The Life of Chokgyur Lingpa is the biography told by Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche. Chokgyur Lingpa (1829-1870) was a Tibetan terton or treasure revealer, meaning a person who discovers ancient texts or “Termas“. Chokgyur Lingpa is regarded as one of the major tertons in Tibetan history, his termas are widely practiced by both the Kagyu and Nyingma schools. Chokgyur Lingpa means ‘Sanctuary of Eminence.’ Download the free ebook, translated by Tulku Jigmey Khyentse and Erik Pema Knsang, here:
The Life of Chokgyur Lingpa
What is Terma in Tibetan Buddhism?
In Tibetan Buddhism, “terma” (sometimes spelled “tertön” or “gter ma”) refers to hidden treasures or teachings that are believed to have been concealed in various ways by Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche. Guru Padmasambhava is a legendary figure who significantly introduced Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century.
According to tradition, Guru Padmasambhava foresaw that certain teachings, practices, sacred objects, texts, and artefacts would be needed to revitalise and preserve Buddhist teachings, especially when Dharma might be threatened or in decline. To ensure the continuity of these teachings, he concealed them in various forms, often in natural or symbolic locations, as well as in the minds of his closest disciples.
These hidden treasures, or termas, were later discovered by specific individuals known as “tertöns,” believed to be reincarnations of Guru Padmasambhava’s original disciples. Tertöns are said to have a unique ability to locate and reveal these hidden treasures at the appropriate times in history. The process of discovering and transmitting these secret teachings is known as a “terma revelation.”
Terma teachings can encompass various spiritual instructions, rituals, empowerments, meditative practices, texts, and iconography. They are considered vital for practitioners’ spiritual development and are often used to address the specific needs and challenges of different eras.
The concept of terma is unique to Tibetan Buddhism and reflects the belief in the continuity of enlightened wisdom throughout time, as well as the idea that teachings can be hidden and then revealed when the circumstances are right. Terma teachings have contributed to the richness and diversity of Tibetan Buddhist practice and philosophy, allowing for the adaptation of teachings to different cultural and historical contexts.
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