Presented by David Germano
Discussants: Jue Liang and Janet Gyatso
Facilitator: Elena Pakhoutova
Padmasambhava’s teachings are primarily preserved in texts classified as treasures (terma). This unique tradition asserts that he concealed his teachings, both in the physical landscape and in the minds of his disciples in 8th-century Tibet, and prophesied their future revelation. Padmasambhava’s Tibetan consort Yeshe Tsogyal is said to have been instrumental in the gathering and continuation of his teachings. This session will explore the treasure tradition’s historical development by focusing on the complex issue of the discoverer’s identity and the process of revelation, as evidenced in the Heart Essence of the Ḍākinīs (mkha’ ’gro snying thig) and the Innermost Essence of the Ḍākinīs (mkha’ ’gro yang thig), two collections of terma teachings from the 14th century. The presentation will be followed by responses from the two discussants, paying special attention to the important role of consorts in the concealment and revelation of treasures.
