advice addressed to yogins and yoginīs in abecedarian form, meaning that each line begins with the successive letters of the Tibetan alphabet—an effect that is (inadequately) reproduced in the translation.
Acrostic Advice 30 Jan 2020
by Longchen Rabjam
Longchenpa composed this famous abecedarian poem to express his disgust at the conduct of his classmates from Kham, Eastern Tibet, which had prompted his decision to leave the college of Sangpu Neuthog.
Acrostic 2 May 2022

Advice
by Dorje Lingpa
This eccentric song, which "rides the steed of the maṇi mantra", is addressed to Ane Tsöndrü Palmo and a group of nuns, who welcomed Dorje Lingpa upon his return to Gungthang in Ngari at the invitation of King Tri Sonam De (1371–1404).
4 Mar 2024
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Written for a disciple who was about to travel from Sikkim to Tibet, this brief song encapsulates the message of the intermediate and final turnings of the Wheel of Dharma and explains how to practise the indivisibility of emptiness and compassion.
Buddha Nature 21 Sep 2020
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Verses of pithy advice for the Sakya khenpo Jamyang Losal Zangpo (1919–1993).
Advice 10 Aug 2021
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Jamyang Khyentse says he composed this candid song of self-counsel during the first month of a Snake year as he felt by turns joyous and sorrowful.
Advice 4 Aug 2021
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
In response to a question from his spiritual consort, Khandro Tsering Chödrön, Jamyang Khyentse explains the essence of the path in just a few lines. (Khandro's question is in the form of an acrostic poem, the opening syllables of its four lines being the first four syllables of the Tibetan alphabet).
Advice Acrostic Replies 27 Apr 2015
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A short song of advice on the theme of the 'Three Greats', i.e., Great Middle Way (Madhyamaka), Great Seal (Mahāmudrā) and Great Perfection (Dzogpachenpo).
Advice 23 Sep 2020
by Je Khenpo Jigme Choeda
Verses on the five perfections (phun sum tshogs pa lnga)—the perfect site, occasion, teacher, community, and teaching—and how they are all complete within the ultimate nature of the mind.
11 Dec 2024
by Jetsün Drakpa Gyaltsen
This short song, consisting of eight requests to a disciple, offers essential advice on view, meditation and conduct.
Advice Sakya Kabum 18 Nov 2021
by Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok
Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok sang this dohā spontaneously in 1996 at a time when various outer, inner and secret obstacles had been overcome. It stresses the importance of meditating on Dzogchen, cultivating bodhicitta, maintaining ethical discipline, and having a positive basic character.
Advice 15 Apr 2018
by Khenpo Chime Rigdzin
A poem warning monk-scholars of the risk of pursuing the path of intellectual study alone at the expense of the kind of deeper practice that brings genuine attainment.
Scholasticism 4 Nov 2019
by Khenpo Shenga
Said to have been composed some time around 1909 or 1910, this poem expresses the author's appreciation for the Sakya teachings and is intended as an encouragement to fellow disciples (of Loter Wangpo) to pursue their study and practice.
Sakya 7 Nov 2019
by Longchen Rabjam
In this oft-cited vajra song, Longchen Rabjam employs a series of metaphors to encourage practitioners to renounce ordinary concerns and cultivate the practice of Dzogchen meditation.
14 Oct 2022
by Longchen Rabjam
Longchenpa describes this text as a letter sent from his mind to itself, and, as befits such a personal message, it is heartfelt and candid. The core of the message is simple enough: to leave behind the busyness of saṃsāra and set out instead for the peace and tranquility of the forest, where "meditation naturally grows" and "one can find the bliss of inner peace." Yet while Longchenpa makes this point uncompromisingly, his language, particularly in describing the kind of wild woodland sanctuary he recommends, is often beautifully evocative and poetic.
Advice Retreat & Solitude 8 Dec 2016
by Longchen Rabjam
This vajra song employs a series of metaphors—the rising sun, brilliant moon, a total eclipse, and the wish-fulfilling jewel atop a banner of victory—to explain the benefits of advanced realization.
17 Nov 2022
by Mipham Rinpoche
In this inventive song a debate between Waking and Dreaming, about which one is real, is adjudicated by Profound Wisdom (prajñā).
Advice 18 Sep 2023
by Nāropa
A song about eight supreme difficulties on the spiritual path, said to have been inscribed on the handle of Nāropa's parasol, followed by two verses that Nāropa sang during a gaṇacakra feast.
23 Apr 2024
by Nyala Pema Dündul
This short song from Nyala Pema Dündul explains that whether or not we have realised the truth of the teachings and progressed along the path is apparent in our character and our actions.
Advice 22 Sep 2005
by Nyala Pema Dündul
In this brief song Nyala Pema Dündul advises his audience how to give up the eight ordinary concerns, or 'worldly dharmas' ('jig rten chos brgyad), i.e., hope for happiness and fear of suffering; hope for fame and fear of insignificance; hope for praise and fear of blame; hope for gain and fear of loss.
Advice 12 May 2013
by Nyala Pema Dündul
Taken from his collected songs (mgur 'bum) this spontaneous poem offers advice on the practice and its fruition, with Nyala Pema Dündul explaining that his view corresponds to Dzogchen, the Great Perfection, his meditation to Mahāmudrā, and his action to the Vinaya.
Dzogchen Advice 26 Apr 2015
by Nyala Pema Dündul
This poem explains the tell-tale signs for determining whether the common preliminary practices (sngon 'gro) have penetrated the mind of a practitioner.
Advice Ngöndro 11 Aug 2005
by Nyala Pema Dündul
In this text from his collected songs Nyala Pema Dündul describes the visionary encounter with Avalokiteśvara which first made him aware of the suffering brought about by eating meat and which led to his becoming a vegetarian.
Ethical Guidelines
by Nyala Pema Dündul
In this poem Nyala Pema Dündul praises the peace of isolated mountain hermitages and retreats, contrasting it not only with the hustle and bustle of towns and villages, but also with the everyday comings and goings of ordinary monasteries.
Retreat & Solitude Advice 11 Jan 2013
by Sera Khandro
This song of amazement originates in a vision that Sera Khandro had while staying in retreat at Nyimalung in Amdo at the age of twenty-nine. The text is her response to the spirits and demons who appeared to her, asking what she was doing.
Ḍākinī Treasury 18 May 2015
by Seventh Dalai Lama
This famous song summarizes four forms of mindfulness, which Mañjuśrī taught to Tsongkhapa: 1) mindfulness of the guru; 2) mindfulness of bodhicitta; 3) mindfulness of the body as a divine body; and 4) mindfulness of the view of emptiness.
Advice Mindfulness 1 Aug 2018
by Tsultrim Wangmo
In 2006, Khenpo Akhyuk (1927–2011) told Tsultrim Wangmo to record for posterity her experiences of other realms as a delok, or revenant. The following year, a team of women joined her to help record her stories. In the course of their work, as their faith in Tsultrim Wangmo grew, they requested teachings from her. She told them that she did not know how to give formal teachings but offered this song of advice instead.
Advice Autobiography 16 Feb 2024
by Tsultrim Wangmo
Three summarizing verses from the conclusion of Delok Tsultrim Wangmo's memoirs.
Advice Autobiography 9 Mar 2024

Classification
by Khenpo Shenga
A list of the various types of spiritual song (mgur dbyangs) including dohās based on realization, songs of devotion, and expressions of joy and contentment.
Literary Theory Notes 4 Nov 2019

Commentaries
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Notes on one of Jetsün Drakpa Gyaltsen’s (1147–1216) best known songs, which incorporates key points related to both sūtra and mantra, written at the request of Sakya Dagchen Rinpoche (1929–2016).
Advice 22 Nov 2021

Compassion
by Könchok Tenpe Drönme
A moving song to inspire compassion for our parents from the present life and, more broadly, for all beings who have been our parents in the course of our innumerable lives in beginningless saṃsāra.
30 Nov 2021
by Shabkar Tsokdruk Rangdrol
The great yogi Shabkar Tsokdruk Rangdrol is, like Milarepa, famous for the songs of realization through which he communicated the teachings. In this song, inspired by the repeated appearance of some beggars at his door, he expresses his compassion for all beings—his very own mothers from previous lives—who are now suffering in saṃsāra's various realms.
10 Apr 2008
by Shabkar Tsokdruk Rangdrol
Inspired by a thought of his mother, Shabkar Tsokdruk Rangdrol sang these verses to himself, as a reminder of the importance of recognising all beings as one's mother and remembering their kindness.
12 May 2019

Devotion
by Fourteenth Dalai Lama
Shortly after Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok's passing in 2004, His Holiness the Dalai Lama wrote this prayer "so that the enlightened intentions of this great being may be fulfilled completely and to help dispel the anguish of his disciples."
Aspiration Prayers 16 Oct 2005
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A spontaneous song in which Jamyang Khyentse mourns the passing of Tertön Sogyal Lerab Lingpa (1856–1926) and calls upon him to continue his work through a further incarnation.
9 Nov 2019
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Composed in 1934, this brief devotional song recalls the kindness of Katok Situ Chökyi Gyatso (kaḥ thog si tu chos kyi rgya mtsho, 1880–1925), Jamyang Khyentse's root guru.
22 Mar 2021
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A brief song to invoke Jamyang Khyentse's inspiration and blessings as a means to accomplish view, meditation and conduct.
3 Aug 2021
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A brief song of devotion calling upon both Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo and Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö.
8 Dec 2022
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Composed in 1949, this song of lament is addressed to Jamyang Khyentse's principal guru, Jamyang Loter Wangpo (1847–1914). The song expresses the author's grief and sadness at his own misfortune for having failed to encounter his master in visions or dreams.
13 Nov 2019
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Jamyang Khyentse wrote this lamenting prayer in early 1944 as soon as he heard that his teacher, Khenpo Kunzang Palden, had died just a few days earlier in late December 1943.
17 Jan 2020
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A devotional invocation of the great Sakya patriarch Kunga Nyingpo (1092–1158) with a request for his blessings and assistance on the path.
15 Nov 2019
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A brief song of prayer to invoke the guru's inspiration and blessings as a means to progress along the path, composed at the behest of Jamyang Chöpel.
4 Mar 2022
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
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.
Prayers 26 May 2022
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A devotional song addressed to Jamyang Khyentse himself which the master composed at Drakmar Keutsang in Chimpu for his student Parkö Chöpel, a carver of woodblocks for printing.
Calling the Guru from Afar 3 Mar 2022
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Jamyang Khyentse composed this poetic, devotional invocation of the great Dzogchen master Longchen Rabjam (1308–1364) in 1934.
Prayers 27 May 2022
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Jamyang Khyentse composed these verses in November 1925 upon learning of the passing of his teacher Katok Situ Chökyi Gyatso (1880–1925). The text makes it clear that Katok Situ's death occurred in the ninth month of the Wood Ox year.
15 Nov 2019
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Composed in 1932, this song of devotion invokes the Dzogchen master Longchen Rabjam (1308–1364) and appeals for his inspiration and blessings as a means to progress along the path.
20 May 2022
by Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok
A spontaneous song of lamentation composed at Tso Pema, India, in 1990 and later transcribed from an audio recording.
Guru Padmasambhava 29 Mar 2019
by Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok
A vajra song in five verses that the master composed spontaneously at Samye Chimphu after hearing the inspiring sound of yogins chanting the Vjara Guru mantra.
Tibet 27 Jan 2025

Dzogchen
from the Words of the Buddha
This famous vajra song (rdo rje’i glu), named after its initial syllables "ema kiri", appears in the Tantra of the Union of the Sun and Moon (nyi zla kha sbyor). It consists of a series of arranged syllables which a practitioner should intone melodiously. The individual syllables and their arrangement as a mantra are considered particularly sacred since they are said to have been revealed by the primordial buddha Samantabhadra.
Dzogchen Tsok 12 Sep 2018
by Chetsün Senge Wangchuk
This pithy song of realization, composed of eight couplets, is included within the Vima Nyingtik collection of Dzogchen teachings.
Vima Nyingtik 22 Feb 2024
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A brief song of aspiration to perfect the practice of the Great Perfection and realize the three kāyas that are naturally present within the mind.
Dzogchen 5 Aug 2021
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
This song of experience, composed spontaneously on a ḍākinī day, includes an invocation of Padmasambhava on the ultimate level, as the very nature of one's own rigpa.
Dzogchen 8 Jun 2023
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A short, three-verse song invoking the nature of the three kāyas as a means to perfect Dzogchen realization.
Dzogchen 4 Apr 2022
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A spontaneous song or dohā expressing confidence in Dzogchen realization, which Jamyang Khyentse tells us he offered to the guru of his own awareness.
Dzogchen 2 Oct 2020
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Verses on the ultimate view, meditation and conduct of the Great Perfection.
Dzogchen 9 Nov 2022
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Verses on Dzogchen, which occurred to Jamyang Khyentse spontaneously while he was at Taktse Podrang (stag rtse pho brang) in Sikkim in 1956.
Sikkim 21 Sep 2020
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Spontaneously composed verses on the uniqueness and profundity of the Dzogchen approach, which centres on the recognition of mind's intrinsic awareness.
Dzogchen 24 Sep 2020
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Jamyang Khyentse spontaneously composed this joyful song, which marvels at Dzogchen's effortless approach to attaining realization, during a visit to the Lönchen Gurkar Cave at Samye Chimphu in 1956.
Dzogchen 9 Jan 2023
by Khenpo Gangshar
A simple Dzogchen instruction written in verse.
Dzogchen 28 Mar 2018
by Khenpo Gangshar
This short song on the view and meditation of the Great Perfection was composed by Shabkar Tsokdruk Rangdrol (1781–1851) but has recently been misattributed to Khenpo Gangshar Wangpo.
Dzogchen 28 Oct 2015
by Khenpo Gangshar
Gangshar Wangpo tells us that he based these verses—which explain how to eliminate obstacles to practice and sustain realization of mind's essential nature—on scripture, the oral instructions of his guru, and his own experience.
Dzogchen Mahāmudrā 13 Mar 2019
by Khenpo Shenga
A song of realization expressing the futility of ordinary, contrived practice from the perspective of naturally perfect, pure awareness.
Dzogchen 4 Nov 2019
by Lachung Apo
A poem expressing Dzogchen insights that arose to the author spontaneously when inebriated one evening in 1968.
Dzogchen 28 May 2018
by Mipham Rinpoche
Mipham composed this dohā of five four-line verses expressing realization of the supreme yoga towards the end of his life, in 1909.
Dzogchen 16 Feb 2021
by Nyoshul Khenpo Jamyang Dorje
With a characteristic blend of bluntness and humility, Nyoshul Khenpo explains the importance of mindfulness (smṛti; dran pa) and exhorts his followers to rely upon it at all times.
Mindfulness 29 Apr 2013
by Nyoshul Khenpo Jamyang Dorje
In this short poem of just five lines, the great Dzogchen master Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche evocatively conveys the healing power of meditation.
15 Dec 2016
by Shabkar Tsokdruk Rangdrol
This short song of experiential instructions on the Dzogchen view and meditation is rich in imagery and direct in tone. It has recently been misattributed to Khenpo Gangshar Wangpo (1925–1958/9).
Dzogchen 11 Apr 2023

Feast Songs
by Getse Gyurme Tenpa Namgyal
This six-verse song for the gaṇacakra feast, which Gyurme Tenpa Namgyal composed spontaneously at the age of 20, has a Dzogchen theme.
Tsok 9 Jan 2024
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
One of several short songs for the gaṇacakra feast that Jamyang Khyentse composed, this one invokes Guru Padmasambhava and Yeshe Tsogyal.
Tsok Tsasum Drildrup 11 Oct 2021
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A song of the feast (tshogs glu) composed in 1947 while performing a Rigdzin Düpa tsok together with the king and queen of Lingkar.
Tsok 6 Jun 2023
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Composed in 1940 during a tsok practice of Tukdrup Barche Kunsel together with the King of Ling.
Tsok 6 Jun 2023
by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
This song for the gaṇacakra feast (tshogs glu) invoking Vajrayoginī and calling upon her to grant the experience of great bliss was composed at the request of Jamgön Jampa Phuntsok.
Vajrayoginī Tsok Restricted 10 Feb 2021
by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo composed this short aspiration prayer to be recited during the gaṇacakra. The prayer invokes the goal of the gaṇacakra, a sixfold satisfaction (tshim pa drug) of those assembled, i.e., the deities, teacher and vajra brothers and sisters. Khyentse Wangpo dedicates one verse to each of these six satisfactions and concludes the prayer with an additional seventh verse of dedication.
Tsok Longchen Nyingtik 30 Jan 2018
by Jigme Lingpa
Sacred song and dance are important elements of the gaṇacakra, and this song by Jigme Lingpa, which is now widely-known and recited, was composed specifically for the gaṇacakra feast. The song concludes with the aspiration that all those gathered together may attain the rainbow body as a result of the feast offering.
Tsok 12 Sep 2018

General
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
This song of homage and invocation—in seven-syllable lines—arose spontaneously "through the blessings of the accomplished vidyādharas" in 1953.
5 Jun 2023
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Inspired by the speech of Kunzang Dechen Tsomo (1906–1987), Queen Mother of Sikkim, these verses acknowledge the kindness of past dharma patrons and masters and appeal for nonsectarianism and the flourishing of the teachings.
Sikkim Nonsectarianism 22 Sep 2020
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Two verses that employ the poetic device of anadiplosis, whereby the final word from each line is repeated at the beginning of the line that follows.
13 Jun 2023
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Upon being offered a new pen, Jamyang Khyentse used it to compose this four-line verse in praise of Mañjuśrī.
Mañjuśrī 14 Jun 2023
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A four-line prayer to Guru Padmasambhava composed with a new pen offered by someone named Chöpel (chos 'phel).
Guru Padmasambhava 13 Jun 2023
by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
This experiential song (nyams dbyangs) based on 'Parting from the Four Attachments' (zhen pa bzhi bral) was composed in the cave of Rangjung Dorje, where Mañjuśrī is said to have delivered the original teaching to the Sakya patriarch Sachen Kunga Nyingpo (1092–1158).
Parting from the Four Attachments 7 Feb 2007
by Longsal Nyingpo
In this five-verse song, Longsal Nyingpo describes his accomplishment of path integration, or 'bringing onto the path' (lam khyer), such that all experiences serve as fuel for his practice.
2 Feb 2024
by Shabkar Tsokdruk Rangdrol
In this short song the famous yogi Shabkar Tsokdruk Rangdrol explains the essence of all practices, from the contemplations of the outer preliminaries to the practices of the inner preliminaries, and the main practices of the generation and perfection stages.
Advice 28 Jan 2016

Gesar
by Mipham Rinpoche
Composed in 1877, this is an invocation and song to accompany the offering of sang to Gesar and members of his retinue, especially the minister called Denma.
Gesar 3 Sep 2024

Impermanence
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
When Jamyang Khyentse witnessed the devastating effect of frost upon flowers, he considered this a metaphor for impermanence in a broader sense and composed a poignant song of reflection.
Impermanence 24 Mar 2021
by Könchok Tenpe Drönme
In this famous poem Könchok Tenpe Drönme offers a powerful and moving contemplation on impermanence and mortality, inspiring the reader to focus on Dharma practice without delay.
Advice Impermanence 1 Jul 2015

Joy
by Dorje Lingpa
In this short song, the treasure-revealer Dorje Lingpa expresses his delight at realizing the nature of mind through the guru's kindness.
2 Jan 2024
by Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok
Written in 1999, this short spontaneous song expresses the joy of living the fortunate life of a Dzogchen yogi.
18 Apr 2018
by Longchen Rabjam
Taken from the collection of Longchen Rabjam's vajra songs, this is a joyful declaration of realization and accomplishment.
6 Feb 2023

Lamdré
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
This brief song expressing the quintessence of the view of Lamdré—the inseparability of saṃsāra and nirvāṇa ('khor 'das dbyer med)—was composed in Darjeeling on 11 June 1958.
Lamdré 5 May 2021

Longevity
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
In this short song on the theme of longevity every line of the original Tibetan begins with the syllable 'chi, which means death or mortality.
5 May 2021

Mahāmudrā
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A short song of realisation that succinctly describes the ground, path and fruition of Mahāmudrā.
Mahāmudrā 17 Jan 2020

Nonsectarianism
by Shabkar Tsokdruk Rangdrol
This song advocating a nonsectarian approach to the teachings of Madhyamaka, Dzogchen, and Mahāmudrā was composed for a group of disciples and patrons from Shartsang (shar tshang).
Nonsectarianism 11 May 2023
by Shabkar Tsokdruk Rangdrol
In this song promoting a nonsectarian approach to the teachings, Shabkar compares the major traditions of Tibetan Buddhism to various mountain paths, all of which lead to the summit that is Buddhahood. Although approaches might vary in their speed, difficulty and so on, all are valid, just as any path leading to a mountaintop is valid.
Nonsectarianism 13 May 2023
by Shabkar Tsokdruk Rangdrol
Composed while on retreat on Mahādeva Island in Lake Kokonor, this brief song offers a critical indictment of sectarianism. The text appears in the master's autobiography.
Nonsectarianism 11 May 2023

Prayer
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
This spontaneous vajra song makes reference to offering the lamp of wisdom or awareness and employs the terminology of Dzogpachenpo, the Great Perfection.
Light Offering Prayers 4 Mar 2022
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
This song calling upon Guru Padmasambhava to come to the aid of Tibetans was written during the Fire Dog year (1946).
14 Oct 2021
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Composed in Sikkim in 1958, this song of prayer invokes Guru Padmasambhava, together with Mandāravā and Yeshe Tsogyal, and requests blessings in order to accomplish the path.
9 Jan 2023
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
This song of prayer in three stanzas was composed at the request of a lama called Drokyab Lishu Tupten Sangye Özer.
10 Jan 2023
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A lyrical invocation of Guru Padmasambhava and appeal to receive his blessings.
10 Jan 2023
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A song invoking the three kāyas of Vajravārāhī and aspiring to attain such a level of attainment for oneself.
Vajrayoginī 10 Jan 2023
by Khenpo Shenga
Verses in praise of the great Sakya master Jamyang Loter Wangpo (1847–1914), from whom Shenga received a number of major teachings and transmissions.
5 Nov 2019

Sacred Places
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Employing eight-syllable lines, Jamyang Khyentse sings of his joy on the eve of his arrival in Lhasa, site of the sacred Jowo Śākyamuni image.
Pilgrimage 8 Dec 2022
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A spontaneous song of joy, composed while on pilgrimage to Nepal in late 1956.
Pilgrimage Nepal 20 Dec 2019
by Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok
Composed at the cave of Yangleshö in Nepal, this spontaneous song praises the power of this sacred site, a place where Guru Padmasambhava once meditated and gained accomplishment, while also attesting to Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok's own poetic mastery and realization.
Pilgrimage Nepal 9 Jul 2017
by Milarepa
In this spiritual song (mgur), the great yogi Milarepa praises the qualities of Kyangpen Namkha Dzong (rkyang phan nam mkha' rdzong), which he likens to a palace, and explains why it is so conducive to meditative retreat. The place is listed among the six well-known outer 'fortresses' associated with Milarepa.
Pilgrimage Tibet 14 Mar 2019

Sadness
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
In this short song, composed in 1942, Jamyang Khyentse expresses sadness for his own situation in the age of degeneration and calls out to those he regards as his six main teachers: Jamyang Loter Wangpo (1847–1914), Katok Situ Chökyi Gyatso (1880–1925), Shechen Gyaltsab Gyurme Pema Namgyal (1871–1926), Adzom Drukpa (1842–1924), Dodrupchen Jigme Tenpai Nyima (1865–1926) and Gatön Ngawang Lekpa (1867–1941).
2 Nov 2021
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Verses expressing renunciation and requesting the aid and protection of the guru, composed during the first month of an Ox year.
7 Jun 2023
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
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.
Prayers 12 Oct 2021
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Jamyang Khyentse says that he was moved to compose this song of sorrow when he had fallen sick and was reflecting on the various ills of the age.
2 Mar 2022
by Khenchen Ngawang Palzang
Verses expressing sorrow at the nature of saṃsāra from an "old master of fictions" who recognizes the illusoriness of appearances.
9 Apr 2024
by Khenchen Ngawang Palzang
This undated song was composed to console fellow disciples after the passing of their Dzogchen teacher, most likely Nyoshul Lungtok (1829–1901/2) but possibly Katok Situ Chökyi Gyatso (1880–1925), the Second Pema Norbu Rinpoche (1887–1932), or some other figure.
17 Apr 2024

Wonder
by Lama Zhang Tsöndrü Drakpa
Noted for its unusual verse form, this little song (glu chung) by Lama Zhang expresses wonder at encountering the path of Dharma and successfully following it to completion.
8 Mar 2020

Related Topics

Acrostic Calling the Guru from Afar Literary Theory Praise

Shabkar Tsokdruk Rangdrol

Courtesy of Himalayan Art Resources

Further information:

BDRC T6 (mgur)
BDRC T281 (snyan rtsom)

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