Padmasambhava -The Highest Maha Guru Rinpoche 8th Century

Padmasambhava 8th Century - The Most Influential Master - Guru Rinpoche

Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche in Tibetan, is so influential that nearly every mountain in Tibet bears his blessings. It's genuinely remarkable to imagine him leaving footprints in an era without modern transportation, a testament to his extraordinary abilities. His stories captivate and inspire anyone who encounters them, making him a truly remarkable and compassionate master in the history of tantric Buddhism.

Also known as Pema Jungney, translates to 'the one born from the lotus' in Tibetan. He is referred to as Maha Guru Rinpoche or Lopon Chenpo, which signifies 'great spiritual master' and 'precious spiritual master,' respectively. Let’s explore the article to discover the five great emanations of Guru Padma.

Every tenth day in the Tibetan Lunar calendar is the birthday celebration of Maha Guru Padmasambhava.

Also, take a moment to read about my recent weeks at a peaceful Monastery in Tibet. It was an enriching experience I’m eager to share with you. In the article, I share some short stories of Milarepa and a treasured statue of Buddha Chakrasamvara, King of Mantra. May bless all with happiness!

1. Padmasambhava

Maha Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava's birth from the Lotus symbolizes a profound teaching in Buddhism that transcends the limitations of human perception. For many, comprehending his Lotus birth is challenging due to our confinement to the five senses. This extraordinary figure was born in the 8th century in Oddiyana City, located in present-day Swat, Pakistan.

2. Oddiyana Princess

The Mandarawa was the first princess consort and the daughter of the king of Oddiyana. It is written that Maha Guru Rinpoche learned the Tantric Vajrayana Buddhism under many great masters, including Nagarjuna and his central Guru, Shiri Singha. At that time, spiritualism was very popular in Oddiyana City and Nalanda University.

Oddiyana, also known as Zahor, is the home of Tantric Vajrayana Buddhism. There were a few kings named Indrabhuti. One of the Indrabhutis was the first king in India to practice Tantric Vajrayana Buddhism, originating with Buddha Shakyamuni or his disciple Vajrapani.

When Maha Guru Padmasambhava was meditating in the retreat areas of Oddiyana, the Oddiyana Princess Mandarava, after seeing the great master, felt deep devotion and followed Maha Guru Rinpoche as a disciple. The king of Oddiyana was miserable after finding out that the Princess was following a Buddhist Yogi since the King was a Hindu disciple.

The king caught Maha Guru Padmasambhava and tried to burn him with a massive fire for many days. After a few days, the king found Maha Guru Padmasambhava on the lotus flower without any effect from the fire. The king was amazed, and a deep devotion arose in his mind. And he asked Maha Guru Rinpoche for forgiveness for his evil deeds.

The king offered his kingdom and the Princess to Maha Guru Padmasambhava, but Guru said I am a wandering Yogi and won't need your kingdom. Maha Guru Padmasambhava left the kingdom to wander around the mountains, and Princess Mandarava followed him.

Photo: Statue of Maha Guru in Yachen, Sichuan, China.

3. Retreat places

Almost all the places in Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet are blessed by Maha Guru Padmasambhava. The famous places in Nepal where Maha Guru Padmasambhava meditates are:

1. Chumig Jangchub ( Hetauda ), Nepal.
2. Yanglesho ( near Kathmandu ) 
3. Halasho (there is a monastery of Trulshik Rinpoche), Nepal.
4. Taktsang Tiger's Nest in Bhutan.

Later, Maha Guru Rinpoche traveled to Bhutan and Tibet.

4. Travel to Tibet

During the 8th Century, the 38th King Trisong Deutsen invited the Indian master Shantarakshita to help build the first monastery in Tibet, known as the Samye monastery. When people constructed the monastery during the day, the evil spirit destroyed it at night, so the king asked the master Shantarakshita what to do. The great Shantarakshita urged the king to invite Maha Guru Padmasambhava for help.

Later, Maha Guru blessed the Samye monastery, and from that day on, local people built it during the day, while the evil spirit built it at night.

5. Group 25 Yogis

The first Tibetan group of Yogis, consisting of twenty-five great disciples, was sent to meditate in the Chimpuk meditation cave near the mountain from the Samye monastery.

6. Kandro Yeshe Tsogyal

Kandro Yeshe Tsogyal was the second princess consort, graciously offered by King Trisong Deutsen during the time at Samye in the 8th century. One of the greatest consorts and disciples was Tibetan Yogini Jetsun Kandro Yeshe Tsogyal. She followed Maha Guru Padmasambhava from the age of sixteen (after three years of arriving in Tibet) until leaving Tibet near Kungtang Pass, at the modern-day town of Kyirong, as listed in the biography of Jetsun Kandro Yeshe Tsogyal.

Photo: Samye is the first monastery in Tibet built during the 8th Century by Guru Rinpoche.

7. The Eight Manifestations

Guru Tsokyé Dorje (Lake-Born Vajra): Celebrates his miraculous birth as a radiant eight-year-old on a beautiful lotus in Lake Dhanakosha.

Guru Shakya Sengé (Lion of the Shakyas): Signifies his sacred ordination and dedicated life as a devoted Buddhist monk.

Guru Loden Choksé (Wise Seeker of the Sublime): Highlights his deep mastery of all Buddhist teachings and scriptures.

Guru Nyima Özer (Rays of the Sun): Reflects his incredible power to overcome negative and demonic forces with the illuminating light of wisdom.

Guru Padmasambhava / Pema Jungné (The Lotus-Born): Honors his essential role in establishing Buddhism and constructing the inspiring Samye Monastery in Tibet.

Guru Pema Gyalpo (The Lotus King): Reminds us of his early days as a youthful and noble prince of Oddiyana.

Guru Sengé Dradrok (The Lion's Roar): Emphasizes his brave and fierce effort to subdue harmful spiritual forces and non-Buddhist influences.

Guru Dorje Drolö (Wild Wrathful Vajra): Represents his secret teachings (terma) and his oath-bound commitment to binding local spirits.

8. Meditation areas

1. Chimpuk meditation cave
2. Yemalung meditation cave 
3. Dzong Kumbum meditation cave
4. Drak Yangzom meditation cave
5. Tidrum meditation cave
6. Upper Rongbuk Meditation Cave 
7. Drak Yerba meditation cave
8. Chiu Monastery in Ngari
9. Tadapuri Hot Spring Meditation Cave

The above are only a few places I know. From my experience, almost all areas in Tibet are blessed by Mahaguru Rinpoche. Although Maha Guru Padmasambhava was born in India, he spent most of his time in Tibet teaching Mahayana Buddhism to Tibetans. Without Maha Guru Padmasambhava, Tantric Vajrayana Buddhism would not have flourished in the world today, and that is one of the main reasons never to forget his kindness.

7. Most Influential Master

Many places in Tibet, Bhutan, and even parts of Nepal are home to meditation caves blessed by Padmasambhava. These sacred sites are truly special and widely revered. Before he arrived in Tibet, locals followed a Native Bon religion, and we should understand how difficult it was for him to change their deep-rooted faith. It would take a great deal of wisdom, which is why he is one of the most influential masters.

The moment people hear his stories of flying and of describing future deeds and statues with his two main consorts, Kandro Yeshe Tsogyal and Lacham Mandarawa, they immediately start to love him, even without needing to learn all the details. From small villages in Tibet, Bhutan, and Nepal to bustling cities across Europe and the US, and even in parts of Asia, many people know of him. That’s why he is regarded as one of the most influential masters.

9. Some sayings

1. Those who have faith in me, I will be sleeping right at your door.
2. Those who don't have faith in me, even though they haven't seen me, will always be protected by my compassion, just like all these children of mine. 
3. Arising Bodhichitta is the main essence of all Buddhist practices.
4. Although my realization is higher than the sky, my observance of karma is finer than grains of flour.
5. Chant Om Mani Padme Hum for Sentient Beings.
6. Chant Om Ah Hung Benza Guru Padma Siddhi Hung' for yourself. 
7. Taking refuge and keeping vows are the roots of Dharma practice. 
8. Instead of staying at other places for 100 years, stay a night at the place where I have been blessed. 
9. If you don't train your mind, suffering won't stop. 
10. When a disciple calls upon me with yearning devotion and with the melodious song of the Seven-Line Prayer, I shall come straightaway from Zangdokpalri. ( The pure land of Maha Guru Padmasambhava)

10. Five Emanations

1. Jetsun Atisha.
2. Jetsun Ra Lotsawa.
3. Jetsun Marpa.
4. Jetsun Sakya Pandita.
5. Jetsun Tsongkhapa.

11. Exceptional master

Guru is our Buddha because his mind embodies the Buddha; he is our Sangh, as his body represents the Sangh; he is our Dharma through his teachings, making him everything. Once, a practitioner practicing pure perception said, ‘When I look everywhere, I see Padmasambhava,’ indicating his immense blessing if we have devotion.

12. Tibet Travel & Tours

Are you a traveler who loves exploring spiritual destinations like Bhutan and Tibet, with spiritual vibes that include breathtaking nature excursions and visits to the meditation caves of the Great Yogis? If so, we recommend our 10-day Tibet Spirit Hike Tour or our 10-Day Tibet Shambhala Style Tour. This tour features extensive hiking and stunning natural landscapes with lakes.

Our 3 travelers at Samye Chimpuk Hermitage Hiking. Their 10-day Tibet spirit hike tour experience.  If you're planning a trip to Tibet, contact us via Instagram or Facebook, or message us on WhatsApp at +86 199 3816 8184. You can also reach us on WeChat at travelers2025 or email us at info@tibettravelers.com.

Conclusion 

Maha Guru Rinpoche is the founder of the Nyingma Dzogchen school of Buddhism. He is also known as the emanation of Amitabha Buddha. ( The Buddha of pure realms and infinite light) Every tenth day in the Tibetan Lunar calendar is the birthday celebration of Maha Guru Padmasambhava. He is also known as the emanation of compassion, Buddha Chenrezig. May Maha Guru Padmasambhava bless all Sentient Beings. The Mantra of Maha Guru Padmasambhava is: Om Ah Hung Benza Guru Padma Siddhi Hung

As someone with limited knowledge, writing about a figure of such mastery intimidates me. However, I have written this article to gain merit by mentioning this great master's name. If there are any mistakes in my writing, I humbly request forgiveness from the Dakinis. Guru Rinpoche Khenno! If there's anything that can improve the article, let me know by leaving a comment. Your feedback is highly appreciated.