Translations by Samye Translations

• Windhorse Practice of Tārā by Adeu Rinpoche

A simple invocation of Tārā in various forms—White, Yellow, Red, Blue and Green—as a means to increase windhorse and perfect different forms of enlightened activity.

• Heart Treasure for the Warriors Who Long for Liberation by Atiśa Dīpaṃkara

Atiśa Dīpaṃkara Śrījñāna imparted this advice to his disciples at the request of Lha Changchub Ö as he was preparing to return to India. In it, he offers basic guidance on how to lead a spiritual life, escape "the swamp of saṃsāra" and reach "the dry shores of liberation."

• A Section of the Vajrakīla Root Tantra from the Words of the Buddha

The Vajrakīla Root Tantra Section (or Fragment) (Tōh. 439), the remains of a much larger Vajrakīla tantra, was discovered and translated into Tibetan by Sakya Paṇḍita (1182–1251). According to the text's colophon, it was Guru Padmasambhava who brought the original to Tibet. The tantra contains several famous verses that appear in most Vajrakīla sādhanas and is the only Vajrakīla text included within the Kangyur. The edition translated here includes a colophon by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo and benedictory verse by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö.

• Maitreya's Aspiration from the Words of the Buddha

In the sūtra The Question of Maitreya (Toh. 85, Maitreya­paripṛcchā, byams pas zhus pa), Buddha Śākyamuni recounts this prayer that Maitreya made as a bodhisattva aspiring to accomplish the six perfections and attain the ten bodhisattva levels. The prayer is also included in the Miscellaneous section of the Tengyur (Toh 4378).

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

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

• The Dhāraṇī “Vanquishing Constraints of Body, Speech and Mind” from the Words of the Buddha

As its name suggests, this brief incantation (dhāraṇī) is intended to liberate the one who recites or uses it as a cakra from all physical, vocal and mental constraints, including those caused by evil schemes, maleficence, spells and curses. Although the incantation is attributed to Buddha Śākyamuni, it is not included in any extant Kangyur collection but is preserved in various dhāraṇī compendia (gzungs 'dus).

• The Noble Dhāraṇī of The Supreme Accomplishment of Sitātapatrā Born from the Tathāgata’s Uṣṇīṣa, the Great Invincible Dispeller from the Words of the Buddha

This popular canonical work, which is included in the Kangyur (Tōh. 591), teaches the incantation (dhāraṇī) and rituals associated with the goddess Sitātapatrā, who is renowned for her power to avert or repel all types of spirits, demons, obstacles, misfortune and disease and is thus invoked by many Tibetan Buddhists on a daily basis.

• The Noble Mārīcī Dhāraṇī from the Words of the Buddha

This popular canonical work (Tōh. 564) reveals the incantation (dhāraṇī) associated with Mārīcī, goddess of the dawn, and explains how it confers the deity's qualities and guards against adversity, danger and disease.

• The Noble Sūtra Teaching the Eleven Perceptions from the Words of the Buddha

In this sūtra (Toh. 311) the Buddha teaches eleven perceptions to be cultivated at the time of death to the assembled monks as his final testament.

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

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

• The Song of the Vajra 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.

• The ‘Chinese’ Practice of Averting Periodic Obstacles from the Words of the Buddha

This dhāraṇī, which is part of the larger corpus of texts on astrology (nag rtsis) taught by Mañjuśrī in China, begins with an invocation of the buddhas and bodhisattvas and then features a long series of requests to prevent inauspicious astrological combinations that might result in periodic obstacles. The text is part of the Compendium of Dhāraṇīs (gzungs bsdus).

• An Extensive Commentary on the Four Immeasurables by Buddhagupta

A brief guide to cultivating immeasurable loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity; it is attributed to the Indian master Buddhagupta and included within the Tengyur (Toh 3914).

• A Guide to Uḍḍiyāna (Ujjain), Benglor by Chatral Rinpoche

In this brief guide to Ujjain, most likely part of a personal pilgrimage diary, Chatral Rinpoche repeatedly refers to the city as Uḍḍiyāna. Ujjain is home to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the most famous temples dedicated to Lord Śiva, attracting thousands of devotees every day. Rinpoche concludes with a guide to Khoteshwar, identified here as the Sindhu Isle, birthplace of Guru Padmasambhava.

• A Profound and Concise Guru Yoga by Chatral Rinpoche

A short yet profound guru yoga composed at the insistence of close students and which is still recited daily by many disciples. The practice incorporates a unique mantra based on Rinpoche's name and employs imagery associated with the Great Perfection.

• Melodious Tambura of Delight: A Guide to Māratika Cave, Supreme Site of Immortality by Chatral Rinpoche

Kyabje Chatral Rinpoche wrote this brief guide to the sacred Māratika cave at the request of his daughter, Sarasvatī. In a series of verses, he describes the significance of this powerful place of longevity — the "destroyer of death" is the literal meaning of its name — where Guru Padmasambhava and the Lady Mandāravā attained immortality.

• The Sādhana and Empowerment for the Extremely Close Lineage of the Long-Life Practice that Unites the Oral, Treasure and Visionary Teachings by Chöje Lingpa

This pith instruction for accomplishing longevity (tshe sgrub) through Thangtong Gyalpo (1361–1485?) is said to bring together the oral, treasure and visionary teachings. According to its colophon, Chöjé Lingpa received the instruction from Thangtong Gyalpo directly in a vision. Jamgön Kongtrul included the text in the Precious Treasury of Revelations (Rinchen Terdzö).

• A Concise Guru Yoga by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

This concise guru yoga centres around the famous prayer to Guru Padmasambhava known as The Prayer in Six Vajra Lines, or Dü Sum Sangye, Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa's own terma revelation. To this is added a simple visualization and a prayer to reach the Copper-coloured Mountain of Glory.

• A Concise and Essential Offering Ritual for the Guardians of the Doctrine from The Wish-Fulfilling Jewel Guru Heart-Practice by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

A brief offering to the treasure guardians (gter srung mchod pa) for The Guru’s Heart Practice, Wish-Fulfilling Jewel (thugs sgrub yid bzhin nor bu) revelation of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo and Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa.

• A Prayer of Aspiration for the Copper-Coloured Mountain of Glory by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

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.

• A Prayer to the Vidyādhara Gurus by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

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.

• Advice on Nonsectarianism (from Radiant Sunlight of the Victorious Ones' Teachings: A Brief, First-Hand Account of the Liberating Life-Story of the Great Emanated Treasure Revealer) by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

In an address to disciples, Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa sets out a vision of nonsectarianism, in which he emphasizes the commonality of traditions and decries the divisiveness that periodically plagues Tibet and constitutes an act of forsaking the Dharma.

• Exquisite Melody of the Auspicious Tamboura: A Depiction of the Profound Treasure Revelations at Chimé Karmo Taktsang Rockface and Yumtso Lake with Brief Captions by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

Chokgyur Lingpa's first-hand account of the treasure revelations of The Essential Sacred Dharma in Five Cycles (dam chos snying po skor lnga), The Gradual Path of Wisdom Essence (lam rim ye shes snying po), and The Magical Net of the Three Roots (rtsa gsum sgyu ’phrul drva ba) at Chimé Karmo Taktsang and Sengé Yumtsho in Kham in 1866. The account was inscribed on the back of a thangka depicting the revelation scene.

• Four Pieces of Advice by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

In these four short lines, Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa encapsulates, as the colophon reveals, the four qualities that all contemporary tantric practitioners should have.

• Melody to Delight the Fortunate: A Brief History of the Treasure Revelations of the Awakened Emanation, the Great Tertön Chokgyur Lingpa by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

A brief history of Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa's treasure (gter ma) revelations from when he was thirteen until he was thirty-three years old as recounted by the tertön himself in either 1860 or 1861.

• Pearl Droplets of Blessings: A Prayer to the Guru Who Embodies All by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

A short prayer to Guru Rinpoche as the source and embodiment of all tantric lineages in Tibet, composed at the request of Riwoche Jedrung.

• Pithy Advice on Checking One's Progress on the Path by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

Composed for the sixth Drikung Chungtsang, Könchok Tenzin Chökyi Lodrö (1801–1859), this short text offers straightforward advice on measuring one's progress on the Dharma path.

• Radiant Sunlight of the Victors’ Teachings: A Brief, First-Hand Account of the Liberating Life-Story of the Great Emanated Treasure Revealer by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

This short autobiography, composed in verse, covers the main events in the great treasure-revealer’s life from 1829, the year of his birth, until 1865, which was five years before he passed away at the age of 42.

• Spontaneous Accomplishment of the Fourfold Activity That Bestows the Splendour of the Two Siddhis: A Sādhana of Noble Gesar, Accomplisher of All Aims by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

Chokgyur Lingpa revealed this Gesar practice on the 25th day of the Monkey month in the Fire Rabbit year (1867) following a pure vision. The Second Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, Könchok Gyurme Tenpé Gyaltsen (1871–1939), later compiled and arranged the treasure text as a sādhana.

• The Concise Cleansing Offering from The Guru’s Heart Practice: Dispelling All Obstacles on the Path by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa revealed this concise smoke offering practice (bsang mchod) as part of the famous cycle known as The Guru's Heart Practice: Dispelling All Obstacles on the Path (bla ma'i thugs sgrub bar chad kun sel).

• The Concise Manual for Daily Practice from The Guru’s Heart Practice, Dispeller of All Obstacles by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

Chokgyur Lingpa revealed The Guru’s Heart Practice, Dispeller of All Obstacles (bla ma'i thugs sgrub bar chad kun sel) on the tenth day of the ninth month in the Earth Monkey year (1848). This concise daily sādhana represents the briefest means of practising the cycle.

• The Condensed, Essential Hayagrīva Visualization and Mantra Recitation by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

Chokgyur Lingpa revealed this brief Red Hayagrīva sādhana in 1856. It is part of the Magnetizing Profundity of Hayagrīva, which, in turn, belongs to The Sevenfold Profundity (zab pa skor bdun) collection within the Chokling Tersar.

• The Confession of Downfalls from the Great Compassionate One’s Lotus Uṣṇīṣa by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

This treasure text invoking the Thirty-Five Buddhas of Confession was revealed by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa as part of the cycle of The Great Compassionate One, Lotus Uṣṇīṣa (thugs rje chen po pad+ma gtsug gtor). It presents a concise version of the famous Bodhisattva’s Confession of Downfalls (byang chub sems dpa'i ltung ba bshags pa).

• The Guru Yoga of Blessings from the Seven Pith Instructions of Distilled Awakened Wisdom by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

On the tenth day of the Monkey month in the Fire Dragon year (12 July 1856) at Yegyel Namkha Dzö, Chokgyur Lingpa revealed The Guru Yoga of Blessings (byin rlabs bla ma'i rnal 'byor), a practice that Guru Padmasambhava is said to have entrusted to Prince Murup Tsenpo.

• The Secret Practice of Dorjé Draktsal According to the Trio of the Guru’s Heart Practices by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

Chokgyur Lingpa revealed the secret cycle of The Heart Practice of Mighty Vajra Wrath (Tukdrup Dorjé Draktsal) from Yegyal Namkha Dzö. This particular Guru Draktsal sādhana is regarded as the auxiliary practice to Chokgyur Lingpa’s The Gradual Path of Wisdom Essence (lam rim ye shes snying po).

• The Single-Page Practice of the Guru of Great Bliss by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

This concise practice of Guru Dewa Chenpo (gu ru bde ba chen po), the Guru of Great Bliss, was revealed as a terma by Chokgyur Lingpa and transcribed by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye at Tsurpu Monastery.

• The Smoke Offering for Sengchen Norbu Dradül by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

A simple text to accompany the offering of fragrant incense smoke (bsang) to Gesar Sengchen Norbu Dradül, Great Lion Jewel, Tamer of Foes.

• The Wish-Fulfilling Tree: The Life Story of the Master of Uḍḍiyāna as found in Padmasambhava’s Sevenfold Cycle of Profundity by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

This concise biography of the eighth-century master from Uḍḍīyana, Guru Padmasambhava, who established Buddhism in Tibet, was revealed in 1856 by the great treasure-revealer Chokgyur Lingpa as part of the Sevenfold Cycle of Profundity (zab pa skor bdun). The text consists of ten short chapters, each related to a different aspect of the master’s life and activities.

• Threefold Aspiration for Rebirth in Zangdok Palri by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

Three interrelated aspirations for rebirth in Zangdok Palri, the Copper-Colored Mountain pureland of Guru Rinpoche, from the perspectives of the cause (or ground), path, and fruition.

• White and Red Sur Offerings That Are Very Easy to Apply by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

A practice of white and red Sur (gsur), or 'burnt offering', revealed by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa.

• Cloud-Banks of the Two Accumulations: A Feast Offering Including the Six Vajra Lines Prayer to Be Practiced with Any Guru Sādhana by Chokling Tersé Tulku

This short feast-offering liturgy incorporates the Prayer in Six Vajra Lines (Dü Sum Sangyé) and can be used in connection with any guru sādhana.

• To Nourish Faith: A Brief Account of the Wisdom Deeds of Our Root Guru, the Omnipresent Sovereign Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche by Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche

Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche (b.1951) composed this short biography of his father, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche (1920–1996), following repeated requests from the khenpos, tulkus, vajra masters, and senior monks of Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling, as well as from disciples at Nagi Gompa, Asura Cave retreat centre, and other Dharma centres.

• A Garland of Vajra Words: A Prayer to the Guru by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

Khyentse Rinpoche invokes the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche (gu ru mtshan brgyad) by drawing on key lines from the famous Mañjuśrīnāmasaṃgīti (Chanting the Names of Mañjuśrī).

• All Wishes Swiftly Fulfilled: A Prayer to the Mahāguru of Uḍḍiyāna in Eight Chapters by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

This prayer to Guru Padmasambhava incorporates the twelve syllables of the Vajra Guru mantra, elaborating upon their meaning in different ways in each of the eight chapters.

• Light of Compassion: A Prayer to the Wisdom Ḍākinīs by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

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

• The Sage who Dispels Mind’s Anguish: Advice from the Guru, the Gentle Protector Mañjuśrī on the Means of Accomplishing the Yogas of Śamatha and Vipaśyanā by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche adapted this teaching on śamatha and vipaśyanā from The White Lotus, Mipham Rinpoche's supportive teaching (rgyab chos) for the Treasury of Blessings sādhana of Buddha Śākyamuni. The text explains how to accomplish both śamatha and vipaśyanā in the context of that practice and clarifies the relationship between Buddha Śākyamuni, the yidam deity and the guru.

• The Vajra Sitar of Immortality: A Prayer for the Long Life of the Fourth Incarnation of Terchen Chokgyur Lingpa by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

A prayer for the longevity of Neten Chokling Rinpoche (b. 1973) incorporating the name Rigdzin Gyurme Dorje (rig 'dzin 'gyur med rdo rje), which was given to Neten Chokling Rinpoche at his enthronement by His Holiness the Sixteenth Karmapa.

• Garland of Night-Blooming Water Lilies: A Commentary on the Guru Siddhi Mantra by Dodrupchen Jigme Tenpe Nyima

This profound explanation of the individual syllables of Padmasambhava's famous Vajra-Guru Mantra is written in colloquial language that is concise and easy to understand. The text is explicitly aimed at 'town-dweller mantrins' who mistakenly confuse the fundamentals of Secret Mantra.

• A Brief Petitionary Offering to the Mātṛkā Pukkasī, Local Protectress of the Jarung Kashor Stūpa by Dudjom Rinpoche

A brief petitionary offering (gsol mchod) to the mātṛkā Pukkasī, who is the local protectress of the sacred Jarung Kashor stūpa in Boudha, Nepal.

• A Concise Lineage Prayer by Dudjom Rinpoche

A simple invocation of Dudjom Rinpoche's lineage masters, from the dharmakāya Padma Amitāyus down to his own root teacher.

• A Daily Practice of Noble Lady Tārā by Dudjom Rinpoche

A brief daily practice of Green Tārā, composed at the request of Ngawang Palmo.

• A Joyful Chariot for the Fortunate: An Aspiration to Travel to the Copper-Coloured Mountain of Glory by Dudjom Rinpoche

Dudjom Rinpoche composed this prayer of aspiration to be reborn on the Copper-Coloured Mountain of Glory, or Zangdok Palri (zangs mdog dpal ri), after his firstborn daughter, Dekyong Yeshe Wangmo, had left this world. The inspiration for this prayer, it is said, was therefore her parting gift.

• A Prayer to Kyabje Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche by Dudjom 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.

• A Short Prayer to the Abbot, the Master and the King by Dudjom Rinpoche

Dudjom Rinpoche composed this short prayer invoking the Abbot, Master and Dharma-King (Khen Lob Chö Sum), i.e., Śāntarakṣita, Guru Padmasambhava and Trisong Detsen, at Samyé monastery in Tibet at the request of his son, Thinley Norbu Rinpoche.

• Drumbeat of the Deathless Vajra: A Fervent Invocation and Prayer by Dudjom Rinpoche

Dudjom Rinpoche wrote this short prayer when he was engaged in long-life practice at Māratika cave in Nepal, the sacred site where Guru Rinpoche achieved immortality with his consort, Mandāravā.

• The Sublime Path to Immortality: The Quintessence of Profoundly Secret Pith Instructions on Attaining Vajra Longevity by Dudjom Rinpoche

A short daily practice for longevity focusing on Amitāyus, which, in Kyabjé Düdjom Rinpoche's own words, distils "the many vast and profound longevity practices of the treasure tradition."

• Averting Negativity through Siṃhamukhā, the Lion-Faced Ḍākinī by Eighth Karmapa

A short practice of the lion-faced ḍākinī, Siṃhamukhā (seng gdong ma), who is associated with the elimination of adversity, threats and danger.

• A Prayer to Khandro Yeshé Tsogyal by Fifteenth Karmapa

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

• Amṛta Offering for The Guru’s Heart-Practice, Wish-Fulfilling Jewel by Fifteenth Karmapa

A brief rite of amṛta or 'medicinal nectar' offering (sman mchod) to accompany The Guru’s Heart Practice, Wish-Fulfilling Jewel (thugs sgrub yid bzhin nor bu) revelation of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo and Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa.

• Cloud Banks of Blessings: A Prayer to Guru Padmasambhava by Fifth Dalai Lama

The Great Fifth Dalai Lama wrote this prayer to Guru Padmasambhava in his eight manifestations, calling upon him to remember his pledge to Tibet and its people, for recitation on the tenth day of each lunar month.

• Verses of Aspiration for the Swift Return of Tsikey Chokling Mingyur Dewey Dorjé by Fourteenth Dalai Lama

A two-verse aspiration for the swift reincarnation of Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, Mingyur Dewey Dorje (1953–2020).

• A Bouquet of Uḍumbara Flowers: An Explanation of the Tenth Day by Gönpo Tseten Rinpoche

Gönpo Tseten Rinpoche wrote this explanation of the significance of the Tenth Day (or Guru Rinpoche Day) of each lunar month for his American students, in California in 1981. He tells the life-story of Guru Rinpoche, highlights the significance of the tenth day, explains the practice of gaṇacakra, and outlines its benefits.

• Meeting the Buddha Face to Face: A Pith Instruction on Realizing the Fortress, Ravine, and View of the Practice of Vajrakīla by Guru Chökyi Wangchuk

This pith instruction on how to accomplish Vajrakīla (or Vajrakīlaya) was given by Guru Padmasambhava to his closest disciple Khandro Yeshé Tsogyal. Following the Atiyoga approach, the text comments on the oft-quoted verses of the Vajrakīla Root Tantra Fragment (Tōh. 439). This and a short protector offering, also preserved in the Treasury of Revelations (Rinchen Terdzö), are the only two surviving texts from Guru Chöwang’s Vajrakīla revelation.

• The Dhāraṇīs That Encapsulate the Essence of the Kangyur, the Collected Words of the Buddha revealed by Guru Chökyi Wangchuk

A collection of brief ḍhāraṇīs that are said to encapsulate the essence of the entire Kangyur (bka' 'gyur), or Collected Words of the Buddha, and serve as a powerful means of purification when recited.

• The Swift Fulfillment of All Wishes (Sampa Nyur Drupma): A Prayer to Master Padmasambhava by Jamgön Amnye Zhab Ngawang Kunga Sönam

Amnye Zhab Ngawang Kunga Sönam composed this supplication to Guru Padmasambhava for the swift fulfilment of all wishes in 1641, when war and chaos were afflicting the regions of Ü and Tsang. The prayer is included within the Compendium of Sādhanas (sgrub thabs kun btus).

• A Garland of Vajra Gems: The Life and Liberation of the Guru by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye

This epic of Guru Padmasambhava, as recorded by Khandro Yeshe Tsogyal, was revealed by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye as a “siddhi”. The text consists of ten short chapters, each related to a different aspect of the master’s life and activities.

• Calling the Guru From Afar: A Prayer to Pierce the Heart with Devotion by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye

This popular song of devotion composed by the celebrated Rimé (ecumenical) master Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Tayé has two parts: the first an invocation of the great holders of various lineages, and the second a declaration of one's own faults and a request for the guru's aid in overcoming them and attaining realization.

• Cloud-Banks of Everything Desirable: The Wealth Deity Smoke Offering from The Guru’s Heart Practice, Dispeller of All Obstacles by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye

This practice of smoke (bsang) offering to supplement The Excellent Vase of Jewels Wealth Practice (nor sgrub rin chen bum bzang) from the Chokling Tersar was composed at Chokgyur Lingpa's request.

• Liberation Through Training in the Realm of Amitābha, Boundless Light by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye

This concise ritual for cultivating the pure realm of Amitābha was arranged by Jamgön Kongtrul based on Chokgyur Lingpa’s Amitābha sādhana from the Essence Manual of Oral Instructions (zhal gdams snying byang). The practice forms the sixth of eleven modes of liberation in Kongtrul's Wondrous Ocean: An Elucidation of the Application of the Eleven Modes of Liberation of the Sambhogakāya, Tamer of Beings (longs sku 'gro 'dul gyi las rim grol ba bcu gcig gi lag len gsal byed ngo mtshar rgya mtsho).

• Music to Adorn the Illusory Display: A Concise Explanation of the Nature of the Feast Offering by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye

This description of gaṇacakra, preserved in The Treasury of Extensive Teachings (rgya chen bka’ mdzod), presents a clear Nyingma perspective on the practice of gaṇacakra. The text does not refer to any particular sādhana, but offers a generic explanation that is remarkable for its clarity and detail.

• Song of the Illusory Display: The Lineage Prayer for the Heart-Essence of the Deathless Lake-Born Vajra by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye

Supplication to the lineage of Tsokyé Nyingtik, the secret practice among the Chokling Tersar’s Four Cycles of Guru Yoga (bla sgrub skor bzhi).

• Splendid Treasure of Twofold Accomplishment: The Lineage Prayer for The Guru’s Heart Practice, Wish-Fulfilling Jewel by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye

Jamgön Kongtrul composed this lineage prayer for The Guru’s Heart Practice, Wish-Fulfilling Jewel (thugs sgrub yid bzhin nor bu) while residing at his famous retreat centre of Tsadra Rinchen Drak.

• The Essence of Benefit and Happiness: A Method for Saving Lives by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye

This simple practice of 'freeing lives' (tshe thar), which is included in the Rinchen Terdzö, was arranged by Jamgön Kongtrul Rinpoche, who drew mainly upon The Innermost Secret, Unsurpassed Longevity Practice (tshe sgrub yang gsang bla med) of Longsal Nyingpo (1625–1692).

• The Life and Liberation of Padmākara, the Second Buddha from A Precious Garland of Lapis Lazuli by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye

Extracted from the famous collection of the life stories of 108 treasure revealers called A Precious Garland of Lapis Lazuli, this account of Guru Padmasambhava's life and liberation synthesises and even comments upon earlier sources.

• The Tambura’s Yearning Song of Devotion: A Prayer Summarizing Khandro Yeshe Tsogyal’s Life and Liberation by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye

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.

• Wellspring of Bounty for the Fortunate: A Guru Yoga of the Three Family Lords by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye

A guru yoga featuring the three great nonsectarian masters Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa, Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, and Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thayé as embodiments of the Lords of the Three Families—Avalokiteśvara, Mañjuśrī and Vajrapāṇi.

• The Meaning of the Six Syllables of the King of Vidyā-Mantras, the Heroic Lord Mañjuśrī by Jampal Dewe Nyima

A commentary on the famous six-syllable mantra of Mañjuśrī (oṃ arapacana dhīḥ), relating each mantra syllable to aspects of generation stage (bskyed rim), completion stage (rdzogs rim) and Great Perfection (rdzogs chen) practice.

• A Guru Yoga of Śavari by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

While on pilgrimage through India in 1956, Jamyang Khyentse meditated at the Indian master Śavari's meditation cave in the Śītavana (‘Cool Grove’) charnel ground near Bodhgayā, resulting in a vision of the mahāsiddha. Soon afterwards he composed this guru yoga.

• A Prayer to the Three Stūpas of Nepal by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

A prayer to the three main stūpas of the Kathmandu Valley: Jarung Khashor or Boudha, Svayambhū, and Namo Buddha, which commemorates the bodhisattva Mahāsattva's sacrifice to a starving tigress.

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

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

• Guru Yoga Based on the Dü Sum Sangyé Prayer by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

This practice unites the recitation of the famous Dü Sum Sangyé Prayer with a corresponding visualisation of the four main forms of Guru Padmasambhava according to the Chokling Tersar’s Four Cycles of Guru Yoga (bla sgrub skor bzhi), namely Barché Kunsel, Sampa Lhundrup, Tsokyé Nyingtik and Guru Draktsal. It was composed at the request of a minister to the king of Lingkar.

• The Accomplishment of Supreme Enlightened Activity: A Recitation Manual for The Vajrakīla Root Tantra Section by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Jamyang Khyentse wrote this recitation guide (bklags thabs) for the Vajrakīla Root Tantra Section (phur pa rtsa dum) at the request of his master of ceremonies, Lama Chokden.

• The Unifying Practice of the Prayer by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

This practice unites the recitation of the famous Dü Sum Sangyé Prayer with a corresponding visualisation of the four main forms of Guru Padmasambhava according to the Chokling Tersar’s Four Cycles of Guru Yoga (bla sgrub skor bzhi), namely Barché Kunsel, Sampa Lhundrup, Tsokyé Nyingtik and Guru Draktsal.

• The Vajra Words Unveiled: A Commentary on the Düsum Sangyé Prayer to the Guru by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

In this brief commentary, Jamyang Khyentse reveals the outer or literal, inner or hidden and secret or ultimate layers of meaning in the famous Düsum Sangyé or Six Vajra-Line Prayer to Guru Padmasambhava revealed by Chokgyur Lingpa (1829–1870).

• A Beautiful and Wondrous Udumbara Garland: A Supplication and Summary of the Chronicles of Padma, The Life and Liberation of the Precious Guru of Uḍḍiyāna by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo

This prayer beautifully summarizes the Padma Kathang (The Chronicles of Padma), one of the most famous and influential of Guru Padmasambhava's many biographies. It reveals how Guru Rinpoche manifests in an infinite variety of forms in order to protect and spread the Buddhadharma.

• A Concise Ritual for the Kings’ Posts by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo

A concise ritual invoking the Four Great Kings (rgyal chen sde bzhi), who are the guardians of the four directions, when establishing and dissolving retreat boundaries.

• A History of the 'Display of Awakened Activity' Samaya Substances That Liberate Upon Taste and the Two 'Representative' Statues That Liberate Upon Sight by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo

Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo explains the history and benefits of some sacred substances and two statues of Guru Padmasambhava—the 'representative' (kutsab) images known as Tukjé Ötro and Ngödrup Palbar—that were revealed by Chokgyur Lingpa.

• Essence of Accomplishment: A Concise Feast-Offering to Noble Tārā by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo

This short Tārā feast-offering was composed for practitioners who wish to offer a simple gaṇacakra feast within a Tārā sādhana, such as the Zabtik Drolchok.

• Increasing Life and Vitality: A Practice for Freeing Lives by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo

This popular liturgy for saving the lives of animals includes practices of taking refuge and generating bodhicitta, as well as the recitation of mantras and dhārāṇīs, visualization, and prayers of auspiciousness, dedication and aspiration.

• Moonlight of Pacifying Amṛta: A Daily Visualization and Recitation for the Dispeller of All Samaya Corruptions and Pollutions by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo

A practice of Damdrip Nyepa Kunsel (dam grib nyes pa kun sel)—which derives from the revelations of Trengpo Sherab Özer (1518–1584)—based on the deity Ucchuṣma (sme brtsegs), with added preliminary and concluding sections and further instructions on purifying samaya defilements.

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

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

• Net of the Illusory Display: The Root Sādhana from the Heart-Essence of the Deathless Lake-Born Vajra by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo

In 1848, at the age of twenty-eight, Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo had a vision in which he was blessed by Guru Rinpoche, who then dissolved into his heart. As a result, the root practice of Guru Tsokyé Nyingtik, the Heart-Essence of the Lake-Born Guru, arose in Khyentse Wangpo’s mind, and he immediately wrote down its activity manual.

• Prayer to Khyentse Wangpo, Kongtrul and Chokgyur Lingpa by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo

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

• The Breeze That Carries the Auspicious Melody: Replies to Questions Arising from the Life Story of the Great Treasure-Revealer, Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo

This commentary to Jamgön Kongtrul’s biographical prayer to Chokgyur Lingpa, The Melody of the Auspicious Spiralled Conch, discusses the great tertön's life and legacy, celebrating, in particular, his terma revelations and accomplishments.

• The Chariot Bound for Sukhāvatī, the Blissful Realm: The Liturgy for Cultivating Buddha Amitābha’s Pure Realm by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo

According to the colophon, this elaborate ritual for cultivating the pure realm of Amitābha was compiled by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo at the passing of Chokgyur Lingpa’s mother, Tsering Yangtso. Taking Chokgyur Lingpa’s treasure Amitābha sādhana from the Essence Manual of Oral Instructions (zhal gdams snying byang) as a basis, Khyentse Wangpo added further instructions and verses, primarily from The Array of Amitābha Sūtra (Toh 49, 'od dpag med kyi bkod pa) and The King of Aspiration Prayers (bzang spyod smon lam).

• The Essence of Cintāmaṇi: A Daily Practice of the Great Compassionate One, Wish-fulfilling Wheel by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo

A daily practice of the Great Compassionate One, Wish-fulfilling Wheel (thugs rje chen po yid bzhin 'khor lo), a yidam practice which Chokgyur Lingpa revealed at Yegyel Namkha Dzö in 1856.

• The Fulfiller of All Wishes, the Ritual Manual from The Wish-Fulfilling Jewel Guru Heart-Practice by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo

The longer sādhana, or ritual manual (las byang), for the The Guru’s Heart-Practice, Wish-Fulfilling Jewel (thugs sgrub yid bzhin nor bu), which was jointly revealed by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo and Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa at Drak Rinchen Barwa on November 16, 1858.

• Words of Advice on Accomplishing Immortality: An Extremely Concise Daily Practice Uniting the Short Lineages of Amitāyus and Hayagrīva by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo

This concise instruction for accomplishing longevity (tshe sgrub) is said to be an abridgement of Thangtong Gyalpo's (1361–1485?) original sādhana. According to the colophon, Khyentse Wangpo composed the practice in a meditation cave used by Thangtong Gyalpo himself.

• Concise Mahāmudrā Preliminary Practice from the New and Old Secret Mantra’s Ripening and Liberating Practices of Generation and Completion by Jedrung Jampa Jungné

A brief Taklung Kagyü preliminary, or ngöndro, that focuses on Vajradhara, the great Indian siddhas, and the masters of the Taklung Kagyü tradition.

• Luminous Bindu: A Guru Sādhana of the Eighty-Four Mahāsiddhas by Jedrung Jampa Jungné

Jedrung Jampa Jungné composed this guru sādhana following a vision of the ḍākinī Kadalī. It involves a self-visualisation of Cakrasaṃvara and a front-visualisation of Vajradhara surrounded by the Eighty-Four Mahāsiddhas.

• Streams of Sapphire: A Prayer to the Eighty-Four Mahāsiddhas by Jedrung Jampa Jungné

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.

• An Outline of The Praise to Tārā with Twenty-One Verses of Homage by Jetsün Drakpa Gyaltsen

A simple outline identifying the main features of each verse in the famous, widely-chanted liturgy known as Praise to Tārā with Twenty-One Verses of Homage.

• Brilliant Rays of Light: A Commentary on the Praise to Tārā by Jetsün Drakpa Gyaltsen

Drakpa Gyaltsen's influential, word-by-word commentary to the popular Praise to Tārā with Twenty-One Verses of Homage.

• The Kalaviṅka’s Call: A Guide to Glorious Samye Chimphu by Jigme Lingpa

A short historical guide to the sacred place of Samye Chimphu, where Guru Padmasambhava taught and granted empowerments to his twenty-five disciples, who then meditated in the surrounding caves and attained signs of accomplishment. Later, as Jigme Lingpa explains, the place became a pilgrimage site that was visited by many of Tibet's most illustrious masters.

• Extensive Instructions on the Transference of Consciousness to the Land of Great Bliss by Karma Chakme

This famous commentary on the 'transference of consciousness' ('pho ba; Skt. saṃkrānti/utkrānti) describes the various forms of the practice in general and the specific details of the Namchö (gnam chos) transference in particular. It offers instructions on how to perform the transference both for oneself and others.

• The Swift Steed of Garuḍa, King of Birds: An Instruction for Travelling to Sukhāvatī: A Visualization and Recitation of Uṣnīṣa-Sitātapatrā by Karma Chakme

To practise this short sādhana of the deity Sitātapatrā (gdugs dkar, “White Parasol”) is, in the words of the text itself, "to hold aloft an indestructible vajra sword that can avert disease, obstacles, black magic, evil spells and all oppressing forces." The sādhana is also said to be a swift means of travelling to Sukhāvatī, akin to flying on the back of a garuḍa.

• Gathering the Siddhis of Fortune: A Fulfilment Practice for Lama Norlha by Karme Khenpo Rinchen Dargye

A fulfilment offering (skong ba) liturgy for the Chokling Tersar cycle of Lama Norlha known as The Excellent Vase of Jewels Wealth Practice (nor sgrub rin chen bum bzang).

• The Heart of the Matter: A Lineage Prayer for the Excellent Vase of Jewels Wealth Practice by Karme Khenpo Rinchen Dargye

A lineage supplication for the Chokling Tersar cycle focusing on Lama Norlha known as The Excellent Vase of Jewels Wealth Practice (nor sgrub rin chen bum bzang).

• Upon Arriving at Yangleshö 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.

• Ornamented with Precious Names, in Praise of the Thirty-Five Sugatas by Mātṛceṭa

A poetic eulogy (Toh 1142) that extols the thirty-five Buddhas, who feature in confession practices, such as the Bodhisattvas’ Confession of Downfalls (byang chub sems dpa’i ltung bshags), also known as the Sūtra of the Three Heaps (phung po gsum pa’i mdo).

• Brief Offering Prayer to Mahādeva and Consort by Mipham Rinpoche

A four-line prayer to accompany offerings to Mahādeva and consort, the protectors associated with the activity of magnetizing.

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

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

• Light Offering Prayer by Mipham Rinpoche

A short prayer of aspiration to accompany the offering of a butter lamp (mar me).

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

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

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

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

• In Praise of the Stūpas at the Eight Great Sacred Places by Nāgārjuna

This text (Toh 1134) is the shorter of Ārya Nāgārjuna’s two short eulogies praising the stūpas at the eight great sacred places commemorating significant events in the life of the Buddha.

• In Praise of the Stūpas at the Eight Great Sacred Places by Nāgārjuna

This text (Toh 1133) is the longer of Ārya Nāgārjuna’s two short eulogies praising the stūpas at the eight great sacred places commemorating significant events in the life of the Buddha.

• Vast Clouds of Samantabhadra’s Display: A Ritual of Worship to Delight the Teacher, his Eight Heart-Sons, and their Retinue by Neten Chokling Ngedön Drubpe Dorje

A ritual for paying homage to the Buddha and eight main bodhisattvas as a means of generating bodhicitta. The text belongs to The Great Compassionate One, Lotus Uṣṇīṣa (thugs rje chen po pad+ma gtsug gtor) cycle within the Chokling Tersar.

• Liberation Upon Hearing: The History of the Great Jarung Kashor Stūpa by Ngakchang Shakya Zangpo

In this famous history of the sacred stūpa of Boudha, Guru Padmasambhava recounts the stūpa's origins. In response to a request from King Trisong Deutsen, he tells how a humble poultry-woman first extracted a promise from the king and then built the stūpa together with her four sons, who were all later reborn as prominent figures in the introduction of Buddhism to Tibet. Padmasambhava also describes the benefits to be gained from circumambulating the stūpa and making offerings before it, and concludes with a series of prophecies concerning the stūpa's restoration.

• Eradicating Downfalls by Reciting the Names of the Buddhas: The Swift Path to Complete Awakening in a Single Instant revealed by Nyala Pema Düdul

This practice of invoking and paying homage to various buddhas is said to be a powerful means of purifying obscurations and accumulating merit, tantamount to reciting the Kangyur in its entirety. It belongs to the Profound Secret Teachings of The Natural Liberation Pervading Space (mkha' khyab rang grol) revelation.

• A Prayer Recalling the Life and Liberation of the Precious Master Padmasambhava by Nyangral Nyima Özer

This prayer in 26 verses recounts the major events of the life of Guru Padmasambhava, from his miraculous birth upon a lotus to his final departure from Tibet for the land of the rakṣasas. Upon recollecting each stage or episode in the Guru's life, the reader requests empowerment and blessings.

• Luminous Clouds of Spontaneous Song: A Prayer to Call the Guru from Afar by Nyoshul Khenpo Jamyang Dorje

Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche wrote this song of "calling the guru from afar" (bla ma rgyang 'bod) to accompany the Ultimate Guru Sādhana of Simplicity (spros med don gyi bla sgrub) composed by Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche (1920–1996).

• A Concise History of Orgyen Padma’s Enlightened Deeds by Orgyen Lingpa

This revelation of Orgyen Lingpa, discovered at Samye Chimphu, provides a brief account of Guru Padmasambhava's life and deeds. Each of its sixteen chapters describes eight features, beginning with Padmasambhava's eight manifestations, his eight life-giving fathers, eight mothers, and so on. The text concludes with a series of prophecies.

• A Casket of Sacred Dharma: Stages of Meditation on Dependent Arising by Pema Karpo

Belonging to the set of instructions known as the Seven Excellent Interdependent Connections (rten 'brel rab bdun ma), this text by the great Kagyü teacher Pema Karpo (1527–1592) explains meditative equipoise, which is "the dependent arising that gives rise to excellent qualities", and post-meditation, which is the "dependent arising for perfecting the capacity".

• An Extremely Concise Barché Lamsel—The Prayer for Clearing Obstacles from the Path by Rangrik Dorje

This very short prayer to Guru Padmasambhava, for 'clearing obstacles from the path' (bar chad lam sel) was composed by the treasure-revealer Rangrik Dorje of Nyarong.

• An Extremely Concise Sampa Lhundrup—Prayer that Spontaneously Fulfils All Wishes by Rangrik Dorje

This very short prayer to Guru Padmasambhava, for 'spontaneously fulfilling all wishes (bsam pa lhun grub) was composed by the treasure-revealer Rangrik Dorje of Nyarong.

• The Seven Lines that Dispel All Obstacles and Enfold All Profundity by Rangrik Dorje

A seven-line prayer to Guru Padmasambhava for the elimination of all obstacles and the fulfilment of all wishes.

• The Spontaneous Fulfilment of All Wishes: Invoking the Great Guru of Uḍḍiyāna by Rangrik Dorje

This brief invocation, composed at the request of government officials, calls upon Guru Padmasambhava to remember his pledge to come to the aid of Tibet and its people.

• The Wish-Fulfilling Tree: A Prayer to the All-Embodying Lama Tsokye Dorje by Rangrik Dorje

A brief prayer to Guru Tsokye Dorje—'Lake-Born Vajra'—for the elimination of all obstacles on the spiritual path.

• Victory Over All Adversity: A Prayer to Invoke Guru Rinpoche’s Wisdom for the Swift Fulfilment of Wishes by Rangrik Dorje

A brief prayer to Guru Padmasambhava for protection against adversity and the fulfilment of all wishes.

• A Prayer to Padmasambhava by Ratna Lingpa

A four-line prayer to Guru Padmasambhava, which Ratna Lingpa received during a visionary journey to Zangdokpalri (zangs mdog dpal ri), the Copper-Colored Mountain of Glory.

• Cloud Banks of Blessings: A Prayer Recounting the Eleven Deeds of the Life and Liberation of the Guru from Uḍḍiyāna by Ratna Lingpa

A prayer to Guru Rinpoche recounting eleven significant deeds in his life: 1) forming the enlightened intention to tame beings, 2) descending into the lotus flower, 3) spontaneously taking birth, 4) enjoying the pleasures of a prince, 5) taking ordination, 6) practicing various austerities, 7) overcoming Māra's hosts, 8) attaining complete awakening, 9) turning the wheel of the Dharma, 10) engaging in yogic disciplines, and 11) hiding terma treasures to spread the Dharma far and wide.

• The Invocation of Uḍḍiyāna on the Tenth Day by Ratna Lingpa

In this brief treasure text, Padmasambhava prophesies the many ways in which he will reveal himself to disciples in the future. He encourages his students to pray to him continually and gives specific instructions on how to invoke him on the tenth day. The text concludes with a description of the destined revealer of this treasure, Ratna Lingpa.

• The Gaṇacakra Ritual by Sakya Paṇḍita Kunga Gyaltsen

This short text by Sakya Paṇḍita (1182–1251) explains gaṇacakra practice from the Sakya perspective according to the traditions of the Hevajra and Cakrasamvara tantras. It is among the earliest Tibetan commentaries on the subject but was originally composed to clarify an even earlier work by Jetsün Drakpa Gyaltsen (1147–1216).

• A Prayer Recounting the Lives and Liberation of the Exalted Ḍākinī Mandāravā revealed by Samten Lingpa

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

• A Praise to the Lotus King by Śāntigarbha

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

• A Shower of Blessings: A Guru Yoga Practice to Accompany the Seven-Line Prayer (Addendum) 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.

• A Clear, Concise and Simple Explanation of the Generation and Completion Stages for the Benefit of Beginners by Shechen Gyaltsab Gyurme Pema Namgyal

This pithy text provides beginners with a clear, comprehensible explanation of kyerim (bskyed rim), or the generation stage, including all the most important points of practice, such as the three samādhis, four aspects of recitation, and four stakes that secure the life-force (srog sdom gzer bzhi).

• The Sādhana of the Five Self-Arisen Noble Brothers: An Instruction in the Union of Generation and Completion by Shikpo Lingpa

Revealed during a vision in 1557, this is a sādhana of the five self-arisen Avalokiteśvara brothers ('phags pa rang byon mched lnga). These are four ancient statues associated with King Songtsen Gampo, i.e., Ārya Vati Zangpo, Ārya Bukham, Ārya Jamali, and Ārya Lokeśvara, as well as the self-visualization of Avalokiteśvara generated by the practitioner.

• Instructions on the Fivefold Mahāmudrā by Situ Paṇchen Chökyi Jungne

This concise commentary draws from the tradition of Fivefold Mahāmudrā teachings passed down from Pakmodrupa to Jikten Sumgön, and thus especially emphasized within the Drikung Kagyü lineage. When included in a single session of practice, these five points—bodhicitta, guru yoga, yidam practice, Mahāmudrā, and dedication—are held to provide a complete path to awakening. Chokyi Jungné’s instruction expands upon traditional presentations by concluding with specific instructions on how to practice during all periods of the day, as well as at the time of death.

• Unravelling Mantra’s Meaning in The Heart of Wisdom Sūtra by Śrī Siṃha

This short commentary (Tōh. 4353) on the secret mantra or tantric meaning of the famous Heart Sūtra is attributed to the Atiyoga teacher Śrī Siṃha. According to the colophon, he gave this explanation to his disciple Vairotsana, who put it into writing and taught it to King Tri Songdetsen.

• The Wish-Fulfilling King of Great Might: A Universally Beneficial Prayer, Aspiration, and Supplication to the Three Jewels and Three Roots by Tai Situ Rinpoche

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.

• A Stream of Blessing: Verses of Supplication to the Accomplished Holders of Mantra who Gained Realization in this Snowy Land of Tibet by Tashi Tobgyal

A well-known prayer to Guru Rinpoche's foremost disciples, the king Tri Songdetsen and twenty-five of his subjects.

• A Synopsis of the Vajra-Guru Mantra by Tertön Sogyal

This succinct explanation of the Vajra-Guru mantra places special emphasis on the various meanings of the ‘vajra name’ by which Padmasambhava is invoked, i.e., Vajra Guru Padma.

• A Devotional Song by Tsewang Drakpa

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

• Concise Feast Offering for the Spontaneous Fulfillment of Wishes by Tsewang Drakpa

A simple feast-offering liturgy to facilitate the accumulation of tsok offerings by means of The Wish-Fulfilling Jewel Guru Heart-Practice, Spontaneous Fulfillment of Wishes (bla ma’i thugs sgrub yid bzhin nor bu bsam pa lhun grub ma).

• A Concise Guru Sādhana of My Sublime Father, Karma Urgyen Tsewang Chokdrup Pelbar by Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche

A concise guru yoga focusing on Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche and composed by his son, the Fourth Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche.

• The Concise Excellent Vase of Jewels: A Wealth Practice of Kyechok Tsülzang arranged by Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche

This practice invokes Lama Norlha as Kyechok Tsülzang (skyes mchog tshul bzang), the third of Guru Padmasambhava’s twelve emanations according to the Tukdrup Barché Kunsel (thugs sgrub bar chad kun sel) maṇḍala. Jamgön Kongtrul created a sādhana from Chokgyur Lingpa's original revelation, which Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche here abbreviates and, in places, augments.

• In Praise of the Hidden Valley of Kyimolung by Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche

Having spent parts of his life in the hidden valley (sbas yul) of Kyimolung in Nubri, Nepal, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche composed this eulogy in praise of its sacred landscape.

• Prayer to the Lineage of Lumorab by Yeshe Dorje

A prayer invoking the lineage masters of Absé Lumorab (a bse klu mo rab), a Nyingma monastery in Nyarong, founded by Tertön Rangrik Dorjé in 1896. The monastery shares a close connection with Mindroling. Supplementary lines were later added by Jampal Dewé Nyima and Khyentsé Norbu (1904–1968).