Venerated Guru Padmasambhava (vegetarian): Tantric Master and Lotus-Born Divine Incarnate, Part 2 of 2

In Bodhgaya, while exhibiting some of the exceptional signs of His realization, the Guru was challenged by an old lady to show proof of His teacher and lineage. When He answered that He had no teacher and there wasn’t a need for one, He was ridiculed. After this incident, for the sake of showing latter generations the indispensability of having a Master, the all-knowing, fully enlightened Padmasambhava pretended to be a spiritual aspirant, seeking out India’s accomplished Masters to gain the full and complete teachings of Secret Mantra.

Padmasambhava learned from various great Masters. From Prabhahasti, while ordained under the name of Shakya Senge, He studied the scriptures of Yoga Tantra, instantaneously comprehending the teachings as they were revealed. His spiritual search took Him next to the nun Kungamo and was given the secret name of Loden Choksé, meaning “Super Knowledge Holder.” Here is some food for thought from the teachings of the Venerated Guru Padmasambhava: “If you want to know your past life, look at your present condition. If you want to know your future life, look at your present actions.”

During His time on Earth, Guru Padmasambhava has had many adventures requiring Him to perform miraculous feats. Records from various biographies state that on four or more occasions, Guru Padmasambhava survived attempts to burn Him at the stake. Despite the huge bonfire that was lit, Guru Padmasambhava stood amidst the flames and transformed them into water. Soon, a lake formed around Him. He sat in the center of this wondrous lake upon a beautiful lotus flower. The king could not believe his eyes and fell to the ground, prostrating before Guru Padmasambhava, earnestly requesting His teachings. Mandarava and the nuns were released, and Guru Padmasambhava brought the entire Oddiyana kingdom to embrace the Buddhadharma. By the same means in another manifestation, He was again captured to be burnt by the violent King Ashoka, who Guru Padmasambhava then converted into the most peaceful Buddhist king of his time.

Today, pilgrims and tourists from all over the world go to the Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, and Tibet to visit Guru Padmasambhava’s many sacred practice sites and caves where He meditated. Some still hold Guru Padmasambhava’s foot, hand, and body imprints. His sacred terma teachings, concealed in secret locations and unveiled at opportune moments, continue to be revealed to the benefit of unborn generations, even to this day.