Brief Explanation of the Peling Chokor

Within the Nyingma tradition, two principal streams of transmission are preserved: the Kama, the long canonical lineage of oral teachings, and the Terma, the near lineage of "Revealed Treasures." Through the aspirations and blessings of Guru Rinpoche, many Tertöns (treasure revealers) appeared across the Himalayas to preserve the Dharma, beginning with Sangye Lama and including the 108 Great Tertöns, 1,002 Minor Tertöns, and the Five Sovereign Terton Kings. Among these, the fourth Terton King is Rigzin Pema Lingpa (1450–1521).

1. The Divine Prophecy of Princess Pema Sel

The lineage of Pema Lingpa traces back to the 8th century and Princess Lhacham Pema Sel, the daughter of King Trisong Detsen. Before she passed away at the age of eight, Guru Rinpoche bestowed blessings upon her and prophesied that she would be reborn in future lives to hold his secret teachings. As stated in the Tsedrup Dorje Threngwa (The Vajra Rosary of Longevity), this prophecy foretold the birth of a "heart-son" named Pema in the region of Bumthang.

2. Birth and Sacred Discovery

Following five pure rebirths—the most recent being the omniscient scholar Longchen Rabjam—she was reborn as Pema Lingpa in 1450 at Baribrang, Tang Valley, Bumthang. He was born to his father, Döndrup Zangpo, and mother, Pema Drolma.

At age twenty-seven, Guru Rinpoche appeared to him in the form of a monk and entrusted him with the Prophetic List of 108 Treasure Locations (Kha-byang). This sacred document served as a divine map, pinpointing the specific cliffs, lakes, and temples where his treasures were hidden. Shortly after, following the directions of this list at the sacred Mebar Tsho (The Burning Lake), Pema Lingpa revealed the Dzogchen Klongsel Sangwa Nyingchü cycle in public, marking the official start of his activities as a Terton.

3. The Peling Choekor: Pema Lingpa's Dharma Cycles

Throughout his life, Pema Lingpa revealed 32 treasures, including both religious teachings (Chö-ter) and sacred objects (Rzey-ter). These revelations were recovered from various lakes, cliffs, and temples throughout Bhutan and Tibet. The religious cycles are collectively known as the Peling Choekor, classified into thirteen primary sets:

1. Guru (Lama) Cycle: Includes the Zhi-wa Yangsang Kor-gu (nine most secret peaceful forms) and Drakpo Che-Dring-Chung Sum (elementary, intermediate, and highest wrathful forms).

2. Dzogchen (Great Perfection) Cycle: Includes the Phama Bu-sum (the Father, Mother, and Son—the three cycles of Great Perfection), providing the path from the vast view to the pith essence.

3. Thukje Chenpo (Avalokiteshvara) Cycle: Includes Zhi-Drak Nyi (peaceful and wrathful), containing methods for cultivating great compassion.

4. Tshepame (Amitayus) Cycle: Includes Tshe-drub Chyi-nang Nyi (outer and inner longevity practices).

5. Kagyé (Eight Herukas) Cycle: A comprehensive system titled the Yangsang Thuki Melong (Secret Mirror of the Mind).

6. Phurba (Vajrakilaya) Cycle: The fierce practice of the Kilaya for destroying ego and dualistic clinging.

7. Men-drub (Medicinal Nectar) Cycle: Rituals focused on the creation of sacred medicinal substances and the realization of "Dharma Nectar."

8. Tamdrin (Hayagriva) Cycle: Includes Tamdrin Mar-nag Nyi (red and black Hayagriva), featuring manifestations of the horse-headed deity.

9. Chakdor (Vajrapani) Cycle: Includes Chakdor Drek-tum Nyi (haughtiness and wrath), cycles focused on the "Wrathful Tamer" embodying the power of all Buddhas.

10. Chokyong (Dharma Protectors) Cycle: Specific guardians assigned to protect the Peling lineage and its practitioners from obstacles.

11. Nagpo (Black Wrathful Deities) Cycle: Includes Nagpo Kor-sum (three divisions of black deities) used for the intense suppression of negative spirits and obstacles.

12. Letrhen Natshog Cycle: A collection of miscellaneous rituals covering enlightened activities, wealth, and practical spiritual needs.

13. Kathang (Chronicles) Cycle: Historical records and chronicles that clarify the lineage, prophecies, and origins of these sacred treasures.

The October Empowerments

The sacred Peling Choekhor oral transmissions and empowerments to be bestowed this coming October will include the complete Peling Choekhor and feature supportive teachings (gyab-chö) authored by the Peling Yabsey and other masters.