Nyingma

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.