Kama and Terma

The Vajrayana teachings were transmitted from generation to generation in two ways:

The kama (long) transmission derives from the 8th century, when the three leading fathers of Buddhadharma in Tibet (Shantarakshita, Padmasambhava, and King Trisong Deutsen) gathered together and gave innumerable oral transmissions. These transmissions, from realized master to disciple, are an unbroken chain through a long period of time, continuing up to the present. They are known as the kama, all of which was collected and compiled by Orgyen Terdag Lingpa and Lochen Dharmashri in 17th century.

The terma (short) transmission, derives from teachings concealed by Padmasambhava and his spiritual consort, Yeshe Tsogyal, with the intention that they were to be discovered at some future date by treasure finders (tertöns) when circumstances were right. These terma, or treasures, were later revealed through the enlightened minds and meditative visions of Nyingma masters. Hundreds of masters have appeared who have revealed these treasures. Among them, Nyangral Nyima Özer (1124-92), Guru Chowang (1212-70), Dorje Lingpa (1346-1405), Pema Lingpa (b.1405) and Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo (1820-1892) are renowned as the Five Kings of the Treasure Masters. Their revealed treasures concern, among others, the cycle of teachings and meditations related to Avalokiteshvara, the sadhanas of Guru Rinpoche, and the Dzogchen teachings. During the 19th century, Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, Kongtrül Lodro Thaye, and Chogyur Dechen Lingpa assembled thousands of terma treasure texts from throughout Tibet, creating a collection in over 60 volumes known as the Rinchen Terdzöd.

Consequently, the standard Buddhist canon, the Buddha's word (Kangyur), consists of over 100 volumes. The Tangyur, commentaries by Indian panditas, consist of over 200 volumes. Many further teachings may be found in the Collection of a Hundred Thousand Nyingma Tantras, compiled in the 13th century by Tertön Ratna Lingpa. Besides this, many hundreds of great masters, such as Longchen Rabjam, Jigme Lingpa, Mipham Rinpoche, and so on, have added to the rich collection of Nyingma literature.

History & Background