English
Deutsch Español Français Italiano Nederlands Português 中文 བོད་ཡིག
Explore Projects Updates About Donate
The Home of Tibetan Buddhist Texts in Translation
ISSN 2753-4812
ISSN 2753-4812

Translations by Rigpa Translations

Translators Rigpa Translations

English (164)

Rigpa Translations is the translation team associated with Rigpa, an international network of Tibetan Buddhist centres and groups.

Texts translated into English by Rigpa Translations

Alak Zenkar Rinpoche
by Alak Zenkar Rinpoche
A five-verse prayer for the longevity of Khenpo Sodargye (b. 1962), one of the foremost disciples of Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok (1933–2004).
7 Jul 2023

Apang Tertön
by Apang Tertön
This short daily sādhana of Vajrakīlaya concentrates on the ultimate nature of the deity, which is one's very own awareness, beyond imagery and attributes.
28 Apr 2019

Āryaśūra
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.

Atiśa Dīpaṃkara
by Atiśa Dīpaṃkara
This short text (Bodhisattvamaṇyāvalī in Sanskrit), which is included in the Middle Way section of the Tengyur (Toh 3951), is regarded as a classic work of the Mind Training (blo sbyong) tradition. With its direct and pithy language, it is not so much a poem as a series of maxims on the bodhisattva path.
28 Jan 2008

Bengar Jampal Zangpo
by Bengar Jampal Zangpo
This famous prayer to the masters of the Kagyü (bka' brgyud) school by the 15th century master Jampal Zangpo remains popular to this day. More than just a simple supplication to the lineage, it also incorporates an instruction on Mahāmudrā meditation.
10 Nov 2011

Buddha
from the Words of the Buddha
Popularly known as 'The Teachings Blaze' (bstan 'bar ma), this prayer for the spread of the teachings (bstan rgyas smon lam) is especially popular in the Gelug tradition. The first verse appears to be taken from the Pratimokṣa-sūtra (so sor thar pa'i mdo), while the remainder of the prayer, from the second verse onwards, is to be found in Atiśa Dīpaṃkara's Great Compendium of the Sūtras (Mahāsūtrasamuccaya; mdo kun las btus pa chen po).
30 Apr 2008
from the Words of the Buddha
The most popular four-line prayer for the dedication of merit, which is said to derive from the Jātaka tales of Buddha's former lives.
20 Mar 2025
from the Words of the Buddha
So popular and influential is Samantabhadra’s “Aspiration to Good Actions” (bzang spyod smon lam) from the Gaṇḍavyūha chapter of the vast Avataṃsaka Sūtra, it is known as the king of all aspiration prayers. It is included in the Dhāraṇī section of the Kangyur (Toh 1095) and the Miscellaneous section of the Tengyur (Toh 4377).
2 Jun 2008
from the Words of the Buddha
Extracted from Samantabhadra’s “Aspiration to Good Actions” (bzang spyod smon lam, Toh 1095), this is the section on the seven branches (yan lag bdun pa; saptāṅga): 1) prostration, 2) offering, 3) confession, 4) rejoicing, 5) imploring the buddhas to turn the wheel of dharma, 6) requesting the buddhas not to enter nirvāṇa, and 7) dedication. This section is commonly recited as part of the preliminaries to other practices.
2 Aug 2022

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

Chögyal Pakpa Lodrö Gyaltsen
by Chögyal Pakpa Lodrö Gyaltsen
The most popular maṇḍala offering liturgy in Tibetan Buddhism, through which one offers the outer and inner universe complete with thirty-seven features: 1) Mount Meru; 2-5) the four continents; 6-13) the eight subcontinents; 14) the jewel mountain; 15) the wish-fulfilling tree; 16) the wish-fulfilling cow; 17) the harvest which needs no sowing; 18-24) the seven attributes of royalty; 25) the vase of great treasure; 26-33) the eight offering goddesses; 34) the sun; 35) the moon; 36) the precious umbrella; and 37) the royal banner victorious in all directions.

Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
This arrangement follows Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thayé’s (1813–1899) instructions for a concise daily version of Tertön Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa’s (1829–1870) Profound Essence of Tārā, commonly known as Zabtik Drolchok (zab tig sgrol chog).
21 Feb 2025
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
The practice of Tārā’s Profound Essence (sgrol ma'i zab tig), commonly referred to as Zabtik Drolchok (zab tig sgrol chog) is a sādhana of Green Tārā, revealed as a mind treasure (dgongs gter) by Tertön Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa (1829–1870) at Pema Shelpuk (pad+ma shel phug). This is Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thayé’s (1813–1899) elaborate liturgical arrangement of the root treasure text.
21 Feb 2025
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
An extremely concise arrangement for the daily practice of Tertön Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa’s (1829–1870) Profound Essence of Tārā, commonly known as Zabtik Drolchok (zab tig sgrol chog).
21 Feb 2025
revealed by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
This aspiration prayer is said to have been spoken by Guru Padmasambhava when revealing the Vajradhātu maṇḍala in the temple of Samye. The text was revealed by Chokgyur Lingpa and transcribed by Jamgön Kongtrul. Generally, it is known as Mönlam Chokchu Düzhima (Aspiration of the Ten Directions and Four Times), a name which derives from the prayer's first four syllables.
14 Jun 2019
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
This famous prayer to Guru Padmasambhava for the elimination of all obstacles on the spiritual path is the outer practice of The Guru's Heart Practice: Dispelling All Obstacles on the Path (bla ma'i thugs sgrub bar chad kun sel), a joint revelation of Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa and Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo.
31 May 2013
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
Popularly known as Dü Sum Sangye (Dus gsum sangs rgyas), this short prayer to Guru Padmasambhava was discovered as a treasure (gter ma) by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa. As indicated in the colophon, it was—and still is—regarded as especially pertinent for the current time.
31 May 2013
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
As stated in the colophon this prayer to the Guru of Oḍḍiyāna is extracted from a biography which Chokgyur Lingpa revealed as a treasure (gter ma) at Karmé Damchen Drak (karma'i dam can brag).
by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa
The author mentions that he wrote this general long-life prayer with teachers such as the Karmapa and Shamarpa particularly in mind, and that he was instructed to compose a practice incorporating both Guru Padmasambhava and Vajrakīla—although several other long-life deities are also invoked, including Tārā.
5 Jun 2015

Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
This short guru yoga features Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö, Dudjom Rinpoche, Khandro Tsering Chödrön, Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche himself.
27 Apr 2015
by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
In these four short lines, written in 1989, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche encapsulates the entire Buddhist path, which includes the cultivation of devotion, non-distraction, the recollection of death and impermanence, and compassion.
30 Jan 2018
by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
A short prayer for the long life of Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche which Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche composed in the sacred Kurjé cave in Bumthang, Bhutan.
5 Jan 2018
by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
A four-line prayer for the longevity of Yangthang Rinpoche (1929–2016) incorporating the syllables of his name Kunzang Jigme Dechen Ösal Dorje.
22 Dec 2022

Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje
by Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje
This very short prayer to the three kāyas, the dharmakāya Amitābha, sambhogakāya Avalokiteśvara and nirmāṇakāya Guru Padmasambhava, for 'clearing obstacles from the path' (bar chad lam sel) was composed by the treasure-revealer Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje.
31 May 2013
by Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje
This popular confessional liturgy, revealed as a terma (gter ma) by Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje, is structured around the short six-syllable mantra of Vajrasattva, oṃ vajra sattva hūṃ.
by Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje
The famous tertön (gter ston) Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje wrote this brief prayer to Guru Padmasambhava Tötreng Tsal for the spontaneous fulfilment of wishes (bsam pa lhun grub) at the request of his consort and son.
31 May 2013

Dodrupchen Jigme Trinle Özer
by Dodrupchen Jigme Trinle Özer
A prayer to the eight great vidyādharas of India who were entrusted with the Kagyé teachings.
31 Dec 2010
arranged by Dodrupchen Jigme Trinle Özer
The root text of the outer and inner preliminary (ngöndro) practices from the Longchen Nyingtik, compiled by the First Dodrupchen, Jigme Trinle Özer, based on the original revelation of Jigme Lingpa and other sources.
by Dodrupchen Jigme Trinle Özer
This 'guidance' or nedren (gnas 'dren) practice is intended to help guide the deceased to enlightenment by purifying the various realms of saṃsāra and granting empowerment. It belongs to the Natural Liberation of Suffering (sdug bsngal rang grol) set of Avalokiteśvara practices, which, in turn, are part of the Longchen Nyingtik revelation.
12 May 2015
by Dodrupchen Jigme Trinle Özer
A prayer to the lineage of Yumka Dechen Gyalmo (yum ka bde chen rgyal mo), or The Queen of Great Bliss, the peaceful ḍākinī sādhana from the Longchen Nyingtik cycle.
8 May 2015

Drimé Ösal Lingpa
by Drimé Ösal Lingpa
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.
14 Dec 2005

Dudjom Lingpa
by Dudjom Lingpa
Four lines on the ultimate visualization of Vajrakīlaya from the perspective of great perfect awareness.
9 Dec 2024
by Dudjom Lingpa
The single verse to be recited when offering bowls of water was spoken by the ḍākinī Sukhāsiddhī to the treasure-revealer Dudjom Lingpa during a dream.
27 Dec 2015

Dudjom Rinpoche
by Dudjom Rinpoche
The root text of the Dudjom Tersar preliminary practices, including the outer preliminaries, i.e., the four contemplations that turn the mind from saṃsāra, and the inner preliminaries of taking refuge, generating bodhicitta, offering the maṇḍala, meditation on Vajrasattva, guru yoga and transference (phowa).
by Dudjom Rinpoche
This daily 'hand-clapping' (thal rdeb) practice of the lion-faced ḍākinī Siṃhamukhā/Siṃhavaktrā (seng gdong ma) is particularly associated with the elimination of adversity, threats and dangers.
14 Nov 2014
by Dudjom Rinpoche
A four-line prayer to be reborn on the Copper-Coloured Mountain of Glory, or Zangdok Palri, in the company of Guru Padmasambhava and his retinue.
30 Oct 2018
by Dudjom Rinpoche
Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche composed this four-line prayer of aspiration spontaneously on the occasion of his first teaching of “Hitting the Essence in Three Words” in the West, to an assembly of thirteen students in Paris, 1976.
8 Feb 2017
by Dudjom Rinpoche
A four-line prayer for the long life of the Fourth Dodrupchen, Jikmé Tubten Trinlé Palbar.
5 Jan 2018
by Dudjom Rinpoche
A four-line prayer for the long life of the Seventh Dzogchen Rinpoche, Jikmé Losal Wangpo.
5 Jan 2018
by Dudjom Rinpoche
As Dudjom Rinpoche explains in the colophon, he revealed this practice in 1936. He had fallen sick and his disciple Trulshik Pawo Dorje (1876–1962) performed a hundred feast offerings and fulfilment practices on his behalf. Early the next morning, Dudjom Rinpoche had a dream in which a woman spoke these words; he wrote them down, and the following day his illness disappeared completely.
5 Sep 2017
by Dudjom Rinpoche
A short daily practice of Guru Dorje Drolö composed at the request of some American students.
28 Mar 2019
by Dudjom Rinpoche
A popular practice of Vajrakīlaya in standard form, consisting of refuge and bodhicitta, visualization, mantra recitation, dissolution, dedication of merit, and prayer for auspiciousness.
25 Apr 2019
by Dudjom Rinpoche
In this commentary on the famous prayer to Guru Padmasambhava popularly known as Dü Sum Sangye (referred to here as the Vajra Verses Prayer) Dudjom Rinpoche explains the outer, inner and secret significance of every line.
20 Mar 2015
by Dudjom Rinpoche
Dudjom Rinpoche tells us that he wrote this prayer to Guru Rinpoche "for the peace and happiness of the world, at a time when we are all afflicted both physically and mentally by all kinds of outer and inner circumstances."
31 May 2013

Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche
by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche
This three-verse prayer for the longevity of Khenpo Sodargye (b. 1962) was composed in August 2023 at the request of the master's own disciples.
25 Oct 2023

Fifth Dalai Lama
by Fifth Dalai Lama
This four-line apotropaic prayer is addressed to the deities of the Vajrakīlaya maṇḍala, requesting that they avert all forms of obstacle and harm.
13 May 2015

Fifth Dzogchen Rinpoche
by Fifth Dzogchen Rinpoche
A four-line fulfilment offering to Black Hayagrīva (rta mgrin nag po) with an Iron Sword (lohakhaḍga) according to the tradition of Nyangrel Nyima Özer (1124–1192).
24 Apr 2019

Fifth Shamarpa
by Fifth Shamarpa
This famous song of devotion, which is addressed to the Karmapa, is included in the Treasury of Instructions (gdams ngag mdzod).
8 Jan 2020

Fourteenth Dalai Lama
by Fourteenth Dalai Lama
This eight-line prayer for the longevity of the Seventh Dzogchen Rinpoches interweaves syllables from the name of his predecessor, Pema Rigdzin who was the first Dzogchen Rinpoche, and from his own name, Tendzin Jikdral Lhunpo.
5 Jan 2018
by Fourteenth Dalai Lama
In this prayer, which he wrote in 1960, shortly after arriving in exile, His Holiness the Dalai Lama invokes all the buddhas and bodhisattvas, especially Avalokiteśvara, and the power of truth itself, in order to bring an end to the turmoil in Tibet so that the Dharma and all aspects of Tibetan culture can flourish there once again.
29 Jun 2006

Geshe Langri Thangpa
by Geshe Langri Thangpa
These eight verses, which are now regularly transmitted around the world by the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, succinctly convey the compassionate attitude, humility and uncompromising vision of a true bodhisattva—as encapsulated in the text's most famous and most striking lines: "I will take defeat upon myself and give the victory to others.

Guru Chökyi Wangchuk
by Guru Chökyi Wangchuk
The original revelation of the Seven-Line Prayer (tshig bdun gsol 'debs), which is the most famous and widely chanted of all invocations of Guru Padmasambhava, and which, according to later commentators, can be understood and practised on multiple levels.
31 May 2013

Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye
by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye
Jamgön Kongtrul wrote this for his own practice during a time of great turmoil and upheaval, after Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo advised him of the importance of regular prayer for peace and stability. It has been popular ever since, especially when Tibet faces challenging times.
19 Mar 2007
by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye
This four-line prayer is commonly recited as part of longer invocations of the lineage.
31 Mar 2022
by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye
A lineage prayer for the practice of Chimé Pakmé Nyingtik ('chi med 'phags ma'i snying thig), the Heart-Essence of the Deathless Noble Tārā, a revelation of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo which is associated with longevity.
6 Jul 2013
by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye
Jamgön Kongtrul wrote this biographical prayer (rnam thar gsol 'debs) to Guru Padmasambhava at the request of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. It focuses on the deeds the Precious Guru is said to have performed on the tenth day of each month, when he is commemorated by his followers.
31 May 2013

Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A four-line prayer to Orgyen Dorje Chang—the Vajradhara of Oḍḍiyāna—to purify habitual patterns and realize the clear light of rigpa.
29 May 2013
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
This prayer was composed in 1956, the Fire Monkey year, at Samye, while Jamyang Khyentse was offering a tsok feast in the presence of the special ‘Looks Like Me’ image of Guru Padmasambhava (gu ru nga 'dra ma) .
29 May 2013
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Jamyang Khyentse offered these words of heart-advice, encapsulating the entire Buddhist path, to Khandro Tsering Chödrön, his spiritual consort.
12 May 2013
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
This gaṇacakra feast liturgy for the Nyingtik Saldrön guru yoga practice of Jamyang Khyentse in heruka form was composed at the request of Princess Yudrön and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.
1 Apr 2020
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).
27 Apr 2015
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Written in 1934/35, this short prayer identifies our own pristine awareness, or rigpa, as Guru Padmasambhava, the Lake-born Vajra (mtsho skyes rdo rje).
29 May 2013
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A four-line prayer to Khandro Tsering Chödrön (1929–2011), which identifies her as an emanation of Shelkar Dorje Tso.
9 Feb 2022
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A short, four-line prayer to Yeshe Tsogyal, "the foremost of ḍākinīs" and "Great Bliss Queen".
29 May 2013
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A prayer to the lineage of Rigdzin Tsadrup (rig 'dzin rtsa sgrub), the Root Practice of the Vidyādhara Padmasambhava, which was revealed by Tertön Sogyal (1856–1926) and which Padmasambhava is said to have transmitted to Nanam Dorje Dudjom.
6 Mar 2023
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A four-line prayer to Guru Padmākara, the embodiment of all gurus, chosen deities and ḍākinīs, for the pacification of obstacles and the spontaneous fulfilment of all wishes.
29 May 2013
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
This guru yoga, which features Jamyang Khyentse in heruka form, was composed at the request of Princess Tsering Yudrön of Derge and Nangchen and became especially popular among his disciples.
1 Apr 2020
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Written in 1956, this is a prayer to Guru Padmasambhava and his consorts, especially Mandāravā and Yeshe Tsogyal.
29 May 2013
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
It was while he was staying in Lhasa in the mid-1950s that Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö composed this prayer for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
17 Feb 2006
by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
A very short, six-line prayer to Guru Padmākara for the elimination of obstacles and fulfilment of wishes.
29 May 2013

Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
This brief prayer to Guru Padmākara, which Khyentse Wangpo says came to him spontaneously, includes requests to dispel all obstacles and fulfil all wishes.
31 May 2013
by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
These verses to be recited before and after prayers to Guru Padmasambhava, especially the famous Prayer in Seven Chapters (le'u bdun ma), include the practices of taking refuge and arousing bodhicitta, a seven-branch offering, the generation and dissolution of a visualisation, and the dedication of merit.
31 May 2013
by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
A simple practice of visualization and mantra recitation for Bhaiṣajya Guru, the Buddha of Medicine, which appears in the Kriyā tantra section of the extended Nyingma Kama collection.
26 Mar 2020
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.
10 Feb 2021
by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
This poetic prayer relates the Lotus Light (padma 'od) pure realm of Guru Padmasambhava to the four visions of Dzogchen practice and contains the aspiration that we may all be reborn there, to advance through the four stages of a vidyādhara and swiftly reach the level of the Lake-born Guru himself.
31 May 2013
by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
A non-sectarian (ris med) prayer to 25 of the most important figures in Tibetan Buddhism, five for each of the five major traditions: Nyingma, Sakya, Kagyü, Kadam and Geluk.
18 Dec 2011
by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
A brief prayer to the lineage of Zabtik Drolchok, the practice of Green Tārā which was revealed as a mind terma by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa.
16 May 2015
by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
This is a complete set of practices, including taking refuge, generating bodhicitta, visualization, invocation, seven-branch offering, heartfelt prayer—addressed to Guru Padmasambhava, his various manifestations and twenty-five disciples—mantra recitation, and dissolution.
30 May 2013
by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
This concise offering practice in just four verses is a supplementary text for the guru practice of the Longchen Nyingtik.
19 Oct 2020
by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
This practice for invoking longevity is extracted from The Heart-Essence of Perfect Immortality (yongs rdzogs 'chi med snying thig), which belongs to the Chokling Tersar.
12 Sep 2022
by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
A prayer to the Precious Guru of Oḍḍiyāna as the embodiment of all sources of refuge (skyabs gnas kun 'dus) in order to avert all forms of obstacle and hindrance, on the outer, inner and innermost (or 'secret') levels.
31 May 2013
by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo
Written in 1850, this is a prayer to the guru, who is understood to be inseparable from Guru Padmasambhava and the true nature of mind, and an aspiration to be reborn in the Lotus Light pure realm, if not already liberated during this life or when clear light dawns at the moment of death.
31 May 2013

Jetsün Drakpa Gyaltsen
by Jetsün Drakpa Gyaltsen
Drakpa Gyaltsen's famous commentary on the four-line instruction that his father, Sachen Kunga Nyingpo, received from Mañjuśrī, is so closely associated with the root text that it is often known by the same title, Parting from the Four Attachments.
15 Nov 2011
by Jetsün Drakpa Gyaltsen
Extracted from Drakpa Gyaltsen's Four-Maṇḍala Prayer to Tārā (sgrol ma'i gsol 'debs maN+Dal bzhi pa).
30 Jul 2012

Jigme Lingpa
by Jigme Lingpa
Jigme Lingpa explains why the tenth day of each month is dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava and the benefits of recalling his twelve most significant deeds, which are commemorated on these days throughout the year.
30 May 2013
by Jigme Lingpa
A heartfelt prayer for invoking Guru Padmasambhava—"the great guru of Oḍḍiyāna"—as the embodiment of all sources of refuge and pledging to entrust oneself to him completely in all situations and circumstances, but especially in times of difficulty, during this current degenerate age.
30 May 2013
by Jigme Lingpa
An addition to the standard practice of confession and fulfilment in Yumka Dechen Gyalmo, specifically for the purpose of accumulating gaṇacakra offerings as a means to turn back the summons of the ḍākinīs (mkha' 'gro'i bsun zlog).
23 Apr 2019
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.
30 Mar 2013
by Jigme Lingpa
Interlinear notes to clarify the approach (bsnyen pa) practice, or recitation, of The Blazing Wrathful Guru, Hayagrīva and Garuḍa (Lama Drakpo Takhyung Barwa).
27 Feb 2023
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.
23 Sep 2012
by Jigme Lingpa
This prayer of aspiration to be reborn in Guru Padmasambhava's heaven of Zangdok Palri (zangs mdog dpal ri), the Copper-Coloured Mountain of Glory, includes detailed descriptions of its wonderful features and extraordinary qualities. The text is a terma (gter ma) revelation and part of the Longchen Nyingtik cycle.
3 Jul 2008
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.
12 Sep 2018
revealed by Jigme Lingpa
This prayer to the lineage of Longchen Nyingtik is part of the original revelation and was supplemented by later authors. It includes an aspiration for successfully following the path.
23 Apr 2019
by Jigme Lingpa
This offering prayer, a mind-treasure presented to Jigme Lingpa by the goddess Sarasvatī, abounds with Indian cultural references and features sixteen goddesses who offer symbolic gifts, including the sounds of various musical instruments.
8 Mar 2022
by Jigme Lingpa
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.
23 Mar 2021
by Jigme Lingpa
Jigme Lingpa himself describes this text as "a prayer invoking and imploring Guru Rinpoche, coupled with an aspiration prayer suitable for daily recitation based on the root words of the way to attain liberation through the experiences of the bardo states." It was inspired by a sense of sorrow and renunciation when, one morning during a retreat near Samye, Jigme Lingpa glimpsed Mount Hepori in the distance and thought about the great events that had taken place there during Padmasambhava's lifetime, little or no trace of which remained.
1 Sep 2006

Kachöpa
by Kachöpa
A simple windhorse (rlung rta) offering prayer in six lines.
13 Dec 2011

Karma Chakme
by Karma Chakme
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).
30 Mar 2013

Khangsar Tenpé Wangchuk
by Khangsar Tenpé Wangchuk
This aspiration to be reborn on Zangdokpalri, the Copper-Coloured Mountain of Glory, is rich in its descriptions of the pureland's beautiful and inspiring features.
23 Aug 2022

Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok
by Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok
This simple practice of taking the bodhisattva vow combines the seven-branch offering from the Zangchö Mönlam with verses from Śāntideva's Bodhicaryāvatāra.
13 Sep 2023

Khenchen Ngawang Palzang
by Khenchen Ngawang Palzang
Khenpo Ngawang Palzang adapted this devotional prayer to Longchen Rabjam from a famous song addressed to the Karmapa written by the Fifth Shamarpa, Könchok Yenlak (1525–1583).
8 Jan 2020

Lama Rigdzin Nyima
by Lama Rigdzin Nyima
A simple practice of guru yoga focusing on Tertön Sogyal Lerab Lingpa, the emanation of Nanam Dorje Dudjom.
10 Apr 2025

Lhatsün Namkha Jigme
revealed by Lhatsün Namkha Jigme
The Mountain Smoke Offering (ri bo bsangs mchod) from Lhatsün Namkha Jigme's Life-Force Practice of the Vidyādharas (rig 'dzin srog sgrub) revelation is one of the most famous and widely practised smoke-incense (bsangs) offering rituals in Tibetan Buddhism, and appears in a number of editions. This is the original version, without any introductory practices or other additions.
12 Feb 2008
revealed by Lhatsün Namkha Jigme
Lhatsün Namkha Jikmé revealed this famous smoke offering rite from the Accomplishing the Life-Force of the Vidyādharas (rig 'dzin srog sgrub) while he was opening up the hidden land of Sikkim. This is the version of the practice that appears in the Rinchen Terdzö collection.
3 Jan 2022
by Lhatsün Namkha Jigme, arranged by Dudjom Rinpoche
As the title implies, Dudjom Rinpoche Jikdral Yeshe Dorje arranged the text of Lhatsün Namkha Jikme's Mountain Smoke Offering (ri bo bsang mchod) for regular recitation by adding verses for taking refuge, generating bodhicitta, the seven-branch practice and self-visualization at the beginning, and verses of dedication at the end.
14 Dec 2011

Lhodrak Namkha Gyaltsen
by Lhodrak Namkha Gyaltsen
A short practice requesting Sitātapatrā (gdugs dkar) to come to the aid of practitioners and avert or repel (zlog pa) all forms of obstacle and misfortune.
13 May 2015

Longchen Rabjam
by Longchen Rabjam
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).
1 Apr 2023
by Longchen Rabjam
This brief prayer, extracted from Longchen Rabjam's Treasury of Pith Instructions (man ngag mdzod), was added to the Longchen Nyingtik preliminaries.
17 Mar 2023
by Longchen Rabjam and Jigme Lingpa
This prayer to Guru Padmasambhava for the swift fulfilment of all wishes begins with a verse from ‘The Infinite Cloud Banks of Profound Meaning’ (zab don rgya mtsho'i sprin phung), which is part of Longchen Rabjam’s Khandro Yangtik (mkha' 'gro yang tig), and concludes with several verses written by Jigme Lingpa. It is said to be particularly beneficial for Tibet, as it has the power to pacify illness, prevent famine and border invasions, and contribute to the welfare of the teachings and beings.
27 Apr 2013

Minling Chung Rinpoche
by Minling Chung Rinpoche
The late Minling Chung Rinpoche, Ngawang Chödrak (1908–1980), wrote this plaintive supplication to Guru Rinpoche in 1973, during the cultural revolution.
13 Jul 2012

Mipham Rinpoche
by Mipham Rinpoche
A simple four-line prayer to the Lotus-born Guru of Oḍḍiyāna for the elimination of all obstacles and the spontaneous fulfilment of all aspirations.
31 May 2013
by Mipham Rinpoche
This popular guru yoga is based on the famous Seven-Line Prayer (tshig bdun gsol 'debs) to Guru Padmasambhava, which was first revealed in the thirteenth century by Chökyi Wangchuk (1212–1270).
2 May 2015
by Mipham Rinpoche
This brief windhorse invocation (rlung rta'i gsol bsdus) is a shorter version of The Swift Fulfilment of All Wishes ('dod dgu myur stsol); both texts were composed on the same day in 1903.
13 Dec 2011
by Mipham Rinpoche
A brief gaṇacakra liturgy to be recited when accumulating tsok offering on a large scale.
27 Sep 2022
by Mipham Rinpoche
This short text in verse, written in 1902, outlines the twelve major deeds of Guru Padmasambhava, which are to be commemorated in the course of a year—a different deed being recalled on the tenth day of each month.
31 May 2013
by Mipham Rinpoche
This brief rite of offering and requesting Gesar to carry out activity was written in 1880. As with the other texts in this section of Mipham's works Gesar appears not only as powerful warrior-figure but as an enlightened emanation of Guru Padmasambhava.
22 Jan 2016
by Mipham Rinpoche
A short prayer to the eight manifestations of Guru Padmasambhava, eight vidyādharas, eight bodhisattvas, and eight maṇḍalas of Kagye (bka' brgyad). It was composed in 1897.
31 May 2013
by Mipham Rinpoche
Composed in 1884, this is a short eight-line prayer together with a mantra to accompany the offering of amṛta nectar and torma.
10 Jan 2019
by Mipham Rinpoche
Ju Mipham composed this sādhana of Śākyamuni Buddha, or '[Śākya]muni-ritual' (thub chog), at the request of Orgyen Tendzin Norbu (1841–1900). Both the sādhana and its vast 'supporting teaching' known as The White Lotus (rgyab chos padma dkar po) are among the most popular of Mipham's works.
1 Jun 2008
by Mipham Rinpoche
This popular prayer, which Mipham wrote in 1896, is addressed to the eight sugatas, eight bodhisattvas, eight goddesses of auspiciousness, and eight guardians of the world. It is recited at the outset of any virtuous project, or indeed any activity of any kind, in order to bring about auspiciousness, success and good fortune.
18 Feb 2007
by Mipham Rinpoche
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.
24 Oct 2011
by Mipham Rinpoche
This prayer for the spread of the teachings of the Nyingma tradition is among Mipham Rinpoche's most famous compositions. It is recited daily at the annual Monlam Chenmo festival and was the subject of a major commentary by Mipham's student and lineage-holder, Shechen Gyaltsab Pema Namgyal (1871–1926).
19 Oct 2018

Nāgārjuna
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.
24 Oct 2011

Nubchen Sangye Yeshe
by Nubchen Sangye Yeshe
Attributed to the ninth-century master Nubchen Sangye Yeshe, this offering of 'golden drink' (gser skyems) to the eight classes (sde brgyad) of gods and spirits is considered an essential preliminary to various apotropaic rites.
22 Oct 2020

Nubpa Rigdzin Drak
by Nubpa Rigdzin Drak
Little is known about the author, Nubpa Rigdzin Drak, who may have been a student of Jetsün Drakpa Gyaltsen (1147–1216), but his commentary is among the best known works on Parting from the Four Attachments—partly as a result of its inclusion in the Blo sbyong brgya rtsa compendium. The text explains the antidotes to each of the four attachments and the results that will accrue from applying them.
11 Sep 2018

Nyangral Nyima Özer
by Nyangral Nyima Özer
This brief Prayer in Seven Chapters (gsol 'debs le'u bdun ma) is said to have been discovered by the great tertön Nyangral Nyima Özer at Samye Monastery.
31 May 2013
by Nyangral Nyima Özer
One of the better known instructions from the collection known as Responses to Questions, Advice from the Guru's Direct Instructions (bla ma dmar khrid kyi zhal gdams zhus lan skor), which is included in the Precious Treasury of Revelations (rin chen gter mdzod). The text contains simple advice from Guru Padmasambhava for his elderly disciple, Ngok Sherab Gyalpo.
26 Mar 2020

Nyoshul Khenpo Jamyang Dorje
by Nyoshul Khenpo Jamyang Dorje
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.
15 Nov 2018

Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche
by Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche
Written in 2003, this long-life prayer for Sogyal Rinpoche features typically erudite and poetic references to Nyingma history and tradition.
26 Feb 2007

Patrul Rinpoche
by Patrul Rinpoche
This brief practice calls upon the goddess Tārā and other deities to grant their inspiration and blessings, so that the practitioner's lifespan, merit, prosperity, renown, good fortune, magnetism (dbang thang) and 'windhorse' (rlung rta) may all increase.
27 Dec 2018
by Patrul Rinpoche
Patrul Rinpoche's own commentary to the root verses of his most famous Dzogchen work, The Special Teaching of the Wise and Glorious King (mkhas pa śrī rgyal po'i khyad chos).
6 Jul 2013
by Patrul Rinpoche
The root text of one of the most famous and commonly taught works on Dzogchen of recent times, based on the final testament of the first human Dzogchen master, Garab Dorje.
6 Jul 2013

Pema Lingpa
revealed by Pema Lingpa
This famous prayer of aspiration, which was a terma revelation of Pema Lingpa (1450–1521), is said to record the words of Yeshe Tsogyal to Guru Padmasambhava as he was about to leave Tibet for the land of the rākṣasa demons.
2 Sep 2011

Ratna Lingpa
by Ratna Lingpa
This brief prayer of aspiration is extracted from The Wish-Fulfilling Jewel: A Sādhana of Yeshe Tsogyal as Noble Tāra (Ye shes mtsho rgyal 'phags ma sgrol mar sgrub pa'i thabs yid bzhin nor bu), a treasure (terma) revealed by Ratna Lingpa.
15 Jan 2019

Rigdzin Nyima Drakpa
by Rigdzin Nyima Drakpa
This light offering prayer is commonly recited in conjunction with Narak Kongshak within the Nyingma tradition. It is extracted from Casket of Siddhis: A Framework for Attainment (sgrub pa'i khog dbub dngos grub sgrom bu), which is part of Tertön Nyima Drakpa's revelation known as Dispelling the Darkness of Ignorance (Marig Munsel), a collection of Avalokiteśvara practices.
3 Apr 2019

Sachen Kunga Nyingpo
spoken by Mañjuśrī to Sachen Kunga Nyingpo
This famous four-line teaching was spoken by Mañjuśrī, who appeared in a vision to the young Sachen Kunga Nyingpo during a six-month retreat. It is said to encapsulate the entire bodhisattva path of the pāramitās.
26 Jan 2007

Sakya Paṇḍita Kunga Gyaltsen
by Sakya Paṇḍita Kunga Gyaltsen
A brief commentary on Parting From the Attachments (zhen pa bzhi bral), the famous four-line instruction originally revealed by Mañjuśrī to Sachen Kunga Nyingpo (1092–1158), Sakya Paṇḍita's great uncle.
10 Apr 2014

Sakya Trichen
by Sakya Trichen
A prayer for the swift rebirth of Khandro Tsering Chödrön (1929–2011), the consort of Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö.

Śākyaśrībhadra
by Śākyaśrībhadra
Extracted from Śākyaśrībhadra's Seven Branches for Practising the Sacred Dharma (Saptāṅgasaddharmacaryāvatāra), these verses for taking refuge and generating bodhicitta are often recited independently of their original source.
22 Jan 2008

Shakya Shri
by Shakya Shri
This arrangement of Mipham Rinpoche's famous Shower of Blessings Guru Yoga practice adds opening verses of refuge and bodhicitta, a torma offering to the obstructing forces, visualization of the protective sphere and the descent of blessings, as well as concluding verses for the remainder offering, aspiration and dedication.
2 Apr 2020

Tertön Mingyur Dorje
by Tertön Mingyur Dorje
Part of the Namchö (gnam chos) revelation, this extremely popular prayer of aspiration for rebirth in Sukhāvatī derives from a vision in which Buddha Amitābha appeared to Tulku Mingyur Dorje, when the latter was just twelve years old, in 1657.
25 Feb 2016

Tertön Sogyal
by Tertön Sogyal
Pith instructions on liberating thoughts, translated from a rare manuscript in the library of Dudjom Rinpoche Jigdral Yeshe Dorje.
18 Apr 2019
by Tertön Sogyal
A short ḍākinī sādhana focusing on Yeshe Tsogyal with Red Vajravārāhī at her heart. In these two, the text says, all ḍākinīs are essentialized.
10 Apr 2023
by Tertön Sogyal
This short prayer for the flourishing of the teachings (bstan rgyas smon lam) was spoken by a ḍākinī in a vision.
by Tertön Sogyal
A simple rite for offering golden libation (gser skyems) to the dharma protectors of Tertön Sogyal's own tradition (rang lugs).
24 Apr 2019
by Tertön Sogyal
For this prayer from the Vajrakīlaya cycle known as Yang Zab Nyingpo (Deepest Heart-Essence), the practitioner assumes the form of the deity Vajrakīlaya and prays to Guru Padmākara and consort, who are visualized above the head.
3 May 2019
by Tertön Sogyal
From the Vajrakīlaya cycle known as Yang Zab Nyingpo (Deepest Heart-Essence), this is the descent of blessings (byin 'bebs).
4 May 2019
by Tertön Sogyal
This brief Vajrakīlaya sādhana, complete with tsok offering, was revealed as a terma at Katok Monastery.
24 Apr 2019

Thangtong Gyalpo
by Thangtong Gyalpo
This prayer is said to have ended a virulent epidemic which had swept through the famous monastery-town of Sakya, proving effective where all other measures, including tantric rituals, had failed.
7 Oct 2022

Trulshik Rinpoche
by Trulshik Rinpoche
This long-life prayer for Mayum Tsering Wangmo of the Lakar family, who was renowned as an emanation of Uṣṇīṣavijayā, was composed in France in 2003.
30 Dec 2018
by Trulshik Rinpoche
Kyabje Trulshik Rinpoche wrote this prayer for the longevity of Urgyen Tenzin Jigme Lhundrup (b. 1993), the incarnation of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910–1991), at the sacred Māratika cave in Nepal on Friday, 29 December 1995.
2 Feb 2018
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.
12 Jul 2010

Tulku Bakhal Mukpo
by Tulku Bakhal Mukpo
The original revelation of The Prayer Which Removes All Obstacles from the Path (Barché Lamsel), which was later 're-revealed' in virtually identical form by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa.
9 Oct 2023

Tulku Zangpo Drakpa
by Tulku Zangpo Drakpa
The first chapter from The Prayer in Seven Chapters (le'u bdun ma), is the Prayer to the Three-Kāya Guru, supplemented by supplications to the other masters of the lineage.
31 May 2013
by Tulku Zangpo Drakpa
The second chapter from The Prayer in Seven Chapters (le'u bdun ma), given to King Tri Songdetsen, is to be recited in the evening, the time of wrath.
31 May 2013
by Tulku Zangpo Drakpa
The third chapter from The Prayer in Seven Chapters (le'u bdun ma), given to Lady Yeshe Tsogyal, is to be recited before first light, the time of increase or enrichment.
31 May 2013
by Tulku Zangpo Drakpa
The fourth chapter from The Prayer in Seven Chapters (le'u bdun ma), given to the monk Namkhai Nyingpo, is to be recited at dawn, the time of pacification.
31 May 2013
by Tulku Zangpo Drakpa
The fifth chapter from The Prayer in Seven Chapters (le'u bdun ma), given to Nanam Dorje Dudjom, is to be recited in the afternoon, the time of magnetizing and power.
31 May 2013
by Tulku Zangpo Drakpa
The sixth chapter from The Prayer in Seven Chapters (le'u bdun ma), given to Prince Mutri Tsenpo, is to be recited in the darkness of midnight.
31 May 2013
by Tulku Zangpo Drakpa
The seventh chapter from The Prayer in Seven Chapters (le'u bdun ma) was given to the king of Gungthang and is to be recited at midday, during rest.
31 May 2013

Vajrāyudha
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.
21 May 2019
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).
6 Apr 2008

Yangthang Rinpoche
by Yangthang Rinpoche
Yangthang Rinpoche composed these powerful verses on the view, meditation and action of the Great Perfection at the request of his close friend, Lama Tsewang.
16 Oct 2016
by Yangthang Rinpoche
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.
23 Aug 2023

Rigpa Translations

DONATIONS

If you find this site useful, please consider helping us to achieve our goal of translating more classic works from the Buddhist tradition and making them freely available. Please support us on Patreon.

Quick Links

Words of the Buddha | Indian Masters | Tibetan Masters | Topics

Tools

Other Sites

84000 | Rigpa Wiki | Himalayan Art | Buddhist Digital Resource Center | Treasury of Lives

Social

Bluesky | Facebook | Instagram

Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

LICENSE

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

ISSN 2753-4812

This website uses cookies to collect anonymous usage statistics and enhance the user experience.
Decline
Accept