Padmasambhava

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/padmasambhava

1. What is Padmasambhava known for?
2. What is the designation?
3. What is the historical period?
4. What does the name Padmasambhava mean and why is he called the Lotus-Born Guru?
5. Who invited Padmasambhava to Tibet and why?

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is Padmasambhava known for?Promulgator of 'termas' (hidden spiritual treasures) and Vajrayana teachings like Dzogchen
2. What is the designation?The 'Second Buddha' in Tibetan Buddhism
3. What is the historical period?8th century CE
4. What does the name Padmasambhava mean and why is he called the Lotus-Born Guru?Padmasambhava means "born from a lotus." He was said to have emerged from a lotus flower in a lake, showing his special, divine nature.
5. Who invited Padmasambhava to Tibet and why?King Trisong Detsen asked Padmasambhava to come to Tibet. He wanted help to bring Buddhist teachings and to overcome the older Bon religion.

Vajrayana Buddhism: A branch of Mahayana Buddhism characterized by tantric practices and rapid paths to enlightenment.
Dzogchen: The 'Great Perfection', a central teaching in the Nyingma school emphasizing direct realization of the nature of mind.
Terton: A 'treasure revealer' in Tibetan Buddhism who discovers hidden spiritual teachings (termas).
Bon: The indigenous spiritual tradition of Tibet, predating the arrival of Buddhism.