The widely renowned tantra of the Early Translations which, according to Jam-gőn Kongtrŭl, is the chief of the Eighteen Mahayoga Tantras, exalted above them all like the banner of victory. The first text in the Nyingma Gyūbum, vol. PHA. A great number of commentaries on this tantra is found in the Nyingma Kama collection. +
Born in Lower Nyal, he was one of the first Tibetans to take ordination. An adept translator, he journeyed to India where he received transmission from Hungkara and attained the body of nondual wisdom. Namkhai Nyingpo is also counted among the twenty-five disciples of Guru Rinpoche. He received the transmission of Vishuddha Mind through the practice of which he was able to fly on the rays of the sun. When meditating in Splendid Long Cave of Kharchu at Lhodrak, he had visions of numerous yidams and attained the vidyadhara level of mahamudra. Finally, he departed for celestial realms without leaving a corpse behind. +
"Equalizing Buddhahood." A Mahayoga scripture. Three tantras of this name are found in the Nyingma Gyūbum, vol. MA. Sometimes counted as the tantra of enlightened body, from among the Eighteen Mahayoga Tantras. +
One of the eight vidyadharas, the receiver of the transmissions of Liberating Sorcery of Mother Deities, Mamo Bŏtong. Not much is available about his life, except his birthplace in the Thogar area of Uddiyana. +
"Knowledge-holder." Holder (Skt. dhara) or bearer of knowledge (Skt. vidya) mantra. A realized master on one of the four stages on the tantric path of Mahayoga, the tantric equivalent of the eleven levels. Another definition is the bearer of the profound method, the knowledge that is the wisdom of deity, mantra, and great bliss. +
"Vajra-holder." The dharmakaya buddha of the Sarma Schools. Can also refer to one's personal teacher of Vajrayana or to the all-embracing buddha nature. +
Listed in chapter 12. An alternative list is given by Shechen Gyaltsab in his historical work entitled the Pond of White Lotus Flowers and in Guru Tashi Tobgyaľs Ocean of Wondrous Sayings to Delight the Darned Ones: (1—5) Five basic root tantras of body, speech, mind, quality, and activity: Sarvahuddha Samayoga, Secret Moon Essence, Assemblage of Secrets, Glorious Supreme Primal Tantra, and Activity Garland. (6—10) Five display tantras functioning as the utilization of sadhana practice: Heruka Display Tantra, Supreme Steed Display Tantra, Compassion Display Tantra, Nectar Display Tantra, and Twelvefold Kilaya Tantra. (11—15) Five tantras functioning as subsidiaries to conduct: Mountain Pile, Awesome Wisdom Lightning, Arrangement of Samaya, One-Pointed Samadhi, and the Rampant Elephant Tantra. (16—17) Two subsequent tantras of amending incompleteness: Magical Net of Vairochana and Skillful Lasso. (18) The one outstanding tantra that epitomizes them all: The Essence of Secrets, the Tantra of the Magical Net of Vajrasattva, also known as Guhyagarbha. +