Nyingma Tradition Guides

Sometimes the Only Thing to Do is Pray: An Excerpt from A Dakini’s Counsel

Sometimes the Only Thing to Do is Pray: An Excerpt from A Dakini’s Counsel

Sometimes The Only Thing to Do is Pray A Selection from Chapter 1 Excerpted from A Dakini's Counsel: Sera Khandro's Spiritual Advice and Dzogchen Instructions By Sera Khandro Translated by Christina Monson About This Title Sera Khandro Dewai Dorje was a modern Tibetan Buddhist teacher who single-pointedly pursued a life of Dharma while balancing family life and public [...]
Continue Reading >>
Heart Advice: Pronouncements Before Passing

Heart Advice: Pronouncements Before Passing

Heart Advice: Pronouncements Before Passing A Selection from Chapter 8 Excerpted from A Dakini's Counsel: Sera Khandro's Spiritual Advice and Dzogchen Instructions By Sera Khandro Translated by Christina Monson About This Title Sera Khandro Dewai Dorje was a modern Tibetan Buddhist teacher who single-pointedly pursued a life of Dharma while balancing family life and public teaching. This collection [...]
Continue Reading >>
Remembering Tulku Thondup Rinpoche

Remembering Tulku Thondup Rinpoche

Remembering Tulku Thondup Rinpoche (1939-2023) It is with the most profound sadness that we share that Tulku Thondup Rinpoche, one of the great lamas of our time, passed away on December 29th, 2023. This is also the anniversary of Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche with whom he had a profound connection. We are bereft.  Tulku Rinpoche was [...]
Continue Reading >>

Tibetan Buddhist Books in 2023: A Review

Tibetan Buddhism in 2023 Read More We published many books of interest from the Vajrayana traditions of Tibet, Bhutan, and the Indian Himalayas See our other Year in Review Guides: Zen and Chan | Tibetan Buddhism | More in Buddhism Yoga | Kids Books Buy 2 books for 20% off, 3 books for 30% off, [...]
Continue Reading >>
The Passing of Christina Monson

The Passing of Christina Monson

The Passing of Christina Monson Christina's Masterpiece Available May, 2024 Paperback | Ebook  $26.95 - Paperback Add to Cart We are deeply saddened  to share the news that Christina Monson—teacher, translator, and disciple of Chatral Rinpoche among others—passed away November 19, 2023. Christina's book,  A Dakini's Counsel: Sera Khandro's Spiritual Advice and Dzogchen Instructions will [...]
Continue Reading >>
Tibetan Masters of the 10th-11th Centuries

Tibetan Masters of the 10th-11th Centuries

Masters of the 10th-11th Centuries Learn More Reader Guides to some of the 10th & 11th century masters of Tibet See Also:  Profiles of early Indian Mahayana figures | Tibetan Masters of the 8th Century | Tibetan Masters of the 10th-11th Centuries Tibetan Masters of the 10th-11th Centuries During this period, there was an influx [...]
Continue Reading >>
Tibetan Masters of the 8th Century

Tibetan Masters of the 8th Century

Masters of the 8th Century Learn More Reader Guides to some of the 8th century masters of Tibet See Also:  Profiles of early Indian Mahayana figures | Tibetan Masters of the 8th Century | Tibetan Masters of the 10th-11th Centuries Tibetan Masters of the Eighth Century The eighth century was an incredible flouring of the [...]
Continue Reading >>
Rongzom Mahapandita: A Guide for Readers to Rongzompa

Rongzom Mahapandita: A Guide for Readers to Rongzompa

Rongzom Mahapandita Learn More A Reader's Guide to the 11th century pillar of the Nyingma tradition, Rongzom Chokyi Zangpo Rongzom Mahapandita: A Guide for Readers to the Great Rongzompa Related Reader Guides: Profiles of early Indian Mahayana figures | Tibetan Masters of the 8th Century | Tibetan Masters of the 10th-11th Centuries Nyingma |  Dudjom Tersar | Longchen Nyingtig [...]
Continue Reading >>
The Guhyagarbha Tantra: A Reader’s Guide to the Glorious Secret Essence

The Guhyagarbha Tantra: A Reader’s Guide to the Glorious Secret Essence

The Guhyagarbha Tantra Learn More A guide to the King of Tantras of the Nyingma Tradition Image from the cover of The Life and Visions of Yeshe Tsogyal See Also:  Dudjom Tersar | Longchen Nyingtig | Namcho & Palyul ___________________ Guru Rinpoche | Mandarava | Rongzompa | Longchenpa | Jigme Lingpa | Patrul Rinpoche | Sera [...]
Continue Reading >>
Yeshe Tsogyal: A Guide for Readers to the Dakini Princess

Yeshe Tsogyal: A Guide for Readers to the Dakini Princess

Yeshe Tsogyal Learn More Kharchen Yeshe Tsogyal was a princess and queen of King Tritson Detsen until she became a disciple of Guru Rinpoche and achieved complete freedom Image from the cover of The Life and Visions of Yeshe Tsogyal See Also:  Dudjom Tersar | Longchen Nyingtig | Namcho & Palyul ___________________ Guru Rinpoche | [...]
Continue Reading >>
Padmasambhava: A Reader’s Guide to Guru Rinpoche

Padmasambhava: A Reader’s Guide to Guru Rinpoche

Guru Rinpoche Learn More Guru Rinpoche Pamasambhava is one of the most important figures in Tibetan Buddhism, and is absolutely central in the practice of the Nyingma Tradition in particular. Some Nyingma Lineages: Dudjom Tersar | Longchen Nyingtig | Namcho & Palyul Guides to Other Important Nyingma Figures: Rongzompa | Longchenpa | Jigme Lingpa | Patrul [...]
Continue Reading >>
Rabjam Rinpoche in US September and October 2023: A Reader’s Guide

Rabjam Rinpoche in US September and October 2023: A Reader’s Guide

Rabjam Rinpoche in US September - October 2023 Rabjam Rinpoche will be offering teachings and empowerments in New York, Montana, and Colorado in September and October 2023. Below you will find reading recommendations to complement these special teachings and empowerments. New York September 30-October 4 Montana October 6-11 Colorado October 13-15, Lojong Teachings October 19: [...]
Continue Reading >>
Chöd: A Guide for Readers

Chöd: A Guide for Readers

Chöd: A Guide for Readers Machig Labdron, The Tibetan Yogini, 19th century Chöd, often pronounced "chö," is a meditative practice found in both the Buddhist and Bön traditions of Tibet. Chöd, translated literally as "cutting through," incorporates chanting, music, and visualization aimed as cutting through hindrances and obscurations that cloud ultimate wisdom and understanding of [...]
Continue Reading >>
Remembering Rigdzin Shikpo

Remembering Rigdzin Shikpo

Remembering Rigdzin Shikpo We are sad to share the news that Rigdzin Shikpo (Michael Hookham) passed away on April 28th, 2023. A short bio of him is included in Recalling Chögyam Trungpa: "Rigdzin Shikpo, a qualified master of the Nyingma tradition, has studied and practiced Buddhism for over fifty years. Before meeting his main teacher, [...]
Continue Reading >>
Tara the Liberator: A Guide for Readers

Tara the Liberator: A Guide for Readers

Tara the Liberator: A Guide for Readers Ārya Tārā (Sanskrit), also known as Jetsun Drölma in Tibetan, or simply "Tārā" is a meditation deity and an important figure in Buddhist thought, history, and practice. While often described as a goddess or protectress, she is considered a liberator for her ability to remove obstacles, especially fear [...]
Continue Reading >>
Gyatrul Rinpoche: A Guide for Readers

Gyatrul Rinpoche: A Guide for Readers

Related Reader's Guides See Also: Dudjom Tersar Home Page | Rebirths of the Dudjom Lineage | The Nyingma School | Longchen Nyingtik | Namcho & Palyul | Associated Reader Guides: | Jigme Lingpa | Longchenpa | Mipham Rinpoche | Patrul Rinpoche | Shechen Gyaltsap  Gyatrul Rinpoche Gyatrul Rinpoche from the cover of Meditation, Transformation, and Dream [...]
Continue Reading >>
Tibetan Buddhist Books in 2022: A Review

Tibetan Buddhist Books in 2022: A Review

Tibetan Buddhism in 2022 Read More We published many books of interest from the Vajrayana traditions of Tibet, Bhutan, and the Indian Himalayas See our other Year in Review Guides: Theravada/Pali/Insight | Zen and Chan | Tibetan Buddhism Yoga | Personal Development | Kids Books Receive a 30% discount on these titles through January 2nd [...]
Continue Reading >>
Thinley Norbu Rinpoche: A Guide for Readers

Thinley Norbu Rinpoche: A Guide for Readers

The Small Golden Key: To the Treasure of the Various Essential Necessities of General and Extraordinary Buddhist Dharma On this short book, Rinpoche wrote, “The Small Golden Key , which I wrote in Honolulu, is predominantly very compact. In it, I hastily synthesized the essence of different Dharma ideas according to the three yanas.” Here Rinpoche […]

Continue Reading >>
The Rebirths of the Dudjom Lineage

The Rebirths of the Dudjom Lineage

Rebirths of the Dudjom Lineage Learn More A visual guide to the primary rebirths of the Dudjom lineage as described in Thinley Norbu Rinpoche's The Ruby Rosary. The Dudjom lineage is one of the most important in the Nyingma tradition.  A famous prayer written by Dudjom Rinpoche, Jigdral Yeshe Dorje, is called the Pearl Necklace [...]
Continue Reading >>
Except from A Brief Biography of Dilgo Khyetnse Rinpoche by Tulku Thondup

Except from A Brief Biography of Dilgo Khyetnse Rinpoche by Tulku Thondup

The following except by Tulku Thondup can be found in Volume 2 of The Collected Works of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. The Collected Works of Dilgo Khyentse, Volume Two$65.00 - HardcoverBy: Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche Add to Cart A   B R I E F   B I O G R A P H Y    O F DILGO    K [...]
Continue Reading >>
The Books of the Complete Nyingma Tradition

The Books of the Complete Nyingma Tradition

The Complete Nyingma Tradition Learn More In 1838, Choying Tobden Dorje, a Buddhist yogi-scholar of eastern Tibet, completed a multivolume masterwork that traces the entire path of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism from beginning to end. Explore the Complete Nyingma Tradition Home Page of The Complete Nyingma Tradition >The Books of The Complete Nyingma [...]
Continue Reading >>
Praise for the Complete Nyingma Tradition

Praise for the Complete Nyingma Tradition

The Complete Nyingma Tradition Learn More In 1838, Choying Tobden Dorje, a Buddhist yogi-scholar of eastern Tibet, completed a multivolume masterwork that traces the entire path of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism from beginning to end. Explore the Complete Nyingma Tradition Home Page of The Complete Nyingma Tradition The Books of The Complete Nyingma [...]
Continue Reading >>
Alak Zenkar Rinpoche on Lama Tharchin Rinpoche

Alak Zenkar Rinpoche on Lama Tharchin Rinpoche

The Complete Nyingma Tradition Learn More In 1838, Choying Tobden Dorje, a Buddhist yogi-scholar of eastern Tibet, completed a multivolume masterwork that traces the entire path of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism from beginning to end. Explore The Complete Nyingma Tradition Home Page of The Complete Nyingma Tradition The Books of The Complete Nyingma [...]
Continue Reading >>
The Complete Nyingma Tradition: A Resource Guide

The Complete Nyingma Tradition: A Resource Guide

The Complete Nyingma Tradition Learn More In 1838, Choying Tobden Dorje, a Buddhist yogi-scholar of eastern Tibet, completed a multivolume masterwork that traces the entire path of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism from beginning to end. Explore the Complete Nyingma Tradition >Home Page of The Complete Nyingma Tradition The Books of The Complete Nyingma [...]
Continue Reading >>
Dudjom Yangsi – Sangye Pema Shepa (1990-2022)

Dudjom Yangsi – Sangye Pema Shepa (1990-2022)

Se Also: The Dudjom Tersar Tradition | A Readers Guide to Dudjom Rinpoche, Jigdral Yeshe Dorje It is with unbearable sadness that we learned yesterday of the devastating news that His Holiness Dudjom Yangsi, Sangye Pema Shepa passed away at the age of 32 on February 13th of 14th*, 2022.  This is a devastating loss [...]
Continue Reading >>
The Great Fourth Dodrubchen Rinpoche

The Great Fourth Dodrubchen Rinpoche

Kyabje Thupten Thrinle Palzang, the fourth Dodrubchen (Dodrupchen) Rinpoche passed away on January 25, 2022.  An incalculable loss for the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and for several of us here at Shambhala Publications who knew and loved Rinpoche. The fourth in a succession of masters whose name means "great siddha from the region of [...]
Continue Reading >>
Tulku Thondup: A Guide For Readers

Tulku Thondup: A Guide For Readers

Some Nyingma Lineages: Dudjom Tersar | Longchen Nyingtig | Namcho & Palyul Other Contemporary Nyingma Figures: Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche | Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse | Thinley Norbu | Phakchok Rinpoche | Khandro Rinpoche Tulku Thondup: A Guide to His Works Read our remembrance to Tulku Thondup Rinpoche who passed away on December 29, 2023. Tulku Thondup Rinpoche [...]
Continue Reading >>
Tibetan Buddhist Books in 2021: A Review

Tibetan Buddhist Books in 2021: A Review

Tibetan Buddhism in 2021 Read More We published many books of interest from the Vajrayana traditions of Tibet, Bhutan, and the Indian Himalayas See our other Year in Review Guides: Theravada/Pali/Insight | Chan, Zen, Mahayana | Tibetan Buddhism Receive a 30% discount on these titles through January 2nd using code 2021YE at checkout We are [...]
Continue Reading >>
Longchenpa: A Guide for Readers

Longchenpa: A Guide for Readers

Longchenpa A Guide to His Works Quite possibly the most revered and prolific Nyingma master of all time, Longchenpa was an extraordinary practitioner, scholar, and poet. Known for writing some of the greatest works on Dzogchen, The Great Perfection, today's Nyingma teachers continue to draw from his seemingly infinite well-spring of beautifully composed and profoundly [...]
Continue Reading >>
Shechen Gyaltsap: A Guide for Readers

Shechen Gyaltsap: A Guide for Readers

Shechen Gyaltsap See Our Reader's Guide Shechen Gyaltsap (1871-1926) was the disciple and heart-son of Mipham Rinpoche, one of the most prominent Nyingma scholars of the late 19th and early 20th century See Also: The Nyingma School | Longchen Nyingtik | Namcho & Palyul | Dudjom Tersar Associated Reader Guides: Dudjom Rinpoche | Jigme Lingpa [...]
Continue Reading >>
Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche: A Guide for Readers

Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche: A Guide for Readers

About Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche Dzigar Kongtrul was born in the Northern Indian province of Himachal to his parents Neten Chokling Rinpoche and Mayum Tsewang Palden. During his monastic education, he was trained in the Nyingma school's Longchen Nyingtik lineage under his root guru, the renowned Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. Additionally, he studied extensively under Tulku Urgyen [...]
Continue Reading >>
Nagarjuna: A Reader’s Guide

Nagarjuna: A Reader’s Guide

Straight from the Heart: Buddhist Piith Instructions Translated and introduced by Karl Brunnholzl Three other praises of Nagarjuna’s are included in the collection Straight from the Heart, also translated and introduced by Karl Brunnhölzl</a>. Interestingly, in these praises, Nagarjuna often refers to buddhahood in positive terms, in contrast to much of his other work, which […]

Continue Reading >>
Heart Advice to Tibetans

Heart Advice to Tibetans

Preserving Tibetan Culture and Cultivating a Good Heart An excerpt from Voices from Larung Gar. Introduction by Holly Gayley In his seminal work of advice, Heart Advice to Tibetans for the Twenty-First Century (composed in 1995), the renowned Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok articulates a path forward for Tibetans as a nationality. His vision of progress entails [...]
Continue Reading >>
The Treasury of Precious Instructions Video Series

The Treasury of Precious Instructions Video Series

The Treasury of Precious Instructions Learn More The eighteen volumes of the Treasury of Precious Instructions or Dam-ngak Rinpoché Dzö by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye, one of Tibet’s greatest Buddhist masters, is a shining jewel of Tibetan literature Palpung Monastery, Tibet Explore the Treasury of Precious Instructions Page Navigation Menu Home Page of the Treasury [...]
Continue Reading >>
The Books of the Treasury of Precious Instructions

The Books of the Treasury of Precious Instructions

The Treasury of Precious Instructions Learn More The eighteen volumes of the Treasury of Precious Instructions or Dam-ngak Rinpoché Dzö by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye, one of Tibet’s greatest Buddhist masters, is a shining jewel of Tibetan literature Palpung Monastery, Tibet Explore the Treasury of Precious Instructions Page Navigation Menu Home Page of the Treasury [...]
Continue Reading >>
Matthew Kapstein on Dam Ngak (special instruction) based on the Treasury of Precious Instructions

Matthew Kapstein on Dam Ngak (special instruction) based on the Treasury of Precious Instructions

The Treasury of Precious Instructions Learn More The eighteen volumes of the Treasury of Precious Instructions or Dam-ngak Rinpoché Dzö by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye, one of Tibet’s greatest Buddhist masters, is a shining jewel of Tibetan literature Palpung Monastery, Tibet Explore the Treasury of Precious Instructions Home Page of the Treasury History of the [...]
Continue Reading >>
A Guide to the Treasury of Precious Instructions

A Guide to the Treasury of Precious Instructions

The Treasury of Precious Instructions Guide for Readers This guide to exploring The Treasury of Precious Instructions includes selections from the text, words of advice and praises from distinguished Tibetan teachers, audio and video series from the translators, and helpful resources. Use the navigation menu below to explore each page and discover this truly remarkable [...]
Continue Reading >>
Elio Guarisco (1954-2020)

Elio Guarisco (1954-2020)

We are very sad to share the news that we have lost an important translator Elio Guarisco, who passed away from covid on November 27, 2020. Elio was born in Como, Italy in 1954. In the early 1970s he met and studied with major exponents of the Theravada tradition in India. He then studied Buddhist [...]
Continue Reading >>
Precious Human Birth

Precious Human Birth

To Listen, Contemplate, and Meditate Is the Practice of a Bodhisattva Excerpt from A Guide to the Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva Now we have this great vessel of freedoms and resources, so      difficult to obtain. So that we may liberate ourselves and others from the ocean      of samsara, Day and [...]
Continue Reading >>
Steven D. Goodman

Steven D. Goodman

We learned yesterday, August 3rd, 2020, that our author and friend Steven Goodman passed away after a long illness. I first met Steven in the 1990s when Kyabje Thinley Norbu Rinpoche introduced us and said to me, "Steven is not an ordinary scholar, he is very special" and went on to extoll his genuine connection [...]
Continue Reading >>
Chanting the Names of Manjushri: A Reader’s Guide

Chanting the Names of Manjushri: A Reader’s Guide

The Litany of the Names of Manjushri or Chanting the Names of Manjusri (’jam dpal mtshan brjod; Skt. Manjushrinamasamghiti) and also referred to as The King of All Tantras and Net of Magical Manifestation of Manjushri, is an extremely important tantric text, relied on by all the schools of Tibetan Buddhism. In particular it is [...]
Continue Reading >>
Blessing Bhutan: A Recollection of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche by Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother of Bhutan

Blessing Bhutan: A Recollection of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche by Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother of Bhutan

The following is an excerpt from Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother of Bhutan's to Brilliant Moon: The Autobiography of Dilgo Khyentse. Queen Mother [now Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother] Kesang Chödrön Wangchuk is the wife of the previous king of Bhutan and the mother of the present [now retired Fourth] King Jigmey Senge Wangchuk. She [...]
Continue Reading >>
An Explanation of Om Mani Padme Hung

An Explanation of Om Mani Padme Hung

Om Mani Padme Hung: An Explanation of the Six-Syllable Mantra The following is an excerpt from  The Small Golden Key by Kyabje Thinley Norbu Rinpoche More on Thinley Norbu can be found at Kunzangatshal.org and Lotsawa House The Small Golden Key$19.95 - PaperbackBy: Thinley Norbu Add to Cart OM closes the door to the suffering of [...]
Continue Reading >>
The Life of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo

The Life of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo

The Life of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo: An excerpt from Tulku Thondup Rinpoche's Masters of Meditation and Miracles According to Nyingma tradition, Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo is the body incarnation of Jigme Lingpa. 259 He became one of the greatest masters, in whom the lineages of all of Tibetan Buddhism find their confluence. He became a prominent [...]
Continue Reading >>
Shambhala Publications and the Global Health Crisis

Shambhala Publications and the Global Health Crisis

We know your lives have been profoundly changed by the impact of the ongoing global health crisis. We know you are concerned for yourselves, for your loved ones, for your communities. We know so many people are suffering right now, and are afraid. And we want to help. We want you to know that though we [...]
Continue Reading >>
The Passing of Translator and Scholar Gyurme Dorje

The Passing of Translator and Scholar Gyurme Dorje

I am sad to share the news that Gyurme Dorje, one of the giants of Tibetan translation and practice passed away on February 5th, 2020, the anniversary of the passing of his teacher, Kangyur Rinpoche. Gyurme spent a decade in Asia and sat at the feet at many of the greatest masters of our day: [...]
Continue Reading >>
On Cynicism and Doubt in the Tibetan Tradition

On Cynicism and Doubt in the Tibetan Tradition

The paragraphs below come from the foreword of Mipham Rinpoche's White Lotus: An Explanation of the Seven-Line Prayer to Guru Padmasambhava.  These words were penned by Wulstan Fletcher of the Padmakara Translation Group and we suspect many will resonate with his articulate and constructive advice on how to deal with our own tendencies to be cynical, reinterpret, [...]
Continue Reading >>
The Teachers of Pema Chodron: A Reader’s Guide

The Teachers of Pema Chodron: A Reader’s Guide

Pema Chödrön refers to many of her teachers and friends in her latest book Welcoming the Unwelcome. For fans of Ani Pema who might be less familiar with some of these figures but want to hear more from her main inspirations, teachers, and role models, this is for you! For those who listened to the [...]
Continue Reading >>
Lama Tharchin on Dudjom Rinpoche from Wisdom Nectar

Lama Tharchin on Dudjom Rinpoche from Wisdom Nectar

Lama Tharchin Rinpoche's foreword to Wisdom Nectar Lord of one hundred families of enlightenment, illustrious holy spiritual master, at your feet I bow! All past, present, and future victors who live in the ten directions converge in the same glorious form: the great master from Oddiyana, Lotus-Born. With his vajra command, he enthroned, empowered, and [...]
Continue Reading >>
Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche Reader’s Guide

Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche Reader’s Guide

Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche: A Guide for Readers Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche (1933 – June 4, 2023) was an eminent teacher of the Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. He was appointed by the Dalai Lama to be the personal tutor for His Holiness the Seventeenth Karmapa and has authored many books, including Tilopa’s Wisdom, Naropa’s Wisdom, The Mahamudra Lineage [...]
Continue Reading >>
Pith Instructions by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
Jigme Lingpa: A Guide to His Works

Jigme Lingpa: A Guide to His Works

Jigme Lingpa A Guide to His Works Learn More A guide to the works available in English from Jigme Lingpa, the founder of the Longchen Nyintik tradition and a central figure in the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. See Also: Some Nyingma Lineages: Dudjom Tersar | Longchen Nyingtig | Namcho & Palyul Guides to Other [...]
Continue Reading >>
The State of Buddhist Publishing

The State of Buddhist Publishing

[Note: This article on Buddhist publishing was originally written by Nikko Odiseos, president of Shambhala Publications for the blog Vajrayanaworld.com as requested by Lama Dechen Yeshe Wangmo.  As the blog is no longer, we are hosting it here with a few small updates.]  My longtime friend Lama Wangmo asked if I would pen a few [...]
Continue Reading >>
The Six Paramitas: A Reader’s Guide

The Six Paramitas: A Reader’s Guide

The Six Paramitas Learn More The Six Paramitas, or "Perfections," are a fundamental set of teachings for Mahayahana Buddhism Statue of Bodhisattva Guan Yin (Avalokiteshvara) The six paramitas, or transcendent perfections, are an essential concept in the practice of Mahayana Buddhism. They are so fundamental in fact that the “Vehicle of the Perfections” is a [...]
Continue Reading >>
Khandro Tsering Chödrön: A Reader’s Guide

Khandro Tsering Chödrön: A Reader’s Guide

Khandro Tsering Chödrön, from The Life and Times of Jamyang Chokyi Lodro One of the most remarkable Buddhist women of the 20th century surely was Khandro Tsering Chödrön. Born in 1925, she became the spiritual consort of Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö, one of the most important teachers of the 20th century. As Tulku Thondup, who [...]
Continue Reading >>
The Role of the Teacher in Tibetan Buddhism: A Reader’s Guide to the Teacher-Student Relationship

The Role of the Teacher in Tibetan Buddhism: A Reader’s Guide to the Teacher-Student Relationship

The Teacher-Student Relationship Learn More To truly understand Tibetan Buddhism, one must come to grips with the unique role of the teacher, the dynamics of the teacher-student relationship, and the possibilities that having a teacher can open up. To truly understand Tibetan Buddhism, one must come to grips with the unique role of the teacher, [...]
Continue Reading >>
Milarepa: A Reader’s Guide to Tibet’s Great Yogi

Milarepa: A Reader’s Guide to Tibet’s Great Yogi

Milarepa: A Reader's Guide Learn More There are few figures more beloved in the Buddhist Himalayas than the 11th century yogi-hero Milarepa. Namkading Cave area where Milarepa spent many years in retreat Related Reader Guides: Profiles of early Indian Mahayana figures | Tibetan Masters of the 8th Century | Tibetan Masters of the 10th-11th Centuries The Kagyu Tradition | [...]
Continue Reading >>
Sera Khandro: A Reader’s Guide

Sera Khandro: A Reader’s Guide

A Guide to Sera Khandro Learn More Sera Khandro (1892 - 1940), also known as Kunzang Dekyong Wagmo, was one of the great masters of the early 20th century and the English speaking world is fortunate now that both her story and her writings have been emerging more and more. Explore Nyingma Lineages: Dudjom Tersar [...]
Continue Reading >>
Dudjom Rinpoche’s Interview about Guru Padmasambhava

Dudjom Rinpoche’s Interview about Guru Padmasambhava

The following article appeared in Volume 5 (Winter, 1976) of the Shambhala Review of Books and Ideas, a magazine that was part of Shambhala Publications (unaffiliated with Shambhala International or the Shambhala Sun), a magazine that ran a few issues in the mid 1970's. This interview with Dudjom Rinpoche was conducted by Shambhala Publications' staff with [...]
Continue Reading >>
A Biography of Khenpo Ngawang Pelzang (Khenpo Ngaga)

A Biography of Khenpo Ngawang Pelzang (Khenpo Ngaga)

A Short Biography of Kathog Khenpo Ngawang Pelzang, also known as Khenpo Ngaga and Khenpo Ngakchung (1879–1941) Excerpted from The Guide to the Words of My Perfect Teacher Khenpo Ngawang Pelzang, also known as Osel Rinchen Nyingpo Pema Lendrel Tsel and popularly called Khenpo Ngakchung or Ngaga, is a re­markable example of a particular kind [...]
Continue Reading >>
The Seven Line Prayer of Guru Rinpoche: A Reader’s Guide

The Seven Line Prayer of Guru Rinpoche: A Reader’s Guide

The Seven-Line prayer to Guru Rinpoche, Padmasambhava, is one of the most ubiquitous and important prayers, performed across lineages and in particular the Nyingma tradition who commence nearly every practice with it.  What follows is a brief introduction and Reader’s Guide to this short but extremely profound verse. The Padmakra Translation Group has provided some [...]
Continue Reading >>
A Readers Guide to the Sakya Master Chogyal Phagpa

A Readers Guide to the Sakya Master Chogyal Phagpa

Related Reader's Guides Guide to the Sakya Tradition Guides to Other Important Sakya Figures: Sakya Pandita | Sakyasribhadra Drogön Chögyal Phagpa Lodrö Gyaltsten (1235-1280) Drogon Chogyal Phagpa Lodro Gyaltsen (1235-1280), better known to the world as Chögyal Phagpa (or Phakpa) is one of the five great founding masters from the Sakya tradition in Tibet. In [...]
Continue Reading >>
The Emphasis of the Gelug Tradition in Western Scholarship on Madhyamaka

The Emphasis of the Gelug Tradition in Western Scholarship on Madhyamaka

While its no longer true in many universities, the presentation of Tibetan Buddhism in western academia—and the books that came out of it—was heavily skewed towards the Gelug philosophical view and its traditions. There are various reasons for this, but the following from the Translator's Introduction of the Padmakara Translation Group's The Wisdom Chapter: Jamgön [...]
Continue Reading >>
The Nyingma Summer Seminar: Reflections on a Buddhist Retreat

The Nyingma Summer Seminar: Reflections on a Buddhist Retreat

By Sanje Phillips This July, I attended the Nyingma Summer Seminar at the Mangala Shri Bhuti retreat land in Ward, Colorado, with Dzigar Kongtrül Rinpoche, Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel (wife), and Dungse Jampal Norbu (son). Over one hundred attendees with varied demographics sat daily meditation sessions, participated in the teachings, endured periods of silence and the usual [...]
Continue Reading >>
Reflections on Secular Buddhism: An Excerpt from Thinley Norbu

Reflections on Secular Buddhism: An Excerpt from Thinley Norbu

Secular Buddhism is for many an oxymoron.  Here, the incomparable teacher Thinley Norbu Rinpoche shares some words on the subject. "There have also been lectures available on the Internet about "the secular Buddha." This kind of negative characterization cannot be given for the origin of all positive qualities. Buddha is ceaseless, everywhere and in every [...]
Continue Reading >>
Padmakara Translation Group Receives the 2017 Shantarakshita Award

Padmakara Translation Group Receives the 2017 Shantarakshita Award

Wulstan and Helena at the Asura Cave in Nepal At the June, 2017 Tsadra Translation and Transmission conference which Shambhala Publications was a sponsor of, we were delighted that Wulstan Fletcher and Helena Blankleder were honored with the Shantarakshita award for excellence in translation. Wulstan receiving the award from the Tsadra Foundation's Eric Colombel To [...]
Continue Reading >>
Jamgön Kongtrul Reader’s Guide

Jamgön Kongtrul Reader’s Guide

Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye A Guide for Readers Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye (1813–1900) was a versatile and prolific scholar and one of the most outstanding writers and teachers of his time in Tibet. He was a pivotal figure in eastern Tibet’s nonsectarian movement and made major contributions to education, politics, and medicine. Jump to: Books [...]
Continue Reading >>
The Thirteen Core Indian Buddhist Texts: A Reader’s Guide

The Thirteen Core Indian Buddhist Texts: A Reader’s Guide

Khenpo Shenga (1871–1927) There are thirteen classics of Indian Mahayana philosophy, still used in Tibetan centers of education throughout Asia and beyond, particularly the Nyngma tradition, with overlap with the others.  They cover the subjects of vinaya, abhidharma, Yogacara, Madhyamika, and the path of the Bodhisattva.  They are some of the most frequently quoted texts [...]
Continue Reading >>
Kalachakra Tantra Reader’s Guide

Kalachakra Tantra Reader’s Guide

What Is Kalachakra Tantra? The Kalachakra, or “Wheel of Time,” tantra and cycles of teachings and practices are, on the surface, well known among practitioners and those interested in Tibetan Buddhism. Yet it is considered one of the highest teachings of tantra—a highly complex one where initiates take many years accomplishing the practice. The visualization for an [...]
Continue Reading >>
Mandarava Reader’s Guide

Mandarava Reader’s Guide

Mandarava Learn More A Reader's Guide to one of Guru Rinpoche's main disciples See Also:  Profiles of early Indian Mahayana figures | Tibetan Masters of the 8th Century | Tibetan Masters of the 10th-11th Centuries Guru Rinpoche | Yeshe Tsogyal | Mandarava| Kawa Peltsek | More of Guru Rinpoche's 25 Disciples This series of blog [...]
Continue Reading >>

My Reincarnation, featuring Chogyal Namkhai Norbu

We're proud to share about My Reincarnation, a documentary featuring Snow Lion author Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. It is available online. Visit his author page to view the full selection. This offer is valid through the end of June. The trailer is available here. Watch My Reincarnation - Trailer on PBS. See more from POV.   Synopsis [...]
Continue Reading >>
Kharchen Pelgyi Wangchuk

Kharchen Pelgyi Wangchuk

Kharchen Pelgyi Wangchuk Learn More A Reader's Guide to one of Guru Rinpoche's main disciples See Also:  Profiles of early Indian Mahayana figures | Tibetan Masters of the 8th Century | Tibetan Masters of the 10th-11th Centuries Guru Rinpoche | Yeshe Tsogyal | Mandarava| Kawa Peltsek | More of Guru Rinpoche's 25 Disciples The biography [...]
Continue Reading >>
Langdro Konchok Jungne Reader’s Guide

Langdro Konchok Jungne Reader’s Guide

Langdro Konchok Jungne Learn More A Reader's Guide to one of Guru Rinpoche's 25 disciples See Also:  Profiles of early Indian Mahayana figures | Tibetan Masters of the 8th Century | Tibetan Masters of the 10th-11th Centuries Guru Rinpoche | Yeshe Tsogyal | Mandarava| Kawa Peltsek | More of Guru Rinpoche's 25 Disciples Langdro Konchok [...]
Continue Reading >>
Sokpo Pelgyi Yeshe

Sokpo Pelgyi Yeshe

Sokpo Pelgyi Yeshe Learn More A Reader's Guide to one of Guru Rinpoche's main disciples See Also:  Profiles of early Indian Mahayana figures | Tibetan Masters of the 8th Century | Tibetan Masters of the 10th-11th Centuries Guru Rinpoche | Yeshe Tsogyal | Mandarava| Kawa Peltsek | More of Guru Rinpoche's 25 Disciples Sokpo Pelgyi [...]
Continue Reading >>
Nyak Jñānakumara Reader’s Guide

Nyak Jñānakumara Reader’s Guide

This series of blog posts are meant to be resources guides to complement the biographies of the great masters and scholars on the Treasury of Lives site. Nyak Jñānakumara, also known as Yeshe Zhonnu was ordained by Santarakshita and was a student of Guru Rinpoche, Vairotsana, and Yudra Nyingpo but is better known for his [...]
Continue Reading >>
Denma Tsemang the Translator and Calligrapher

Denma Tsemang the Translator and Calligrapher

Denma Tsemang Learn More A Reader's Guide to one of Guru Rinpoche's main disciples See Also:  Profiles of early Indian Mahayana figures | Tibetan Masters of the 8th Century | Tibetan Masters of the 10th-11th Centuries Guru Rinpoche | Yeshe Tsogyal | Mandarava| Kawa Peltsek | More of Guru Rinpoche's 25 Disciples Denma Tsemang: A [...]
Continue Reading >>
Kawa Peltsek – The Fully Accomplished Translator of Shantideva

Kawa Peltsek – The Fully Accomplished Translator of Shantideva

Kawa Peltsek Learn More A Reader's Guide to one of Guru Rinpoche's 25 disciples See Also:  Profiles of early Indian Mahayana figures | Tibetan Masters of the 8th Century | Tibetan Masters of the 10th-11th Centuries Guru Rinpoche | Yeshe Tsogyal | Mandarava| Kawa Peltsek | More of Guru Rinpoche's 25 Disciples Kawa Peltsek was [...]
Continue Reading >>
Odren Pelgyi Wangchuk Reader’s Guide

Odren Pelgyi Wangchuk Reader’s Guide

Odren Pelgyi Wangchuk Learn More A Reader's Guide to one of Guru Rinpoche's 25 disciples See Also:  Profiles of early Indian Mahayana figures | Tibetan Masters of the 8th Century | Tibetan Masters of the 10th-11th Centuries Guru Rinpoche | Yeshe Tsogyal | Mandarava| Kawa Peltsek | More of Guru Rinpoche's 25 Disciples Image courtesy [...]
Continue Reading >>
Nanam Dorje Dudjom

Nanam Dorje Dudjom

Nanam Dorje Dudjom Learn More A Reader's Guide to one of Guru Rinpoche's main disciples See Also:  Profiles of early Indian Mahayana figures | Tibetan Masters of the 8th Century | Tibetan Masters of the 10th-11th Centuries Guru Rinpoche | Yeshe Tsogyal | Mandarava| Kawa Peltsek | More of Guru Rinpoche's 25 Disciples Nanam Dudjom [...]
Continue Reading >>
Lang Pelgyi Senge Reader’s Guide

Lang Pelgyi Senge Reader’s Guide

Lang Pelgyi Senge Learn More A Reader's Guide to one of Guru Rinpoche's main disciples See Also:  Profiles of early Indian Mahayana figures | Tibetan Masters of the 8th Century | Tibetan Masters of the 10th-11th Centuries Guru Rinpoche | Yeshe Tsogyal | Mandarava| Kawa Peltsek | More of Guru Rinpoche's 25 Disciples Lang Pelgyi [...]
Continue Reading >>
Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche: A Reader’s Guide

Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche: A Reader’s Guide

Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche A Guide to His Works Learn More Denkok Valley, birthplace of Khyentse Rinpoche. Photo my M. Ricard. Explore Nyingma Lineages: Dudjom Tersar | Longchen Nyingtig | Namcho & Palyul Guides to Important Nyingma Figures: Rongzompa | Longchenpa | Jigme Lingpa | Patrul Rinpoche | Sera Khandro | Mipham Rinpoche | Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche [...]
Continue Reading >>
Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche: A Reader’s Guide

Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche: A Reader’s Guide

Mipham Rinpoche A Guide to His Works Related Topics Nyingma Lineages: Dudjom Tersar | Longchen Nyingtig | Namcho & Palyul Nyingma Masters: Rongzompa | Longchenpa | Jigme Lingpa | Patrul Rinpoche | Mipham Rinpoche Jamgön Mipham Rinpoche (1846-1912) Mipham Rinpoche is a celebrated Nyingma scholar and practitioner. He is revered for being a prolific writer and [...]
Continue Reading >>
Heidi Koppl on the Importance of Rongzom Mahapandita

Heidi Koppl on the Importance of Rongzom Mahapandita

We interviewed Heidi Koppl, author and translator of Establishing Appearances as Divine, about the importance of the great Nyingma scholar Rongzom Chökyi Zangpo's writings and the inspiration behind her work. Shambhala Publications: What inspired you to take on this text? Heidi Koppl: While I was living at my teacher Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche's monastery in the [...]
Continue Reading >>
Lama Sonam Tsering on The Complete Nyingma Tradition

Lama Sonam Tsering on The Complete Nyingma Tradition

The Complete Nyingma Tradition Learn More In 1838, Choying Tobden Dorje, a Buddhist yogi-scholar of eastern Tibet, completed a multivolume masterwork that traces the entire path of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism from beginning to end. Explore The Complete Nyingma Tradition Home Page of The Complete Nyingma Tradition The Books of The Complete Nyingma [...]
Continue Reading >>
In Praise of Longchen Rabjam

In Praise of Longchen Rabjam

The following is an excerpt from The Life of Longchenpa: The Omniscient Dharma King of the Vast Expanse By Jampa Mackenzie Stewart In Praise of Longchen Rabjam By Khenpo Shenga Translated by Adam Pearcey Due to the kindness of Guru Padmasambhava, there have been many great holders of the teachings here in Tibet, the Land of [...]
Continue Reading >>
A Reader’s Guide on Tibetan Buddhist Essentials: An Exploration of the Nyingma Lineage with Tulku Thondup

A Reader’s Guide on Tibetan Buddhist Essentials: An Exploration of the Nyingma Lineage with Tulku Thondup

Tulku Thondup Rinpoche's Tibetan Buddhist Essentials A recommendation list for the essential teachings of the tradition. Tulku Thondup Rinpoche was born in East Tibet and was recognized to be a tulku at age five. He studied at Tibet’s famed Dodrupchen Monastery, settling in India in 1958, and teaching for many years in its universities. He [...]
Continue Reading >>
A Guide to Dudjom Rinpoche, Jigdral Yeshe Dorje

A Guide to Dudjom Rinpoche, Jigdral Yeshe Dorje

Guide to the Works of Dudjom Rinpoche Learn More Explore the many books by His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche as well as resources for the Dudjom Tersar Lineage. See Also: Dudjom Tersar Home Page | Rebirths of the Dudjom Lineage | Dudjom Yangsi Memorium The Nyingma School | Longchen Nyingtik | Namcho & Palyul | Associated [...]
Continue Reading >>
History of the Treasury of Precious Instructions

History of the Treasury of Precious Instructions

The History of the Treasury of Precious Instructions The following excerpt on The Treasury of Precious Instructions is from Ringu Tulku’s The Ri-me Philosophy of Jamgön Kongtrul the Great. This excerpt is part of the Guide to The Treasury of Precious Instructions Use the navigation menu above to explore each page and discover this truly remarkable and [...]
Continue Reading >>

Ringu Tulku Discusses the Treasury of Precious Instructions

The Treasury of Precious Instructions Learn More The eighteen volumes of the Treasury of Precious Instructions or Dam-ngak Rinpoché Dzö by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye, one of Tibet’s greatest Buddhist masters, is a shining jewel of Tibetan literature Palpung Monastery, Tibet Ringu Tulku Discusses the Treasury of Precious Instructions Explore the Treasury of Precious Instructions [...]
Continue Reading >>
Larung Gar Resource Guide

Larung Gar Resource Guide

By Chensiyuan (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons About Larung Gar Larung Gar, or “The Encampment of the Larung Valley”, is a magical, incredible place.  Located in the remote high-altitude grasslands in the region of Golok in the far east of Tibet, outside of the Chinese demarcated Tibetan Autonomous Region in the province [...]
Continue Reading >>
Anne Klein Discusses Khetsun Sangpo Rinpoche’s Life and Work

Anne Klein Discusses Khetsun Sangpo Rinpoche’s Life and Work

We were pleased to have Anne Klein, professor at Rice University and founder of the Dawn Mountain Buddhist center, pay us a visit and talk about her 2016 work, a translation of and introduction to the great Khetsun Sangpo Rinpoche's Strand of Jewels: My Teachers Essential Guidance on Dzogchen.  Also see our interview with Khetsun [...]
Continue Reading >>
Kilung Rinpoche Profile

Kilung Rinpoche Profile

We were pleased to have Dza Kilung Rinpoche founder of Pema Kilaya and the Kilung Foundation.  Rinpoche paid a few visits to our Shambhala Publications' Prajna Studios in Boulder and we are delighted to share a series of videos where he discusses his book, The Relaxed Mind.  We will also be offering a course with him [...]
Continue Reading >>