Guru Padmasambhava is one of the most revered historical figures in Tibet. A Mahasiddha (Dubthob) from India , he traveled to Tibet in the eighth century to conquer the indigenous demons and disseminate the dharma. There are eight main manifestations of Guru Padmasambhava in Tibetan iconography. The most popular manifestation, and the name by which he is known by in Tibet , is Guru Rinpoche, the Precious Teacher. Guru Padmasambhava, the Lotus – born – popularly known as Guru Rinpoche, the Precious Master — is revered throughout the Himalayan ranges as a Second Buddha. Invited from India in the eighth century to subjugate the forces inhibiting the spread

of Shakyamuni's teachings, he managed to transform hitherto hostile powers into guardians and protectors of the pure dharma and, in the process, left an indelible mark on the entire Himalayan region. Guru Rinpoche is surrounded by various adepts and deities of the Nyingma order.