Padmasambhava

July 30 is recognized by some historians as the birthday of Padmasambhava. This figure is widely credited with bringing Buddhism to the realms of Tibet.

At http://www.tbsn.org/english/intro/padmas... we find a good history of Padmasambhava:

Padmasambhava is the patron saint of Tibetan Buddhism, where he is known as Guru Rinpoche. Often called the "second Buddha". Padmasambhava brought Tantric Buddhism into Tibet, where he subjugated the native sorcery of the Bon religion, and, in fact, recruited many of their fierce deities as guardians of the Dharma. His vow is to always be around to reveal and expound upon the Dharma in many magical and wonderful ways.

http://www.muktinath.org/buddhism/padmas... is a very attractive website called The story of Padmasambhava

Do not expect here a cut and dried chronology. The story is told in poetic and mystical terms and there appear to be several versions of the facts, starting with the recounting of his birth and continuing on to various versions of his lifespan which some say was over a thousand years.

Shakyamuni Buddha prophesied "Fifteen years after my death, one will come with greater capacity than myself - one with the power to establish the teachings of Vajrayana in the world." As our modern calendars go, it was more like 1,200 years between the two, but this again, is shrouded with a mixture of history and legend.

Some Indian historians affirm that he was born to a minister or a King of Odiyana, and some claim that he appeared instantaneously on the summit of Mt. Malaya in Sri Lanka. But Guru Padmasambhava's treasure teachings confirm the version which states that he was born spontaneously from a lotus.

What is agreed upon and what is of paramount importance is that he was a master of unparalleled attainments, and that he came to Tibet and firmly established "the tradition of study contemplation and meditation, thereby radiating the Buddha Dharma in Tibet like rays of the sun."

With assistance from a king of Tibet, he traveled all over the land "Not leaving even the space of a horse-hoof untouched," founding monasteries and nunneries and helping followers attain new heights of realization.

Another good Padmasambhava site is: http://www.freehomepages.com/tibet/padma... which has no title, but is a collection of images & info including picture of the Great Samye Monastery which was "the First Buddhist Monasterey of Tibet-built by Guru Rinpoche in 8th century." This treasure is now "in a state of great disrepair" after the Chinese invasion.

http://www.himalayanart.org/search/set.c... is a website called Padmasambhava Portraits which shows many forms in which he is represented. This is instructive because a statement of the origin of each form is given along with the lineage, the dates, and detailed description of each element of each thangka and its meaning. This may be one of the most effective ways to capture the essence of Padmasambhava's meaning. Appropriate text and translations are offered throughout.

Also go to http://www.aroter.org/images/statues/pad... which features a spectacular image of a statue of The Lotus Born who is always represented with a stylized moustache and goatee. "This Statue of Padmasambhava can be found within the 'Tsuglhakhang' - the main temple of His Holiness the Dala'i Lama in McLeod Ganj. [in Dharamsala, India.]

At http://www.snowlionpub.com/ which is Snow Lion Publications online, there are several books putting forth the teachings of this revered master. There is Advice from the Lotus Born which is spiritual guidance for all occasions, and also Dakini Teachingswhich is instructions on the three levels of Buddhist practice. Then there is Lady of the Lotus Born which contains Padmasambhava's instructions to his consort. There are also two volumes of Light of Wisdom which are instructions of Padmasambhava as recorded by Yeshe Tsogyal. There are also banners and other depictions of the Guru Rinpoche.

Not an easy subject, but study of these teachings takes us to the very heart of Tibetan Buddhism.