The Nyingma Tradition Longchenpa Longchenpa Rabjampa Born in Tibet in 1308 A.D., Longchenpa was recognized as an emanation of the Buddha Manjushri and reincarnation of Vimilamitra. At age eleven Longchenpa entered the monastery of Samye. There he studied with the most revered teachers of his day, including Rangjung Dorje, the third Karmapa. After years of intense study and practice, Longchenpa became an accomplished Nyingma master. So remarkable were his achievements that he was appointed Abbot of the Monastery early in his life. However, he soon retired from the burden of monastic duties, composing his famous Thirty Pieces of Advice from the Heart, in which he advised true practitioners to have "few wants," remain alone, and "persevere only in their practice." True to his word Longchenpa took up residence in the mountains of Tibet where he soon experienced many profound visions of bodhisattvas and enlightened masters, including Vimilamitra, Guru Padmasambhava and his consort Yeshe Tsogyal. It was through the direct blessing of Padmasambhava that Longchenpa was able to master the entire Khandro Nying Thig, the mystical teachings of Padmasambhava. After realizing these teaching completely, Longchenpa wrote his famous Khandro Yang Thig. From his main teacher Rigdzin Chenpo Kumararaja, he received the direct transmission of Vimilamitra's original Vima Nying Thig cycle of teachings. Fully realizing these profound teachings, he again composed a similar work known as the Lama Yang Thig. He then summarized and synthesized all the above Nying Thig writings into the Zab Mo Yang Thig, Longchenpa's most profound and direct Dzog Chen teaching. The insights and profound depth of understanding exhibited in the 270 Dzog Chen inspired texts authored by Longchenpa earned him the title of Kun Khyen, the omniscient one. Through his many poetic, philosophical, and deeply personal writings the Dzog Chen teachings achieved a clarity and dynamic quality that has never been equaled. During his lifetime Longchenpa traveled extensively throughout Tibet and Bhutan, founding numerous monasteries and giving extensive teachings to as many as 40,000 disciples at one time. At the age of fifty-six Longchenpa gave his students his final teachings and passed away under miraculous circumstances - music filled the air and in the midst of winter, the snow melted and flowers bloomed.

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