The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1761 page)

(‘Lotus-born’; Tib., Padma’byu
-gnas). Prominent member of the Indian
siddha
tradition associated with the introduction of Buddhism to Tibet and founder of the
Nyingma
school. He is more commonly known by Nyingmapas as Gur
Rinpoche (Precious Teacher) and sometimes as the ‘second Buddha’. According to legend, Padmasambhava was born in O
iyana (possibly the Swat Valley in Pakistan) eight years after the Buddha's death, which would make him over a thousand years old when he visited Tibet. He took up the practice of
Tantra
, studied with many teachers including
nanda, was ordained as a monk and achieved many
siddhis
(superpowers). For several hundred years Padmasambhava wandered, giving teachings and performing miracles, until receiving the invitation to Tibet. His intervention there successfully cleared the way for the introduction of Buddhism. Accounts vary as to how long he stayed in Tibet. Some say he left soon after Samyé was completed, others that he stayed for fifty-five years. All accounts say that Trisong Detsen's ministers conspired against him, and whenever he did leave, he did so in appropriate fashion by riding his horse through the air.

 
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Padm
sana
.

The Lotus position, adopted for meditation, in which Hindu and Buddhist gods,
bodhisattvas
, etc., are often depicted. For details, see
SANA
.

 
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see
PURITY (ZOROASTRIAN)
.

 
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