Padmasambhava
Padmasambhava: The Lotus-Born Guru of Tibet
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, means "Lotus-Born" in Sanskrit. He is often referred to as the founder of Tibetan Buddhism and the bringer of Vajrayana teachings to Tibet.
Birth and Death Dates
The exact dates of Padmasambhava's birth and death are not certain, but it is believed that he was born around 718 CE in Uddiyana (present-day Pakistan) and died at an unknown date in the eighth century.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Padmasambhava was a Indian Tantric master who traveled to Tibet as a missionary. He was a Buddhist guru, tantric practitioner, and translator of sacred texts.
Early Life and Background
Padmasambhava's early life is shrouded in mystery, but according to legend, he was born from a lotus flower on Lake Dhanakosha in Uddiyana. This event marked his divine origin and connection to the spiritual realm. As a young man, Padmasambhava studied Buddhist teachings under the guidance of the Indian master Indrabodhi.
Major Accomplishments
Padmasambhava's most significant accomplishment was introducing Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet, which became the foundation for Tibetan Buddhist practices. He also translated numerous sacred texts from Sanskrit into Tibetan and established a network of tantric centers throughout the country.
Notable Works or Actions
During his time in Tibet, Padmasambhava demonstrated extraordinary powers and abilities, including:
Magical feats: He was said to have performed various miracles, such as taming ferocious animals and healing the sick.
Establishing tantric centers: Padmasambhava founded numerous tantric centers, known as "terma" or hidden treasures, which served as repositories for spiritual knowledge and practices.
Translating sacred texts: He translated many Buddhist scriptures from Sanskrit into Tibetan, making them accessible to the local population.Impact and Legacy
Padmasambhava's influence on Tibetan Buddhism is immeasurable. His introduction of Vajrayana teachings laid the groundwork for the development of Tibetan Buddhism as we know it today. His legacy extends beyond his own time, with many Tibetan lamas and practitioners continuing to study and practice his teachings.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Padmasambhava's enduring popularity can be attributed to several factors:
Spiritual authority: As a revered guru and tantric master, Padmasambhava commands respect and admiration from Tibetan Buddhists.
Historical significance: He played a pivotal role in shaping Tibetan Buddhism and left an indelible mark on the country's spiritual landscape.
Timeless teachings: The wisdom imparted by Padmasambhava remains relevant today, offering insights into the nature of reality and the path to enlightenment.
Quotes by Padmasambhava
Padmasambhava's insights on:
Agitation due to circumstances occurs when because of an external incident, you follow a thought, and your mind becomes agitated and scatters into a disturbing emotion. When that happens, keep the attitude of “There is no need to do anything!” Train in loving kindness and compassion, disenchantment, means and knowledge, and devotion. Following that, persevere in the practice as at the time of the view. That will clear it.
There is no difference between buddhas and sentient beings other than their scope of mind. What is called mind, consciousness, or awareness, is of a single identity. The mind of a sentient being is limited. The mind of a buddha is all-pervasive. So develop a scope of mind that is like the sky, which has no limit to the east, west, north, or south. – Shri Singha
The guru said: If you want to genuinely practice the Dharma, do what is virtuous, even the most minute deed. Renounce what is evil, even the tiniest deed. The largest ocean is made from drops of water; even Mount Sumeru and the four continents are made of tiny atoms. (p. 30)
![When your body is in seclusion your mind will be also. Give up idle gossip and speak less. If you hurt another's feelings, both of you create negative karma […] don't allow yourself to feel attached or hostile. Maintain a peaceful frame of mind. Give up angry and harsh words; instead speak with a smiling face.](/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Flakl0ama8n6qbptj.public.blob.vercel-storage.com%2Fquotes%2Fquote-522632.png&w=1536&q=100)
When your body is in seclusion your mind will be also. Give up idle gossip and speak less. If you hurt another's feelings, both of you create negative karma […] don't allow yourself to feel attached or hostile. Maintain a peaceful frame of mind. Give up angry and harsh words; instead speak with a smiling face.
When you hear pleasant or unpleasant words, understand them to be an empty resounding, like an echo. When you encounter severe misfortune and misery, understand it to be a temporary occurrence, a deluded experience. Recognize that the innate nature is never apart from you... (p. 29)
When you hear pleasant or unpleasant words, understand them to be an empty resounding, like an echo. When you encounter severe misfonune and misery, understand it to be a temporary occurrence, a deluded experience. Recognize that the innate nature is never apart from you.
It is entirely possible that you will feel attachment to or aversion for certain sense objects. Give that up. When you feel attachment towards something attractive or aversion towards something repulsive, understand that to be your mind's delusion, nothing but a magical illusion.
Do like this if you want to practice the true Dharma! Keep your master's oral instructions in mind. Don't conceptualize your experience, as it just makes you attached or angry. Day and night, look into your mind. If your stream of mind contains any nonvirtue, renounce it from the core of your heart and pursue virtue. (p. 29)
„The Great Perfection I learned from my naturally aware mind.I have realized that all phenomena are like dreams, like magic.