The Nyingmapa order has the longest history of transmitting all four major traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. This is reflect in the name Nyingma, which means “Old Order.” The Other three leading Tibetan Buddhism schools, Sakya, Kagyu, and Gelug, collectively refer to the New Order (Sarma). They rely on translating Buddhist script from India during the second dissemination of Buddhism to Tibet.
Nyingmapa relies primarily on the old translation, which originated with the Buddhist pioneer at the time of King Trisong Detsen. Though the newer translation is technically more polish, this school prefers the old translation because it was prepared under the spiritual attainment of the realize Master.
The most important teacher in the Nyingmapa tradition is Padmasambhava. The North Indian yogi was a prominent figure in introducing Buddhism to Tibet. Because of this, Nyingmapas feel their lineage is the most authentic and complete teaching of the early master who brought Buddhism to Tibet.
Nyingmapas trace their translation lineage to the Samye Monastery, Tibet’s first Tibetan Buddhist monastery. During that time, hundreds of scholars and translators translated Sutras and Tantras into the Tibetan Language. The same monastery where the first seven locals were ordained as monks marks the beginning of the practice of Monkhood in Tibet. He is the source of Nyingmapas’ realism and Inspiration for practice.
Teaching in Nyingmapa is divided into the long and short transmissions. Some masters received the direct transmission from the Deities and Teacher in pure vision ( in Meditation or Dreams).
Unique Aspects Nyingmapa Tradition:
- The practice of Dzogchen (Great Perfection). It is the highest perfection in deity visualization. It seeks to directly examine the fundamental mind without the aid of Visualization, like a statue and a Thangka.
- The tradition of Terma. Padmasambhava has hidden lots of scriptures in a different location for the future master to find and preach.
Major Monasteries of the Nyingmapa Sect in Tibet
There is the monastery of Nyingmapa in every corner of Tibet. The most important monastery in Tibet is Mindrolling monastery near Lhasa airport, Dorjee dark monastery, Rongbuk Monastery at Everest Basecamp and Samye Monastery.
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