Following in Your Footsteps

GURU PADMASAMBHAVA was miraculously born within a blossoming lotus flower on the shore of Lake Dhanakosha in the northwest of Uddiyana. Known as Padmasambhava, the Lotus-Born, he grew to adulthood in the kingdom of Uddiyana and travelled extensively thereafter through ancient India, in search of realized masters of sutra and tantra with whom to study the Dharma. The Lotus-Born Guru then travelled to Nepal, where he engaged in rigorous practices and extraordinary displays of compassion. Finally, he reached Tibet at the invitation of the renowned Dharma King Trisong Detsen, taking teachings with him that would inspire and transform, and that continue to do so to this day.

Following in Your Footsteps ¿ The Lotus-Born Guru in Nepal connects the reader with the sacred sites of Padmasambhava ¿ the forefather of Tibetan Buddhism. It provides guidance through multiple resources, so that today¿s practitioners can follow in his footsteps and bring blessings onto their path. This book is the first of a three-part series dedicated to the sacred sites of the Lotus-Born in Nepal, India, and Tibet. To begin, Nepal¿s Kathmandu plays a pivotal role in his life story, fueled by his commanding aspiration. As he journeyed to many places outside the valley, he left an incredible imprint on each one. Wherever he went, he practiced, gave powerful instructions, subjugated negative energies, and left a legacy present to this very day. Travel with us through these pages and discover the history and benefits of practices offered to support our pilgrimage.

Following in Your Footsteps: The Lotus-Born Guru in NepalTable of ContentsIntroduction The Blessing of Guru RinpocheA Teaching by Neten Chokling Rinpoche Guru Rinpoche, the Buddha for our TimesA Teaching by Phakchok Rinpoche Editors¿ Introduction Sacred Sites: An Introduction The Gurüs Journey: An IntroductionMain Part A Wish-fulfilling Gem: The Great Jarung Kashor Stupa Binding the Dakinis: The Lhundrup Tsek Charnel Ground Sanctuary of Unending Life: The Caves of Maratika Sowing the Seeds of Awakening: The Land of Ngatubcan The Naturally Arisen Stupa: The Hill of Swayambhunath The Place of Awakening: The Caves of Asura and Yangleshö Conquering the Demons: The Hills of Ya Ri Nak Spring of Awakening: The Waters of Chumig Changchub Home of the Mahasiddhas: The Monastery of E-Vihara A Garland of Jewels: The Avalokiteshvara Brothers Taming Local Spirits: The Valley of Tsawarong A Quest for the Destined Consort: The Town of BhaktapurConclusion A Selection of Prayers to Guru Rinpoche Notes Glossary Bibliography