Buddhist Nyingma Sect

Syllabus: General Studies Paper 1

In a significant development in the Tibetan Buddhist circles, the Nyingma sect has identified a boy from Spiti in Himachal Pradesh as the reincarnation of the late Taklung Setrung Rinpoche, a scholar known for his knowledge of Tibetan Tantric school.

The Nyingma Sect

• The Nyingma sect is the oldest of all Buddhist sects, and Taklung Setrung Rinpoche was a profound scholar renowned for his expertise in Tibetan Tantric school. 
• It is founded on the first lineages and translations of Buddhist scriptures from Sanskrit into Tibetan in the eighth century, during the reign of King Trisong Detsen (r. 710–755).
• Nyingma traditional histories consider their teachings to trace back to the first Buddha Samantabhadra (Güntu Sangpo) and Indian mahasiddhas such as Garab Dorjé, Śrī Siṃha and Jñānasūtra.
• Traditional sources trace the origin of the Nyingma order in Tibet to figures associated with the initial introduction of Buddhism in the 8th century, such as Padmasambhava, Yeshe Tsogyal, Vimalamitra, Vairotsana, Buddhaguhya and Shantaraksita.
• The Rinpoche used to live in the Takthok monastery of Ladakh, one of the oldest monasteries related to the Nyingma sect. 
• The followers of the sect are spread across Tibet, Bhutan, Ladakh, Sikkim and other Himalayan Buddhist pockets. 
• The Rinpoche was widely consulted by the followers of the faith.
• The “reincarnation” of a prominent Rinpoche is important in the contest for supremacy over Buddhist affairs. 
• The veteran monks of various schools of Tibetan Buddhism, including the Dalai Lama, spread in many of the ancient monasteries in the Himalayas command a wide following across the Buddhist community in Tibet, India and other parts of the world.

Some Unique Aspects Nyingmapa Tradition:

• The practice of Dzogchen (Great Perfection). It the highest perfection in deity visualization.
• It seeks to directly examine the fundamental mind without the aid of Visualization like statue and Thangkha.
• The tradition of Terma. Padmasambhava has hidden lots of scriptures in a different location for the future master to find and preach.

Teachings of the Nyingma Sect:

• Its teachings are mainly based on those of Padmasambhava, called Guru Rinpoche and Shantarakshita who were brought to Tibet through the rule of the Emperor Trisong Detsen from 742 to 797 CE.
• Buddhist teachings are classified into nine yanas with ‘Dzogchen’ being most important.
• Dzogchen (Great Perfection) philosophy revolves around pure awareness which can be achieved through meditation.
• This Vajrayana tradition involves use of ritual, symbols and tantric practices to achieve nirvana.
• Therefore, Nyingma stresses on teachings attributed to Padmasambhava, the Dzogchen doctrines as well as Tantric practices.
• The Nyingma School is also associated with Termas (hidden treasures).

Q. Highlight the important features of the Nyingma Sect.