by Deirdre Collings

This issue of Ordinary Mind features the Nyingma tradition - the oldest of the Tibetan Buddhist lineages. The Nyingma (old tradition) school was formed from the first diffusion of Buddhism in Tibet (7th -9th centuries). It has its origin in what is now the Svatt Valley of Pakistan and the ancient kingdom of Shang Shung (Zhang Zhung) in Tibet. Its most notable founders were Garab Dorje, Sri Singha, Vairocana and the famous Padmasambhava who is considered a second Buddha in the tradition - who introduced a variety of tantras to Tibet. When the Sarma (new tradition) schools - the Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug - formed in the 11th - 15th centuries, a different textual tradition began to predominate in Tibet. Thus, the Nyingmapas have their own texts, codified in the Ancient Tantra Collection (nyingma gyubum). Despite being the oldest school in Tibet however, the Nyingma tradition is still as vibrant as ever, due mostly to contemporary great Nyingma masters such as the late His Holiness Dujom Rinpoche, His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and other luminaries of this great tradition. The path of this tradition is also unique in its system of nine vehicles (yana), which culminates in the practice of Dzogchen (great perfection). While Dzogchen is something of an 'instaneous path', it must be understood within the context of these nine vehicles.

Khenpo Palden Sherab Rinpoche discusses Dzogchen meditation within the context of Vajrayana, showing how tantric techniques can be utilised to gain insight into the nature of the mind. Venerable Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche gives throught-provoking discussion on some of the aspects of the Longchen Nyingthig, a mind terma of Jigme Lingpa which he received from Gyalwa Longchenpa in an ecstatic mystical visionary experience. His Eminence Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche emphasises the fundamental aspects of the Buddhist path and shows how these should never be lost sight of when doing higher practices. An excerpt from Venerable Traleg Rinpoche's own translation of The Circle of the Sun, on thogal practice, is also included. Venerable Chogyal Namkai Norbu eruditely places the Dzogchen tradition within the context of Sutra and Tantra, highlighting the importance of understanding each aspect of the Buddhist path. Venerable Sogyal Rinpoche explains the Dzogchen view in simple clear language, showing us how close the view is to our everyday experience without losing any of the profundity of the Dzogchen vision. Finally, Keith Dowman examines the enigma of the Dzogchen path - that we already are the great perfection and any striving to gain something only leads us further from our goal. He also provides an historical overview of the Dzogchen tradition within the Nyingma school.

In addition to these articles, we have our regular features: a forum from one of the annual Buddhist Summer Schools held in Melbourne every January, which discusses the roles of modern women in Buddhism. There is also an interview by the editor and publisher of Paper Magazine with the Venerable Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche on the role of terrorism in our society in the aftermath of the September 11 tragedy in New York. The recent phenomena of books by His Holiness the Dalai lama is critically examined Gabrielle Lafitte and a number of other Buddhist books are reviewed by local readers.

We hope you enjoy reading this summer issue and that the inspirational teachings of these eminent Nyingma masters stimulate your further interest in the profundity and scope of the Buddhadharma.