Guru Padmasambhava is popularly known as Guru Rinpoche, the precious teacher. Guru Padmasambhava was a powerful Tantric Buddhist Master who was invited to Tibet in the eighth century to diffuse the Buddhism in Tibet. Guru Padmasambhava subdued many harmful influences and forces that hindered the spread of compassionate teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni. Through his miraculous powers and enlightened experiences, he taught many disciples who came out to be perfect masters of Tantric Buddhism. He is said to have twenty-five great disciples who were instrumental in preserving the sacred teachings of Lord Buddha till today through their various manifestations.

Guru Rinpoche is said to have eight manifestations called Guru Tsangye in peaceful and wrathful postures. Through them he caused Vajrayana dharma to spread widely in Nepal, India, Bhutan and Tibet. Guru Rinpoche is revered as founder of Nyingma or ancient tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetans believe Guru Rinpoche is no different from Shakyamuni Buddha himself.

Guru Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche’s body is depicted as golden in color. His hat is usually red. So Nyingmapa is generally called red hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Guru Padmasambhava wears different robes of differing colors symbolizing his enlightened experiences and attainments. Guru Padmasambhava inner garment is white symbolizing clear light aspect of his mind and the outer garment is of a red color which means he has deep and great compassion for all sentient beings. His outermost coat is brown symbolizing his renunciation. Guru Padmasambhava is seated upon a lotus of alternating blue with red and green with orange petals.