Padmasambhava stands at the very heart of the Nyingma tradition, often called the “Second Buddha” for good reason. Back in the 8th century, when Buddhism was still finding its footing in Tibet, he showed up almost like a mythical whirlwind—taming hostile spirits, consecrating sacred sites, and planting seeds for a flourishing spiritual culture. That groundwork became the bedrock upon which the entire Nyingma lineage thrives.

This legendary master didn’t just introduce esoteric teachings; he safeguarded them. Faced with political upheaval and cultural shifts, Padmasambhava concealed vast troves of wisdom—known as terma, or “hidden treasures”—to be rediscovered by future generations at just the right moment. Those revelations keep surfacing even today, as fresh termas emerge in the Himalayas or in practitioners’ visions, offering timely guidance for modern challenges. In fact, over the past decade, Western sanghas have seen an influx of terma teachings shared via online platforms, bridging ancient insight with contemporary life.

More than a historical figure, Padmasambhava functions as a living presence—invoked in meditation, ritual, and art. Every prayer wheel spun or mani stone carved in Nyingma communities pays homage to his compassionate vow to liberate all beings. His portrait, with a slightly mischievous grin and flowing saffron robes, reminds students that the path isn’t all solemn chanting; there’s a spark of joyful daring in embracing the unknown.

When Nyingma masters trace their spiritual genealogy, it always loops back through Padmasambhava. That unbroken chain—like a river coursing through centuries—carries teachings of Dzogchen, Mahayoga and Atiyoga directly from his enlightened mind. So whether it’s a retreat in the misty Bhutanese hills or a Zoom session with a Tibetan lama, Padmasambhava’s influence ripples outward, inviting everyone to wake up and dance with the wild, boundless nature of mind.