Nyingma facts for kids

Longchenpa, a famous Nyingma teacher, shown in a wall painting.

Nyingma is the name of one of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Think of it like a very old family of teachings! The word "Nyingma" actually means "ancient" or "oldest."

Followers of the Nyingma school believe they hold the very first teachings of Vajrayana, which is a special path in Buddhism. These teachings were brought to Tibet a long, long time ago. Some of these ancient ideas even connect with the local Bön religion that was already in Tibet.

What is the Nyingma School?

The Nyingma school is known for being the oldest tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It began with a very important person named Padmasambhava. He is often called the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. He came to Tibet in the 8th century.

Nyingma teachings focus on a deep understanding of the mind. They aim to help people find inner peace and wisdom. This school has many different lines of teaching. Each line started with Padmasambhava and his first students.

Important Teachers

Over the years, many wise teachers have led the Nyingma school. They have helped to keep the ancient teachings alive. These teachers share their knowledge with new students.

Some famous Nyingma teachers from more recent times include:

• Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche (who lived from 1904 to 1987)
• Sogyal Rinpoche
• Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
• Khenpo Choga Rinpoche
• Khyentse Norbu (who is also a filmmaker!)
• Penor Rinpoche

These teachers have helped spread the Nyingma teachings around the world. They have also written many important books.

Images for kids

• GURU PADMASAMBHABA Lhuntse, Bhutan.jpg

  Statue of Padmasambhava, in Bhutan, a founder of the Nyingma school

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  Part of the Dzogchen text The cuckoo of awareness, from Dunhuang.

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  Drapa Ngonshe, 11th century terton

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  Nyangrel Nyima Ozer, 11th century terton.

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  Jigme Lingpa

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  Jamgon Ju Mipham Gyatso.

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  Vajrakilaya

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  Mindrolling Monastery, Tibet

See also

In Spanish: Nyingma para niños