Dharma in Tibet

Some of these teachings possibly reached Tibet by the 5th century C.E. But it was not until the 8th century that Buddhism began to be established in a systematic and general way. King Trisong Deutsen (742 C.E.) invited Shantarakshita to Tibet to establish a great monastery. After encountering difficulties, Shantarakshita asked the King to invite Padmasambhava, telling him the story of their past life. They had been born as siblings, built the great stupa in Boudha, Nepal, and had made aspirations to come together in one place to benefit each other's activity in establishing the Buddhadharma in Tibet.

Realizing that they had the connection of their previous aspirations, the King invited Padmasambhava to Tibet. Padmasambhava subdued all the harmful spirits in Tibet and bound them by oath to bring and maintain good conditions in the land. By creating this auspicious condition, Padmasambhava blessed the whole land of Tibet, and the monastery, named Samye, was eventually completed. Then Padmasambhava introduced Tibet to the sixty-four hundred thousand teachings of the Dzogpachenpo, the Great Perfection, obtained from Bodhgaya in India and elsewhere.

Shantarakshita ordained seven Tibetan lay people as monks for the first time in Tibet. Thus all the sutric teachings, particularly the Vinayana teachings and practices, were established. Under the guidance of Padmasambhava, Vimalamitra, and Vairotsana, more than 108 Indian panditas (scholars and accomplished masters) and 108 Tibetan translators translated most of the Buddha's teachings that were available in India into Tibetan. Thus the teachings of the Buddhadharma illuminated the civilization of Tibet.

History & Background