Padmasambhava

Padmasambhava [Skt.], or Padmakara [Skt.] - Pemajungné [Tib.], the ‘Lotus-Born’, which refers to his birth from a lotus in the land of Oddiyana. Also known as Guru Rinpoche, the ‘Precious Master’, he is the founder of Tibetan Buddhism and the Buddha of our time. Whereas Buddha is known primarly for having taught the teachings of the sutra vehicle, Padmasambhava came into this world, and to Tibet in particular, in order to teach the tantras. While Buddha Shakyamuni exemplifies the buddha principle, the most important element in the sutrayana path, Padmasambhava personifies the guru principle, the heart of Vajrayana Buddhism, and he is therefore known as sangyé nyipa [Tib.], the ‘second Buddha’.

See the ‘The Life of Guru Padmasambhava’ in A Great Treasure of Blessings.

• See also Attributes of Guru Rinpoche.