Introduction

2009-08-13T01:39:00.000-07:00

The Nyingmapa are the founders of Buddhism in Tibet, and the first of Tibet's four principal schools, or sects. The name Nyingma literally means "ancient," and with the addition of the suffix "pa," renders as "Ancient Ones." The Nyingma School is a living, unbroken lineage direct from Padmasambhava: the emanation of all Buddhas who brought the Dharma to Tibet in the eighth century. The Nyingma founded Tibet's first monastery, and fostered Tibet's first enlightened masters. Indeed, all of Buddhism as expressed in the Tibetan culture may be said to originate with the Nyingma.

In modern times, the Nyingma School is strong in eastern Tibet, in the United States, and in India. There is also a stable presence in Europe and South America.

The leader in the United States is Kyabje Tarthangpa Kunga Gellek (Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche), the revered founder of the Nyingma School in the West, who is believed to be a manifestation of Padmasambhava himself.

The most recent leader in India was H.H. the Eleventh Mindroling Trichen, who was additionally given the title of "Supreme Head." He passed away in 2008, and there is as yet no successor.

We should understand that there is in fact no "supreme head" of the School; rather, this is a courtesy title given since 1960, to acknowledge the School's autonomy.

The first such Supreme Head was Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche, followed by Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, and later by Kyabje Penor Rinpoche, who resigned the post in 2001.

The Nyingma School does not have a rigid, centralized authority with formal membership rolls and protocols, nor do the Nyingma play any role in political or secular affairs. Historically, the Nyingmapa have always been dispersed and independent.

Leadership or prominence is entirely dependent on demonstrable evidence of authentic realization.

Despite the occasional claims of individuals, there is no centralized religious authority for the recognition of tulkus, or reincarnate lamas, through which recognitions must be "cleared" or "recorded." Recognition of tulkus is made according to law in the Tibetan Autonomous Region, and according to custom elsewhere.

Within the Nyingmapa, there are six principal lineages:

No single lineage may be said to have precedence or authority over any other lineage, and no single lineage may speak to the affairs of other lineages. We might wish to note that there are also subsidiary lineages and traditions not mentioned here.

The Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism

Introduction