| The Nyingma tradition is the oldest of the | | | | Nyingpo, Nanam Dorje Dudjom, Yeshe Yang, |
| four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism (the | | | | Sokpo Lhapal, Nanam Zhang Yeshe De, Palgyi |
| other three being the Kagyu, Sakya and | | | | Wangchuk, Denma Tsémang, Kawa Paltsek, |
| Gelug). "Nyingma" literally means "ancient," | | | | Shupu Palgyi Senge, Dré Gyalwe Lodro, |
| and is often referred to as the "school of | | | | Drokben Khyenchung Lotsawa, Otren Palgyi |
| the ancient translations" or the "old school" | | | | Wangchuk, Ma Rinchen Chok, Lhalung Palgyi |
| because it is founded on the first | | | | Dorje, Langdro Konchog Jungné and Lasum |
| translations of Buddhist scriptures from | | | | Gyalwa Changchup. |
| Sanskrit into Tibetan, in the eighth century. | | | | |
| In modern times the Nyingma lineage has been | | | | Early period |
| centered in Kham in eastern Tibet. | | | | |
| | | | From this basis, Tantric Buddhism was |
| The Nyingma tradition actually comprises | | | | established in its entirety in Tibet. From |
| several distinct lineages that all trace | | | | the 8th until the 11th century, the Nyingma |
| their origins back to the Indian master | | | | was the only school of Buddhism in Tibet. |
| Padmasambhava (Sanskrit for "lotus-born"; | | | | With the reign of King Langdarma |
| Tib. Guru Rinpoche, "precious teacher"), the | | | | (836–842) a time of political |
| legendary founder of Tibetan Buddhism. | | | | instability ensued which continued over the |
| Nyingma followers maintain the earliest | | | | next 300 years, during which time Buddhism |
| Vajrayana teachings (the other three schools | | | | was persecuted and largely forced |
| are known as Sarma or "new translation" | | | | underground. From the 11th century onwards, |
| schools, having arisen from a second wave of | | | | the Nyingma tradition flourished along with |
| translation). Followers of the tradition are | | | | the newer Sarma schools, and it was at that |
| known as "Nyingmapa," "pa" being a common | | | | time that Nyingmapas began to see themselves |
| suffix comparable to "er" or "ite" in | | | | as a distinct group and the term "Nyingma" |
| English. | | | | came into usage. |
| | | | |
| Origins | | | | The Nyingma tradition is unique among the |
| | | | four schools in that its supporters never |
| Around 760, King Trisong Detsen invited | | | | held political power, and therefore it stood |
| Padmasambhava and the Nalanda University | | | | at a greater remove from the political |
| abbot Shantarakshita (Tibetan Shiwatso) to | | | | machinations of Tibet. It is also |
| Tibet to introduce Buddhism in the "Land of | | | | distinguished by its decentralization and |
| Snows." At this point in time, Bön, the | | | | lesser emphasis on monasticism relative to |
| indigenous spiritual tradition of Tibet had | | | | the other schools, with a correspondingly |
| been in place for some 16,000[citation | | | | greater preponderance of "ngakpas", |
| needed] years in the huge region part of | | | | uncelibate householders and yogins. |
| which we now call Tibet. King Trisong Detsen | | | | |
| ordered the translation of all Buddhist | | | | Modern developments |
| Dharma Texts into Tibetan. Padmasambhava, | | | | |
| Shantarakshita, 108 translators, and 25 of | | | | There was never a single "head of the |
| Padmasambhava's nearest disciples worked for | | | | lineage" in the manner of the Ganden Tripa |
| many years in a gigantic translation-project. | | | | (or Dalai Lama) of the Gelugpa, the Karmapa |
| The translations from this period formed the | | | | of the Karma Kagyupa, and the Sakya Trizin of |
| base for the large scriptural transmission of | | | | the Sakyapa. It was only recently in exile in |
| dharma teachings into Tibet. Padmasambhava | | | | India that this role was created at the |
| supervised mainly the translation of Tantra; | | | | request of the Tibetan government, and it is |
| Shantarakshita concentrated on the | | | | largely administrative. Nevertheless, the |
| Sutra-teachings. Padmasambhava and | | | | lamas who have served in this role are among |
| Shantarakshita also founded the first | | | | the most universally highly regarded. They |
| Buddhist monastery Samye on Tibetan ground. | | | | are: |
| It was the main center for dharma | | | | |
| transmission in Tibet during this age. | | | | His Holiness Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche (c. |
| | | | 1904–1987), served from the 1960s |
| 25 disciples | | | | until his death |
| | | | |
| The miracle-powers of the 25 disciples of | | | | His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (c. |
| Padmasambhava are widely accepted among | | | | 1910-1991), served from 1987 until his death |
| Tibetan Buddhists. These disciples were: King | | | | |
| Trisong Detsen, Namkhai Nyingpo, Nub Chen | | | | His Holiness Penor (Pema Norbu) Rinpoche |
| Sangye Yeshe, Gyalwa Choyang, the princess of | | | | served from 1991 until retirement in 2003 |
| Karchen Khandro Yeshe Tsogyal, Palgyi Yeshe, | | | | |
| Palgyi Senge, the great translator | | | | His Holiness Mindroling Trichen Rinpoche |
| Vairotsana, Nyak Jnanakumara, Gyalmo Yudra | | | | served from 2003 to present |