Padmasambhava was a highly significant historical figure who played a decisive role in establishing Buddhism in Tibet. He was born in Udyana [Kashmir]. His exact date of birth is unknown. Most historians place his life around the 8th century; he was likely born between 720 and 750 CE.
In the 8th century CE, the Tibetan king Trisong Detsen [755–797] sent a delegation to India to invite the highly revered guru Padmasambhava to his country. He was a Buddhist master and played a significant role in the development of esoteric Buddhism. His reception in Tibet was warm and marked by great reverence.
The main reason for his invitation was to introduce and establish Buddhism in Tibet. In the 8th century, Trisong Detsen sought to make Buddhism the primary religious and cultural foundation of his empire. However, there was resistance, as the older Tibetan Bön religion was still very strong. According to traditional accounts, the construction of the first major Buddhist monastery, Samye, was hindered by »demonic forces« and conflicts. Padmasambhava was regarded as a master of tantric practices and was tasked with overcoming these obstacles.
Together with the scholar Shantarakshita, Padmasambhava helped in this endeavor
- spreading Buddhist teachings
- building monasteries
- translating texts and
- permanently establishing Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet
He remained in the country for fifty years, founded monasteries, and taught the Tantra-Yogacarya doctrine. He established Buddhism in Tibet not by destroying local spirits, demons, and deities [belonging to the Bon religion], but by subjugating them and binding them through oaths as »Dharmapalas« to serve the Buddhist teachings and protect practitioners. His title »Guru Rinpoche« means »Precious Teacher«.
For many Tibetans, he remains not only a great teacher but also an enlightened figure of almost mythical stature.
His two spiritual consorts, Yeshe Tsogyal and Mandarava, are regarded as great teachers. Yeshe Tsogyal was born in Tibet. According to tradition, she was initially associated with King Trisong Detsen. Mandarava came from Zahor, India. They symbolize feminine wisdom and embody tantric practice. The women of Tibet, in particular, continue to revere them to this day because they emphasized that enlightenment is attainable for all genders.
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