The words of advice collected in this book are part of the ancient tradition of religious texts known as terma (treasures)—works that were hidden in secret places during the first spread of Buddhism in Tibet, in the ninth century, to be rediscovered by qualified persons (tertons) and newly expounded to future generations. According to legend, Padmasambhava’s oral teachings to his chief disciple—Yeshe Tsogyal, Princess of Kharchen—were recorded in coded language called dakini script and concealed for centuries.

The selections in Dakini Teachings are timely advice—short, direct instructions relating to the three levels of Buddhist practice: Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. The main emphasis of Padmasambhava’s teaching is that spiritual knowledge must be personalized and not remain as mere theory.

The book includes an introductory discourse by Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche and a short biography of Padmasambhava by Jamgon Kongtrul the First.