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Nyingma
The “ancient” school of Tibetan Buddhism, associated with Padmasambhava, terma revelations, and Dzogchen.
Nyingma (rnying ma, “ancient”) is regarded as the oldest of Tibet’s major Buddhist schools. It traces its origins to the early dissemination of Buddhism in Tibet and to figures such as Padmasambhava, Śāntarakṣita, and King Trisong Detsen.
Distinctive features include the nine-yāna classification of practice, a strong terma (treasure) tradition of revealed teachings, and Dzogchen — the “Great Perfection” — as a pinnacle path pointing to the natural state of mind. Major Nyingma monasteries historically included Mindrolling, Dorje Drak, and Katok; in the diaspora, centers such as Namdroling and many Western sanghas continue the lineage.
Practices
Dzogchen
Direct introduction to rigpa (awareness) and practices of trekchö and tögal under qualified guidance.
Terma practice
Sadhanas and cycles revealed by tertöns and transmitted through specific treasure lineages.
Ngöndro
Preliminary practices as presented in texts such as *The Words of My Perfect Teacher*.
Texts
The Words of My Perfect Teacher
Patrul Rinpoche
The Tibetan Book of the Dead
Various (Bardo Thödol tradition)
Famous Nyingma-associated funerary instructions.