“THE PITH INSTRUCTION IS CALLED “PRECIOUS SUN”
Namo Guruye!
Supreme master, I devotedly pay homage to you! I will suitably express beneficial counsel. Listen carefully and then put it respectfully into practice. khe ho! Friends, ponder on the meaning of the sphere of reality. Suchness, in fact, is void of the known and unknown.
It is like the sky, free from predilection. Momentary beings due to their inability to realize suchness, thus, out of ignorance, they are confused by grasping at ‘ I ‘.
Being contrived through ignorance and misconception, the wheel of confusion is turned by dualistic perceptions. Thus, drowned in the samsaric ocean of karmic actions and afflictive emotions.
Alas! How the beings of existence are emotionally afflicted !
Aspiring to seek happiness but drowning deeper into suffering, The training on the four paths is ignored owing to perverted views. Therefore they never escape from the samsaric wheel of confusion. Since conceptual thoughts keeps on circling, the world of suffering cannot be put to an end.
Therefore, after recognizing the nature of confusion, arouse the mind of renunciation towards mundane affairs. In this world of monstrous imprisonment similar to the justice court of the Lord of Death, Only suffering is experienced rather than happiness.
Like someone who has lost his path in a thick jungle and in darkness, Beings wander endlessly in the cities of the world, which have indefinite suffering. Like a terrible abyss and the measureless depth of the ocean, There is no liberation. It is the nature of suffering.
Like in the flames of fire and in the fangs of a sea monster, one is tormented by the suffering of birth, illness, old age and death. Like edible grass on an abyss or honey on the edge of sharp blade, One may fall down into lower reams and block the way to enlightenment.
Like a butterfly attracted to a lamp and a demon attracted to touch, Lots of suffering results from grasping and attachment. These are all similar to dreams and illusions. They appear to truly exist but are deceptive and momentary.
Like an edible substance mixed with poison creates temporary happiness but brings pain at the end, The Ocean- like suffering of this worldly existence, Appears to the afflicted mind though it has never existed in reality.
The six outer sense objects which appear to an afflicted mind, The five inner aggregates which give life to existence, and the eight secret dualistic sense organs, they are all deceptive and agony by nature.
The causes and effects of existence are false and deceptive, Never get attached and grasp towards the worldly city of suffering, Forsake all worldly activities now! When the well-favored human form is obtained,
Don’t misuse it only for the purpose of this life. Like water bubbles, our body and life are impermanent. Since death is uncertain, practice dharma diligently. The practice of dharma is to cultivate merit and discard negativity.
Propagate merit and never allow to be influenced by wrong doing. Rely upon the triple Gems, the ultimate object of refuge, and take refuge in them at all times, For all beings, who are kind to us from beginning-less time.
Generate the four immeasurables; treat all beings equally, Aspire to seek universal happiness, Aspire to eradicate universal suffering and rejoice in others pleasure. Meditate on the authentic Boddhicitta mind for the sake of beings.
The root of all dharma practice is the generation of perfect compassion, Caring for others more than for oneself is an unusual attitude. It is extremely important to contemplate on the precious altruistic mind that aspires for all beings to attain enlightenment.
Dedicate whatever merits are accumulated for the sake of all beings, Aspire that all beings to attain perfect enlightenment. We have concluded with the practices grounded by our intellect. Khe ho! Lend me your ears, you the yogis,
If you are ardently willing to accomplish the very essential teachings of sutra and mantra, this is the path of clarity. The ultimate nature of apparent existence is beyond expression since beginning less time. Its fundamental nature is unborn and unceasing.
Its intrinsic nature is free from the cognitive acts and mental states. It is in the state of naturalness, uncontrived and unfabricated, that there is no bias between perceiver and his object in their natural state. To understand all appearances as self awareness is the view.
There is no mistake or misdirection in such a profound view. All fortunate ones are urged to understand this view very clearly. In the state of such an unfabricated and profound view, keep your mind in its natural state, free from distraction and concentration.
Meditations! Maintain your mind in perfect naturalness. Like space dissolving into space, or like water becoming indivisible after pouring into water. Keeping the mind in its natural state as it is, at all times, Is regarded as the actual meditative equipoise.
From the sky like state of emptiness, the intrinsic nature of mind will appear like an unwavering ocean. And from the profound meaning, ocean deep, Natural clarity will shine forth like the sun.
Happiness sometimes appears in the mind, But happiness by its nature can be withstand as an object, Appearance of sadness too is like happiness. Recognize all happiness and sadness as a magic spell. Keep your mind in its natural state like the space.
Son! Investigate awareness again! The wish to achieve and consume sometimes arises in mind. It does not have any truth but arises from emptiness. Likewise, fear and failure lack in future. Keep your mind in its natural state, free from hope and fear.
Son! Investigate the nature of phenomena again! Mind sometimes experiences happiness when renowned, But it is as rootless as space, Fear and the unknown are also as rootless as space, Keep your mind in its natural state, devoid of elaboration.
Son! Investigate again the freedom from extremes! Mind sometimes feels happy when praised, But it is as baseless as an echo. Criticism and blame are likewise as baseless as an echo. Keep your mind in its natural state, free from dualism.
Son! Examine sameness again! Mind sometimes feels proud about its self possession and qualities, But its nature is no different from a sky and flower. Fear and discouragement of self are also like a sky and flower. Keep your mind in its natural state, without bias.
Son! Once again analyze the view! Regardless of the day and night, Keep your mind in its natural state of self-clarity, free from fabrication and conceptualization. Mingle your awareness with the sky when your mind is drowsy. Put your awareness to rest when your mind is agitated. Nurture your mind in its natural state of self arisen awareness. This is an actual meditation. Get used to it!
Remaining in such contemplation, your conduct, Must be mixed with meditation, even during mealtimes and walks. Try to be alert in daily conduct at all times. Observe your attitude with mindfulness and attentiveness.
Knowing everything to be like a dream and illusory, your conduct must not get seized by a dualistic mind. The mind, devoid of attachment and desire will arise, Is not this an actual consciousness? Understand it very clearly!
Regardless of meditation and post-meditation, contemplate on this profundity. Maintain the nature of self- arising awareness in its natural state. The delusion of cognitive acts and mental states will dissolve into the sphere, Thus one will reach the ultimate intended meaning of emptiness, which is Buddhahood. The clarity of mind is like a sun, free from being vivid or dim. The nature of emptiness is like the sky, free from change and transition. The characteristic of the intrinsic nature is like an endless stream, and the land is formed spontaneously by kayas and wisdoms.
Sublime Dharma is the summit of accomplishment the purpose of one’s life. These are the results obtained from realization. Through the merit derived from revealing the essential teaching, May all beings pervading throughout the sky, With out exception,
Realize the ultimate meaning which frees mind from effort. May all beings attain the perfect Buddhahood. Great Dzogchen master Pema Rigzin on request of samten, Tinley and Tenzin revealed this supplicarion prayer on pith Instruction at a retreat place called samten Phodrang.
Introduction to the treasure teachings (TERMA) and profound vision (Zabmo Dag Nang)
Namo Guru! Guru Padmasambhava, the embodiment of all the Buddhas of three times, you are the only protector of beings in the three realms. To the unequalled master, who is inseparable from the Triple Gems, with deep faith and respect, I bow down with my three doors (body, speech and mind). The peerless treasure teaching are so precious, they can’t be created from the priceless treasures of Gods and humans. To introduce the essence of these peerless teachings briefly, please bestow on me a light of auspiciousness and good fortune.
I. Treasure teachings ( Terma )
From the Joyous River sutra; “My religious doctrine of essential teaching is concealed as treasures, bestowed from exalted mind to mind, or enveloped in the essence of the earth.” As said in the sutras and tantras, to give a brief description of the treasure teachings, there are five aspects. these are :
1) Identification of the treasures,
2) The lineage of treasure teachings,
3) The categorization of treasure.
4) The clarification of misconceptions and
5) The purpose of the treasures.
-›› 1) Identification of the treasures
As said in the Chronicle teaching of Guru Rinpoche, “In the realms of gods, nagas, and human beings, the treasures are concealed and their nature is inexhaustible. It literally means inexhaustible like the wish-fulfilling gem.” As mentioned above, the nature and the literal meaning of the word Ter, for the sake of future generations and to maintain the natural resources intact, Budhhas and Boddhisattavas sealed them with mantras, mudras and concentrative powers into invisibility. The inexhaustible teachings, valuables and religious artifacts, are known as Ter. They are profound and highly blessed because of their unbroken linage, pure origination, errorless intact words and perfect meanings, and being in the secret language of the Dakinis.
Particularly in Tibet, it was Guru Padmasambhava, the second Buddha, who tamed beings through the profound treasure teachings. His gracious feet blessed the lands of upper, central and lower provinces without leaving even a footprint of a hoof. All the mountains, hills caves and lakes were blessed to form a meditation site. The whole land was filled with the concealed 108 labeled and unlabeled major treasures and one thousand minor and innumerable other treasures, thus widening the path of peace and happiness in Tibet. They are all entrusted for protection to the eight classes of protectors and others.
Later, when time and good fortune would form and make the site and situation perfect , the infinite emanated treasure revealers would be born. They have so far revealed profound treasures like the practice of Kagyed (the Eight Heruka sadhana), Gongdue (condensed intention), Vajrakilaya and the ritualistic texts of the four noble activities and other practices. These classes of doctrine which temporarily clear the natural calamities and teach the unmistaken and swift techniques of approaching the ultimate enlightenment are called the close Linage Treasures.
-›› 2) The lineage of treasure teachings.
In this degenerate age, due to impurities of samaya, interferences posed by malignant spirits and the transmissions passed down through numerous generations it is possible that the sacred oral teachings have less potency. The profound Close Lineage Docrine, which is unsurpassable in its blessed strength, was brought to visibility by the emanated treasure revealers with the fresh spirituality of the Dakinis still intact. Guru Rinpoche himself entrusted those masters with the ripening empowerment and pith instructions.
These so-called treasure teachings have six, seven and nine aspects of transmission. The three transmissions which are similar to the oral transmissions, namely mind to mind, sign, and aural transmissions, together with the transmissions of the secret entrustment by Dakinis, Bestowing on empowerment with the aspiration and the yellow paper- word- Transmission make up the six aspects of transmission. With the exclusion of the sixth one, adding the transmission of spiritual connection and the blessed transmission of the experience , the aspects become seven. And when adding the naked aural lineage and the practice of the four- fold activities transmission, we have the nine aspects of transmission.
-›› 3) The categorization of treasure.
Generally, there are boundless kinds of treasures, matching the infinite number of beings who possess different dispositions, interest and capacity, which are to be tamed. Nevertheless, here it is categorized as below.
Treasure categorized by place
1) Tantra of arralli reads, “those emerged from mountains, pebbles, woods, flowers, wish- granting trees and celestial drums, are regarded as teachings, since they were blessed by the Buddhas.” And the concentrative sutra states, “sutras left in the stupas, cliffs mountains, likewise in the realms of gods and nagas.” Thus those revealed from the earth, rocks, mountains, cliffs, lakes and so on are called earth treasure.
2) The Tantric teachings, once revealed by Vajrapani on top of Mt. Malaya, were written into script with melted lapis lazuli on golden paper by five excellent beings. Those scripts were hidden in the space through miraculous power and blessed not to get harmed by the five elements. Later when the appropriate time arrived, they would appear to the respective treasure revealers. These treasures are called space treasures.
3) From a sutra, “If one has reached the depth of realization, millions of treasure teachings will burst from the heart.” The self- arising of teachings from the heart of the clear light is attributed to the perfection of meditative stability. They are called mind treasures.
4) From the compendium Sutra, “The excellent motivation is, when even in the absence of Buddha, Dharma emerges from the trees and walls.” The teachings appearing visually to the undeluded and purified mind are called treasure of pure Vision.
Treasures categorized by their nature.
The vast and profound teachings, which have the nature of the Buddhas doctrine and the shastras (commentaries), are called Dharma treasures. Those in the form of gold, silver and other valuables are called valuable treasures.
Treasures categorized by their way of revelation:
Treasure revealed in absolute secrecy are called secret treasures. For many reasons, treasures that are publicly revealed are called crowd treasures.
Treasures categorized by their main theme.
The complete form of teachings for a person to attain perfect enlightenment are called the major treasures. The treasures containing practices for minor accomplishment are called minor treasures.
Treasures categorized by direction:
For example, the eastern treasure of ripened fruit, the southern treasure of integrated stem, the western treasure of radiant flower, the northern treasure of dispersed branch and the centre treasure of deep root.
Furthermore, the instructions on three roots (guru, deity and dakini) are called root treasures. The instructions on the vast and minor ritualistic activities are called branch treasures. The sadhana of GuruYoga and of Avalokiteshvara, as well as the pith instructions on Dzogpachenpo are called fruit treasures and there are also other numerous inner sub-divisions of treasures.
-›› 4) THE CLARIFICATION OF MISCONCEPTIONS
Some unfortunate and impetuous beings say that the treasures are just a mental fabrication of Tibetans, as they were not known in India, where Dharma originated and flourished widely. This is due to the weakness of limited knowledge. The treasures were not only known in Tibet but also in India. Acharya Jampel Shenyen concealed all his oral teachings of tantric essence under a huge rock sealed on top by a crossed vajra to the northeast of Vajrasana, India Likewise, the sutra on the five aggregates was made invisible inside the Pedra Retra stupa.
Once, while the brahmin Demed Legnang was accompanying the Buddha, different sounds arose and light shone from a soil protrusion of an old stupa. The Buddha with his eyes full of tears prostrated and circumambulated it. When Vajrapani asked him about it, he replied that there was a treasure of essence.
The Lankavatara Sutra of the Chinese version says, Madoepa, the king of Nagas, offered a conch shell to the Buddha, which was handed over to Maudgalyana, commanding him to conceal it as a treasure at Mount Gopa. From the distinctive sutra of the wise and the stupid, it is said: “The eight branches of ritual activities of Upavasatha were extracted from a pillar by a lay person.” Matripa had extracted Uttaratantra and dharmataa- vibhanya, the two of five treatises of Maittreya, from an aperture of a stupa. From the northern Odiyana Land, the great siddha Sarahapa discovered the Sarvabuddha samayoga, one of eighteen Mahayoga tantras. Nagarjuna discovered catuhpitha (Mother tantra ) and also took the Prajnaparamita from the human realm. Many Mahayana texts hidden in Kashmir were later revealed by Bikshu Nirvana Rakhita and so on. Likewise, there are unfathomable historical records of tresures in India. Also, some people reprove by saying that the treasure teachings are impure and deceptive as they are not mentioned in any of the Buddha’s Oral doctrine or shastras. Towards those people, from the summary of the meaning of the sutras; it is said, “he who disproves treasure teachings is our object for whom we need to generate our fervent compassion, Because even in sutras it is explained that dharma treasures can only be attained by those on the higher stages of the path.” Even in the compendium Sutra, it is stated,
“Ananda, in order to maintain the continuity of dharma, whoever writes it down, conceals it as treasure and starts to make offerings, that being will attain the following ten ultimate realities: He will attain the eye of Buddha, which can perceive the treasure teachings of Buddha; he will attain the divine ear that can hear the treasure teachings and so on.”
From the Joyous River sutra, “My religious doctrine of essential teaching is concealed as a treasure, passed on from exalted mind to mind, or is turned into the essence of earth.” Because when the non- Buddhists interfere with the definitive meaning, these treasures will maintain the teaching like continuous flow of river that never stops.”
The concentrative sutra gathering of all surpassing merit states, “The great Boddhisattvas, who were very concerned with the dharma, have placed it as treasures into mountains, valleys, and trees. They will receive the essence and limitless doorway of dharma in their hands.” The connected explanation of tantra says; “Through the blessings of Buddha, even from birds, woods, pebbles, flowers wish- granting tree and celestial drum the treasures emerge, and those are to be regarded as doctrine.” The tantra of supreme bliss reads, “Tantras and the king of tantras, which you , vajrapani, alone should reveal and bestow to others.” The concentrative sutra gathering all surpassing merits says, “Jampel, the four elements arise from the sky like a treasure. Likewise, all the virtuous teachings arise from the heart of the Buddha. Hence, make use of all the purposes of treasures.”
The concentrative sutra dwelling visibly reads, “In future , after my demise, by increasing the relics of body, speech and mind the Buddha’s and Boddhisattvas will hold them with great care. After copying them, they will be placed in a box . For they will be kept in stupas, cliffs and nagas, so later in future when the time befalls Buddha’s and Boddhisattvas will reveal them and thereby fulfill the wishes of beings spontaneously.”
The above mentioned question clearly describes the articles of treasures, the containers of treasures, the places of treasures, their protectors and revealers, the time of revelation, and the activities of the treasures. There are also some narrow minded people who regard the treasure teachings as a private doctrine of the Nyingma tradition and have started to criticize and depreciate them. Although the treasure teachings are mostly found in the Dzogchen teachings of the Nyingma tradition, it doesn’t mean that later translation schools don’t have any. Here we will illustrate with examples that even later translation schools too have treasure teachings: Translator Marpa belonging to Kagyud tradition revealed treasure teachings on completion stage, the Inseparability of mind and mind energies at BodhGaya. As prophesied by Tiphupa, Tsangpa Gyarey discovered treasure teachings on six cycles of same Taste from Lhodrak Kharchu, which was hidden by Jetsun Rechungpa. The explanation on mind called Wish- Granting Gem, concealed in the black Mandala lake by Je Dakpo Lhaje and Yeshey Dorjee later revealed the long life Nectar from Samye Chimphu, which was offered to the Chinese king. It is said that among the many rulers, nobody had lived as long as he did. According to prophecy, Jetsun Karma Choedak Gyamtso extracted long life nectar and pills from Tashi Kogthreng, which had been concealed by Guru Padmasambhava.
From Sakya Tradition, Jetsun Sakya Penchen received the treasure teachings on freeing mind from the four attachments and so on from Manjushri. Subsequently he also got teachings on Abhidharma from Vasubandu in his visions and propagated the teachings extensively. From the skull of Dakini Dewai Dorjee Ngawang Kunga Richen he discovered nectarine pills, made from relics of a bodhisattva, who had taken birth as Brahmin for seven lifetimes.
He also extracted long life pills of Guru Padmasmbhava from the middle storey of the Samye temple. From the white stupa of Samye he discovered a nine pointed Iron vajra as well as spoonful of nectar pills of liberation. The wrathful mantra of Fourteen syllables, which was revealed as a treasure in India by the translator Rinchen Dak, was concealed in the thirteen well-known golden volumes of Sakyapas.
In Gelug Tradition, the great master Tsongkhapa revealed the treasure of two masks of Chogyal and the conch shell, which was prophesied in the Chinese version of the Lankavatara sutra. Especially he received the cycle of pith instructions as a treasure from Manjushri. Moreover, he purified the Vajrapani aural transmission teaching through his pure vision, which was initially taught to the great master Leki Dorjee of Lhodrak by Vajrapani. The omniscient Sonam Gyamtso revealed five rolls of paper from the middle storey of Lhasa, a treasure concealed by king Trisong Deutsen. Since he had vision of Guru Rinpoche, he was able to discover a conch shell from a cave shaped like a conch shell in a place called Drichu Damtoed.
The great Fifth Dalai Lama revealed twenty five cycles of treasures through his pure vision. From historical records it is said that sixteen volumes of Prajnaparamita were revealed as treasure by Drukrama Tenpai Nyima from Puti monastery, in the lower Dokham region. The ritual activity texts composed by king Trisong Deutsen were concealed as treasures in the protectors temple of Segyud by Dulngag Palzangpo. Among those treasures a few of them were later revealed by Sangye Gyamtso, Jamyang Shepai Dorjee also discovered some material treasures as directed by the Dakini Machig Labdon. Furthermore, in Lhasa, from the pillar shaped like a vase, Jowo He had revealed a treasure of Lhasa catalogue. The treasures hidden by lama Shang and Konchok Drak were later revealed by Kunpang Tsundrue Sengye. Therefore, since the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism have the current flow of historical records of treasure teachings alike, noone can disprove of them by any means.
-›› 5) THE PURPOSE OF TREASURE TEACHINGS.
There are many reasons for the necessity of treasure teachings. Amongst others they are to maintain the continuity of the religious doctrine, to avoid defiled instructions, to keep the sanctity intact, and to keep the lineage closer to the origin of the teachings. Furthermore, the profound treasures upon mere revealing send forth an immediate positive impact, like the decline of strength of negativity; developing virtue; pacifying seasonal calamities, disease, famine, war and many others. They also clear away the obstacles to life and the activities of doctrine holders. In brief, they benefit by enhancing the teachings, wealth, sacred substances, etc. and give rise to the four-fold liberation. Even at the end of this degenerate age when the Vinaya doctrine of sutras disappear the secret tantric teachings of the Vajrayana will instead of disappearing be disseminated and by their continuity cause vastly benevolent activities and lead all the untamed beings to perfect liberation. From words of Guru Rinpoche, “The treasures will be the final doctrine to maintain the teachings in the degenerate age.” It is said that the vastly benevolent activities of the profound treasure teachings will not disappear until the advent of Maitreya’s teachings.
II. PROFOUND CLEAR VISION TEACHINGS.
Generally, the Dharma cycles of profound clear vision such as sky and mind treasures belong to the category of profound treasure teachings. However, in Nyingma tradition the general tantric teachings are categorized into three divisions; the long lineage Karma teachings, the short lineage profound treasure teachings and the most profound clear vision teachings.
To outline a short explanation on how the profound clear vision teachings have come into existence in India and Tibet, here are two sub- divisions;
1) How the forthcoming treasure teachings were foretold by the Buddha in the sutras; 2) How the profound clear vision treasure came to India and Tibet.
1) How the forthcoming treasure teaching were foretold by the Buddha in the sutras: It is told in the sutras: ‘ May beings incessantly hear the sounds of the doctrine from the birds and from trees, from the sunrays as well from the empty sky.’ Due to their beneficial prayers of the past, the great bodhisattvas are never void of doctrines. From the sound of the four elements, from animals and from the sky they can hear teachings incessantly. The teachings were passed down by those bodhisattvas and became known as the profound clear vision teachings.
Moreover, uncountable teachings of this kind have also come into existence from the accomplished masters who see everything as pure devoid of any defilement, perceive the wisdom deities and hear any teachings from them.
It is said in the sutras: ‘If you have realized the ultimate meaning, then millions of teachings will flow from your mind.’ This version obviously ascertains us of the possibility of clear vision teachings.
2) How the profound clear vision treasure teaching came to India and Tibet
Most of the profound clear vision teachings were brought to India from Odiyana and mostly propagated by dakinis. Some were taught by great yogis from their mind. Many teachings couldn’t be found in Indian script as they were taught by yogis as oral instructions. The kye Vajra instruction is one of its kind. Some teachings taught by the apparition of wisdom deities such as Manjushri Arapatsa of Zetaripa, the Tara text of Jowo and Pandit Sakya Shri and so forth. The Aryas see uncountable Buddhas and Bodhisattvas even on a particle of soil and hear teachings from them. In this way, the Aryas write and teach those teachings as profound clear vision Doctrines. Particularly in Tibet, the Maha Pandit Orgyen Guru Rinpoche taught uncountable heart and mind treasure teachings.
Guru Rinpoche concealed many of them as treasures for the sake of future fortunate beings. One hundred and eight Tertons (treasure revealers) who were emanations of Guru Rinpoche himself exposed them later. In particular, the Dzogpachenpo teaching came into existence as mind treasure of the omniscient Longchenpa. When Longchenpa was at Mt Thokar, he had visions of the vajra dakini Akatsati etc. Later on he spontaneously taught the Dzogpachenpo teachings from his mind which became known as the heart essence of Dakini. Guru Rinpoche prophesied the forth coming of the sky treasure of profound clear vision like this:
“The treasure revealer called Migur Dorji will come,
When the indication of revealing the treasure
Of Jumping Lion Cliff on the right appears.
He is sanctioned over one hundred treasures
in Kham province.”
As foretold, the Terton was born in 1585. Since birth, he had the qualities of remembering previous lives and so on. Karma Chagmey became his master. He envisioned Guru Rinpoche in person and later revealed the sky treasure which is widely practiced today and continues to flourish.
III. BRIEF ACCOUNT ON COMPILATION OF THE PRECIOUS TREASURE COLLECTION.
The brief account of the precious treasure collection has three sub- divisions:
1 ) The subjects to compile.
2) How they were compiled.
3) The benefits of compiling them.
1) The subjects to compile
The only savior of Tibetans, Guru Rinpoche, taught numerous secret teachings of the Vajrayana and methods for practicing them.
The Dakini Yeshi Tsogyal compiled those teachings and entrusted them to fortunate beings, king and the subjects, according to their connection with the doctrine and they were concealed in eighteen different kinds of treasures for the sake of future beings. These teachings are purposely blessed to benefit beings according to their mental faculties until the fifth Buddha this world Guru Rinpoche said: “When the time comes, the land of Tibet will be filled with treasure teachings. One who desires spiritual accomplishment will obtain it from them.” In accord with his words, the emanations of Guru Rinpoche himself, great pandits, translators and kings took rebirth and revealed treasures in the past and are revealing them even today. The first Terton Sangay Lama lived in early 1000 A.D. Henceforth, the five Terton kings, the three great emanations, Teheleven Lingpas, and in the 19th century, the Khyen kong chog Sum revealed many treasures. These are the subjects to include.
-›› 2) How Treasures are collected
Since some of the empowerments and oral transmissions of the treasure teachings formerly revealed by Sangye Lama and Drakpa Nyonshechen disappeared and some were almost extinct during this solemn moment as predicted by Rinchen Lingpa in his Dzogchen teaching called ‘ delivering all by cutting one’ said ” When the lineages of teachings disappear in future, the blessed teaching of Vimala will benefit. The mind emanation of Vairo in the form of childish youth and aged will appear. It is possible that the teaching would be propagated by these three.”
In accordance to the above prophecy, through the joint effort of treasure revealer Chogyur Lingpa and Jamgon Khentse Wangpo, the empowerments of old treasures were rediscovered and disseminated widely in Tibet. The great pandit Kongtrul Yonten Gyamtso Lodro Thaye compiled all minor treasure teachings including old ones into ten volumes and titled them precious Minor Treasures. In addition he decided to collect the essence of treasure teachings based on completion stage, three roots, and Dharma protector whose lineages rarely existed in the world. He approached Jamyang Kyentse Rinpoche, the sovereign Lord of the Ocean- like- Mandala, to discuss his intention, and to know whether he could carry out the collection or not. If so, what steps he needed to follow. Since the Lord himself was also suggesting working on this. He praised him for carrying out this task. The Lord gave him the contents of the treasures which needed to be collected, directed him on their length, their arrangement and told him to name them ‘The precious treasure collection.’
Besides this, Guru Rinpoche appeared in person to the treasure revealer Chogyur Lingpa and handed him volumes of treasure teachings. He was told to entrust those treasures to someone which he did to Kongtrul Yonten Gyamtso by writing a letter of his delights after having heard about his noble work. Thus, the great pandit Kongtrul Yonten Gyamtso got appreciation from the two great masters who were prophesied many times in the treasure teachings of Guru Rinpoche. As a sign of good fortune for his compilation, he received some rare treasure texts. He mainly aimed to collect the scattered teachings of Guru Rinpoche. Since his works were solely dedicated for the sake of doctrine and beings, he worked tirelessly despite all hardships and propagated those collected teachings far and wide in Tibet.
He received the empowerments of distant oral teachings and all pith instructions from the highly realized masters who were free from the impurities of samaya. Those willing to know more details about this outstanding master may refer to his book called ‘Key to opening the hundreds of doors towards Manual transmission siddhi.’
-›› 3) How the precious treasure collection was compiled
The doctrines and intentions in general are incalculable. Therefore, only the most indispensable ones and some of the rarest teachings were included in the precious treasure collection and those which were debated and unconfirmed as authentic doctrines were left aside. From the four systems of teachings, (empowerment, explanation, generation and completion phases), as taught in Nyingma school only the empowerment and generation phases are included. The methods of bestowing empowerments were written by referring to the words of treasure revealer Terdag Lingpa. The Different teachings have unique methods of bestowing empowerments. These unique methods were also added. The essences of all three inner secret teachings, their root texts, methods of initiations, etc. were compiled as well.
So, in this unprecedented set, the precious treasure collection comprises sixty volumes. Later on, in India, His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche supplemented another ten volumes. Now the total volumes are seventy. There are over six hundred major and minor empowerments.
-›› 4) The reason for compilation
The Tibetans were rather secretive and the earlier treasure revealers already passed away. Consequently, the old precious treasure teachings although quite valuable were nearing extinction. Moreover, the new treasure teachings were in danger of being spoiled and destroyed by ill- willed ones. Therefore in order to save the teachings, the precious treasure collection was compiled.
Furthermore, some of the teachings that were of great benefit for temporarily pacifying obstacles as well liberating beings were rare. So in order to solve these deficits and benefit the followers of Guru Rinpoche they were compiled.
The goodwill of the benevolent compilers is unparalleled and we can never repay their kindness. Compassionately considering this period of degenerate times and for the welfare of uncountable beings the sublime light of the utmost doctrine was established in Tibet. As the great precious treasure collection and made never to set out. You are an entity of fathomless kindness.
You are the unparallell savior of all beings.
You are great beings, who were already prophesied equal to the peerless Guru who knows all three times. Please impartially govern all the beings and Tibetans at all the times and until we all attain Buddhahood.