Nyingma

Nyingma, also known as the Ancient School, is the oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The name rnying ma means ancient or old. The tradition preserves early translations of Indian Buddhist texts into Tibetan and emphasizes the Dzogchen lineage, which is said to reveal the natural, primordial state of mind.

Origins and history: The Nyingma tradition traces its roots to the 8th century, when Indian and Central Asian teachers were invited to Tibet to establish Buddhism. Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) and Shantarakshita are central figures in the early propagation of tantric teachings, especially at Samye. A distinctive feature of Nyingma is the terma, or treasure, tradition in which later masters reveal teachings deemed to be timeless and suitable for particular eras. Notable tertons include Nyangral Nyima Özer and Jigme Lingpa, whose revelations helped shape Dzogchen within Nyingma. Longchenpa (Longchen Rabjampa) is also regarded as a key Dzogchen scholar.

Teachings and practices: Dzogchen, the Great Perfection, is the core of Nyingma doctrine. It emphasizes recognizing the intrinsic nature of mind and attaining spontaneous, nondual awareness, often through direct introduction by a qualified teacher and sustained contemplation of natural awareness. The Dzogchen corpus is traditionally organized into Semde (mind series), Longde (space series), and Mengagde (orientation or instruction series), with the Nyingthig cycle serving as a popular and influential collection of essential instructions.

Institutions and influence: Historically associated with prominent monasteries such as Mindrolling, Dorje Drak, and Dzogchen Monastery, the Nyingma tradition continues to thrive in Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and India, including monastic and lay communities. In the modern era, it has extended worldwide through teaching lineages, retreat centers, and the global diaspora of Tibetan Buddhist practitioners.