Padmasambhava, "the lotus-born", is better known in Tibet as Guru Rinpoche, "the precious master". In the 8th century he was invited to Tibet by King Trisong Detsen, and helped establish Samye, Tibet's first monastery. The Nyingma tradition, the oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism, regards him as its founder, and many Tibetans call him "the second Buddha".
How he is shown
- Seated on a lotus, with a calm, wide-eyed gaze and a moustache.
- A lotus hat topped with a vulture feather, and layered robes of a monk, a yogi and a king.
- His right hand holds a golden vajra.
- His left hand holds a skull cup containing a long-life vase.
- A trident staff (khatvanga) rests in the crook of his left arm.
- Often two consorts beside him: Mandarava, an Indian princess, and Yeshe Tsogyal, his Tibetan disciple.
The eight manifestations
Tradition tells of eight forms that Padmasambhava took at different moments of his life, from a monk to a wrathful figure riding a tigress. Some thangkas show all eight around him.
Padmasambhava and Nepal
Nepal holds some of his best-known retreat places: the caves at Pharping, just south of Kathmandu, and the Maratika cave at Halesi in eastern Nepal, where he is said to have attained long life. Both are still visited by pilgrims.
His mantra
Om Ah Hum Vajra Guru Padma Siddhi Hum.
In a painting
Look for the fine detail of the lotus hat and robes, a lively, intense gaze, and crisp drawing in the vajra, skull cup and staff.
