terma

Terma, from the Tibetan gter ma meaning treasure, is a concept in Tibetan Buddhism describing teachings, texts, or ritual objects that have been concealed by past masters to be revealed later by designated discoverers. The concealment and subsequent discovery are attributed to tertön, treasure revealers who receive the teachings through visionary experiences, dreams, or deep meditative insight, and who may locate physical reliquaries or inscriptions hidden in caves, mountains, or temples. In the Nyingma school, terma are viewed as a timely resource to preserve and renew the Buddhist path in response to changing circumstances.

There are two broad categories. Earth terma refers to physical texts, images, or objects hidden in the earth or rock and later found by a tertön. Mind terma, by contrast, consists of teachings arising directly in the mind of the discoverer, transmitted through visions, dreams, or other inward experiences, sometimes without accompanying physical artifacts. Some terma are described as concealed for generations, while others are said to appear in response to urgent needs or crises.

Historically, terma have played a central role in the development of the Nyingma lineage. Legendary origins are linked to Padmasambhava and his consort, who are said to have concealed teachings for future generations. Notable tertöns include Karma Lingpa (14th century), who revealed influential cycles that shaped late medieval Nyingma practice, and Jigme Lingpa (18th century), whose revelations, such as the Longchen Nyingthig, became foundational in later movements. In modern times, terma texts continue to be studied and practiced within established centers, reflecting their enduring influence on Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

Scholarly perspectives on terma range from reverent to critical, with debates about historicity and authenticity, yet terma remains a defining feature of the tradition’s self-understanding and continuity.