Glossary

Hidden valley or sacred hidden land prophesied by Padmasambhava as refuges that would open during times of strife. Sikkim (Beyul Demojong) is one such hidden valley.

The awakening mind; the altruistic aspiration to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.

The indigenous spiritual tradition of Tibet, predating Buddhism and still practiced today. Bön practitioners circumambulate sacred sites counter-clockwise.

A principal meditational deity (yidam) of the highest yoga tantra, associated with Mount Kailash.

Sacred masked dance performed at festivals, depicting enlightened beings, protectors, and the triumph of dharma over ignorance.

A sacred monument containing relics, representing the enlightened mind of the Buddha. Circumambulating stupas accumulates merit.

Sky-goer; a class of female enlightened beings who embody wisdom energy. Yeshe Tsogyal is the most famous Tibetan dakini.

The Buddha's teachings; the path to liberation; the truth of how things are.

Fortress-monastery characteristic of Bhutan, serving both administrative and religious functions.

Ritual transmission authorizing a practitioner to engage in a specific tantric practice. Required before practicing with certain deities.

"Precious Master" — the most common Tibetan name for Padmasambhava, the tantric master who established Buddhism in Tibet.

"Precious Lord" — the most sacred Buddha statue in Tibet, housed in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.

One of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism, headed by the Karmapa. Known for its emphasis on meditation practice.

White silk scarf offered as a sign of respect and pure intention.

Circumambulation; the practice of walking clockwise around a sacred object, site, or person.

Spiritual teacher; one who guides students on the path. Equivalent to Sanskrit "guru."

"Great Seal" — the ultimate nature of mind; also a meditation system for recognizing this nature.

Sacred diagram representing the palace of a deity and the enlightened universe; also used as an offering practice.

Short for Om Mani Padme Hum, the mantra of Avalokiteshvara. "Mani stones" are rocks inscribed with this mantra.

Positive karma accumulated through virtuous actions, which creates conditions for happiness and spiritual progress.

Power place; a sacred site blessed by the practice of realized masters.

The oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism, tracing its origins to Padmasambhava and the first transmission of teachings to Tibet.

The "Lotus-Born" tantric master from Oddiyana who established Buddhism in Tibet in the 8th century. Also known as Guru Rinpoche.

Physical expression of devotion involving touching the body to the ground; a powerful purification practice.

"Precious one" — honorific title for highly respected teachers, often (but not always) recognized reincarnations.

The fourth month of the Tibetan calendar, considered the most sacred month, encompassing Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana.

Hidden treasure teachings concealed by Padmasambhava and others, to be revealed by tertöns when the time is right.

Treasure revealer; one who discovers hidden terma teachings.

Founder of the Gelug school (14th-15th century), known for his emphasis on monastic discipline and systematic study.

A wrathful deity whose practice is particularly powerful for removing obstacles. Padmasambhava achieved this practice at Pharping.

The "Diamond Vehicle" — the tantric form of Buddhism preserved primarily in Tibet, emphasizing transformation and rapid enlightenment.

The principal Tibetan consort of Padmasambhava and the first Tibetan woman to achieve enlightenment.

Meditational deity; a Buddha form used as the focus of tantric practice, representing one's own enlightened nature.