White Lotus: An Explanation of the Seven-line Prayer to Guru Padmasambhava

by Jamgön Mipham, Padmakara Translation Group (Translation), Wulstan Fletcher (Translator)

The commentary translated in these pages is unusual and rare. But if the commentary is a rarity, its subject matter—the seven-line invocation of Padmasambhava—is one of the best-known prayers in the Tibetan Buddhist world.

The overall significance of the Seven-Line Prayer is perhaps best appreciated in relation to a practice called guru-yoga, or "union with the nature of the guru." The purpose of guru-yoga is to purify and deepen the student's relationship with his or her teacher. It is introduced as one of the preliminary practices, and it remains crucial—in fact, its importance increases—as one progresses through the more advanced levels of the tantric path. The cultivation of devotion to the guru and the blending of one's mind with his or her enlightened mind is, in the words of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, "the most vital and necessary of all practices and is in itself the surest and fastest way to reach the goal of enlightenment."

Regarding the origin of this commentary, Mipham refers in the colophon to an event that triggered the abrupt appearance in his mind of the hidden meaning of the prayer. It is interesting to note that the language Mipham uses suggests that the commentary itself is not an ordinary composition but perhaps a treasure teaching, specifically a "mind-treasure" or gongter.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality, Nonfiction

128 pages, Hardcover

First published December 11, 2007

About the author

Ju Mipham Rinpoche (Tibetan ཇུ་མི་ཕམ་, Wylie 'ju mi pham) or Jamgön Mipham Gyatso (འཇམ་མགོན་མི་ཕམ་རྒྱ་མཚོ་, 'jam mgon mi pham rgya mtsho) was a great Nyingma master and writer of the 19th century, student of Jamgön Kongtrul, Jamyang Khyentsé Wangpo and Patrul Rinpoche.

Like all Tibetan authors, Mipham Rinpoche uses several names in the colophons to his works, which may then be rendered into English in several ways, including:

Dhih
Jampal Dorje
Jampal Gyepé Dorjé (Wyl. ‘jam dpal dgyes pa’i rdo rje)
Lodrö Drimé
Mipham Choklé Namgyal
Mipham Gyatso
Mipham Jampal Gyepa'i Dorje

Reviews

[Zuzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are very lucky to have this kind of text in English. Originally written in Tibetan by a great buddhist master of realization, this book is regarded as rather secret and not in common use amongst Tibetan buddhist scholars, as it's classed among "higher level" texts, which (I agree) can be understood and appreciated only by those with some training in basics of the Tibetan buddhist thought. I recommend it to every such person. Needless to say it's a must-read for any follower of the teachings of Guru Padma and Ju Mipham.

[Mckinley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Padmasambhava, Guru Rinpoche, was a historical teacher who is said to have finally converted Tibet to Buddhism. Hence the multiple references to the Tibetan language in this text and how they impact the Dharma teaching and mediation.

Wonderful explanation of the Seven Line Prayer (which is part of a longer verse) and how it contains practices to ensure the fastest and surest way to enlightenment covering the literal meaning along with several additional explanations for the path of liberation, skillful means, perfection stages and how to use in practice.

Oṃ Āḥ Hūṃ Vajra Guru Padma Siddhi Hūṃ

In Orgyen's land, up on its northwest rim
On lotus, pistil-cup, and stem,
Wondrous, supreme mastery you found
And as the Lotus-Born you are renowned.
A ring of many ḍākinis encircles you,
And in your footsteps practicing we follow you.
To grant your blessings, come, we pray.

GURU PADMA SIDDHI HŪṂ

[Loretta]

This has been sitting on my kobo half-read for well over a year- I got inspired to start it at a retreat some while back and then the, well, incomprehensibility of it somewhat dimmed the inspiration. Anyway, I finished it today. not giving it a rating because it's just not that kind of book, but even if I can't say I really understood it, it did inspire me to go looking for more accessible readings on vajrayana buddhism.

[André Pais · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read three quarters a couple of years ago and, although many sections were actually highlighted, I felt somewhat not totally satisfied.

Yesterday I finished the book and it was pure gold. Very profound.

Highly recommended little book, especially for those connected to this Prayer, to Padmasambhava and/or Mipham Rinpoche.

[Nor'dzin Pamo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little book does exactly what it says in the title - it explains the seven line prayer. It is explained several times to cover the outer, inner, secret and ultimate meaning of the seven line prayer. The explanations are clear and succinct, and then further elaborated by quoting various other texts. It is not an easy-read - rather a book to study. The depth of explanation will take some time to digest and comprehend. This will be a study book for me for a while.

[Landon Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well translated and concise commentary on the varying levels of understanding encapsulated within this short, daily prayer.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For initiates of Vajrayana Buddhism this book is a blessing. Short but dense with fascinating information, it explains the many levels of meaning of the Seven Line Prayer.

[Eugene Pustoshkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Это не просто комментарий к семистрочной молитве, а великое философско-созерцательное произведение с активным психоактивным конденсатом.

[Anjalica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great explanation with lots of knowledge and wisdom. Thank you

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an essential text for all Vajrayana practitioners. The sadhana included at the end of the text is concise and beautiful, and I will absolutely incorporate it into my daily meditation.

[a · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book if you’re interested in padmasambhava

[Natalia Candido · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorei as explicações sobre a prática da prece de sete linhas e foi bastante elucidativo.

[Riobhcah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. What a wonderful explanation of my favourite prayer on many different levels -- from the literal meaning to the esoteric and cosmic. I would highly recommend this to anyone who would like to learn more about Guru Rinpoche and the meaning of the Seven-line Prayer or for someone who would like to learn more about Tibetan Buddhism.

[George Ilsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic text, both simple and profound. Someone could study this little book for the rest of their lives, and get something more out of it each time they bring more to it. Since my understanding is very shallow and spotty, much escaped me. I can only hope I managed to absorb a little.

Should I say "Vajra Guru Padma" or "Benzar Guru Pema" ? That is my big question of the day.

[A.B. McFarland · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I could understand of this was awesome and mind-expanding, but I'll be the first to admit that some of it went clear over my head. I'd like to read it again in a few years.

[Riku · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice book! :)

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing how each phase of the prayer has many hidden meanings. Well woth the read

[D Schmudde]

It's impossible for me to rate this book, so much of it escaped me. However, the insights I was afforded had a deep impact on my practice. I'm looking forward to revisiting it in a few years.