The Nyingma Lineage Tree is a Buddhist painting that symbolizes the transmission of the Nyingma lineage from the Buddha Shakyamuni to the present day. The painting was created in the 12th century and is one of the most important works of art in the Nyingma tradition.
Purpose
The purpose of the lineage tree is to “symbolize the embodiment of Enlightened awareness in which one goes to refuge externally before realizing the true nature within.”
Main Figures
The main figure in this refuge tree is Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) and his consort, Yeshe Tsogyal. Around them are figures of other Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and teachers who have transmitted the Nyingma teaching from generation to generation.
Some of the main figures depicted in the painting include:
- Buddha Shakyamuni – the founder of Buddhism
- Padmasambhava – the founder of the Nyingma school
- Arya Avalokiteshvara – the bodhisattva of compassion
- Vairochana – the Buddha of wisdom
- Samantashri – the Buddha of emptiness
Lines of Transmission
The painting is divided into two main lines of transmission:
- The Samantabhadra Lineage begins with the Buddha Shakyamuni and is transmitted through Padmasambhava, Vimalamitra, Jnanamitra, and Yeshe Tsogyal.
- The Vairocana Lineage begins with the Buddha Shakyamuni and is transmitted through Trisong Detsen, Longchenpa, Jigme Lingpa, Zongsar Khyentse, Jigme Gyalwe Nyugu, Adzom Drukpa, Mipham Rinpoche, Minling Namkha Dorje, Khenpo Shenga, Tenpei Nyima, Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje, Kunsang Shepten, Patrul Rinpoche, Thubten Chokyi Dorje, Dilgo Khyentse, Nyoshul Lungtok Tenpe Nyima, and Gyalsé Shenpen Thayé.
Other Figures
In addition to the main figures, the painting also depicts other figures representing various aspects of the Nyingma teaching. These include:
- Shravakas and Pratyekabuddhas such as Shariputra, Maudgalyayana, Ananda, Rahula, Aniruddha, Kashyapa, Subhuti, and Katyayana.
- Bodhisattvas such as Manjushri, Avalokiteshvara, Vajrapani, Maitreya, Kshitigarbha, Akshobhya, and Sarvanivaranavishkambin.
- Meditation deities such as Dechen Gyalmo and Chenrezig.
- Buddhas of the Three Times such as Kashyapa (past), Shakyamuni (present), and Maitreya (future).
- Dharma protectors such as Dorje Edolkar, Manima, Dorje Lekpa, Ekajati, Rahula, Maning Nakpo, and Tsering Ma.
- Offering goddesses.
Conclusion
The Nyingma Lineage Tree is an important work of art that symbolizes the transmission of the Nyingma teaching from the Buddha Shakyamuni to the present day. The painting is a reminder of the importance of continuous learning and practice that lead to enlightenment.
