Over a number of years, profiles of the different Buddhist traditions of Tibet have appeared in Rigpa’s Tibetan Calendar.
Upon Sogyal Rinpoche’s request, they have been compiled here, and accompany the reproduction of a set of five unique ‘Rimé thangkas’ commisioned by Orgyen Topgyal Rinpoche that show the Buddha and the principal figures in the development of the main Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
Apart from the initial praise of the Buddha, the verses quoted in each section come from a prayer composed by Kyabjé Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, to be found in his Practice of the Masters of All Lineages (Tib. Rimé Lachö).
For their inspiration, help and guidance in compiling these portraits of the Tibetan Buddhist lineages, many thanks are due to H.H. Sakya Trizin, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, Sogyal Rinpoche, Orgyen Topgyal Rinpoche, Lodi Gyari Rinpoche, Tulku Thondup Rinpoche, Ringu Tulku Rinpoche, E. Gene Smith, Khenpo Pema Wangdrak, the Sakya Centre, Peter Roberts and many others.
