In English translation for the first time, this is "the most authoritative scripture" regarding how the Dharma was planted in Tibet, according to His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. Titled in the original Tibetan "The Sanglingma Life Story," it was recorded by the dakini Yeshe Tsogyal, concealed in the ninth century at Sanglingma (Copper Temple) in Samye, and revealed by Nyang Ral Nyima Oser in the twelfth century. In addition to narrating the legendary story of a unique spiritual personality, the book contains oral instructions and advice that he left for the benefit of future generations.

Also included are "A Clarification of the Life of Padmasambhava" by Tsele Natsok Rangdrol, an extensive glossary and index, and a bibliography of Tibetan and English sources.

The Lotus Born: The Life Story of Padmasambhava, Yeshe Tsogyal, Erik Pema Kunsang (Translator ) Rangjung Yeshe Publications, Paperback, 320 pp, $22.00

Yeshe Tsogyal is the preeminent lady of Tibetan Buddhism. While most - if not all- of what we know about her life is highly mythologized, she is revered by Tibetans as a foremost disciple and consort of Padmasambhava, the eighth-century tantric master credited with a seminal role in establishing Buddhism in Tibet. Yeshe Tsogyal is also celebrated for transcribing Padmasambhava's teachings and concealing them as treasures across the Tibetan and Himalayan landscape, to be revealed by successive tertons, or "treasure revealers" during times of strife.

Erik Pema Kunsang is a dharma teacher and one of the world�s most accomplished translators of Buddhist literature from Tibet. He is the cofounder of Rangjung Yeshe Publications, an independent publisher of Vajrayana Buddhist texts in English, and the author of many books, including Blazing Splendor, Gateway to Knowledge, The Light of Wisdom, Wellsprings of the Great Perfection, and Treasures from Juniper Ridge. He is also a board member of 84000, a major project to translate all the words of the Buddha into English. For more information, visit www.erikpemakunsang.com.

CONTENTS: The Lotus Born: The Life Story of Padmasambhava
Foreword by His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche			1
Translator's Preface			3
Clarifying the True Meaning by Tsele Natsok Rangdrol			7
THE COPPER TEMPLE LIFE STORY OF PADMASAMBHAVA
	Prologue		29
	1.	Padmasambhava becomes the son of King Indrabodhi and ascends the royal throne.	31
	2.	Padmasambhava practices in the charnel grounds and is blessed by the dakinis.	37
	3.	Padmasambhava follows his gurus, receives teachings, and shows the manner of mind-training.	41
	4.	Padmasambhava converts people by means of miracles, tames heretics, and vastly benefits the Buddhist teachings.	45
	5.	Padmasambhava accomplishes the vidyadhara level of mahamudra by means of Vishuddha and Kilaya.	52
	6.	The king of Tibet takes hold of his kingdom.	55
	7.	The king awakens faith in the Dharma, invites Master Bodhisattva to Tibet to fulfill his aspiration, and lays the foundation for the temple.	57
	8.	Padmasambhava goes to Tibet out of compassion and meets with the emissaries.	59
	9.	Master Padma binds all gods and demons of Tibet under oath.	62
	10.	Padmasambhava is invited to the palace of Red Rock and tames the building site.	65
	11.	His Majesty the King and Master Padma erect glorious Samye and perform its consecration.	71
	12.	The two masters, Padmasambhava and Khenpo Bodhisattva, and the two translators, Kawa Paltsek and Chokro Lui Gyaltsen, translate and establish the teachings of Secret Mantra.	75
	13.	Five Tibetan monks go to India to search for teachings and Master Namkhai Nyingpo attains accomplishment.	83
	14.	Vairochana of Pagor goes to India in pursuit of the Dharma and is expelled to Tsawarong.	90
	15.	The king establishes the law of the Buddhadharma.	98
	16.	Master Vimalamitra is invited and Vairochana's expulsion regretted.	105
	17.	The Dharma teachings are translated and established at Samye.	113
	18.	Padmasambhava performs supportive rituals for the king and extends his life span.	117
	19.	Master Padma transmits the the sadhanas of Secret Mantra and the king and the disciples engage in sadhana practice.	122
	20.	Padmasambhava employs the guardian of the temples, translates the fierce mantras for the sake of protecting the Buddhadharma, and teaches the methods for mending sacred commitments.	128
	21.	Master Padma conceals the teachings and instructions as treasures and gives predictions to the king.	136
	22.	Master Padma personally visits the sacred places for sadhana in Tibet, conceals mind treasures, and gives oral instructions.	143
	23.	The Tibetan king and subjects try to dissuade him, but are unsuccessful in obtaining Master Padma's consent when he intends to leave for the southwestern continent.	148
	24.	Master Padma gives his last words to the kings of Tibet.	155
	25.	Master Padma gives his last words to the ministers of Tibet.	158
	26.	Master Padma gives his last words to the monks and nuns of Tibet.	160
	27.	Master Padma gives his last words to the Dharma teachers of Tibet.	163
	28.	Master Padma gives his last words to the tantrikas of Tibet.	166
	29.	Master Padma gives his last words to the meditators of Tibet.	168
	30.	Master Padma gives his last words to the yogis of Tibet.	170
	31.	Master Padma gives his last words to the men of Tibet.	172
	32.	Master Padma gives his last words to the women of Tibet.	174
	33.	Master Padma gives his last words to the benefactors and reverend recipients of Tibet.	176
	34.	Master Padma gives his last words to the healers and sick people of Tibet.	179
	35.	Master Padma gives his last words to the Tibetan masters and disciples who form dharmic links.	182
	36.	Master Padma gives his last words to the Tibetan people in general.	185
	37.	The king and ministers request Master Padma to teach the instructions of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.	188
	38.	The description of how the Lord of Great Compassion gazes upon the six classes of sentient beings with the three types of compassion.	190
	39.	The benefits and virtues of the Six Syllables of the Great Compassionate One.	195
	40.	Master Padma sings a song in response to homage.	198
	41.	Master Padma departs to subdue the rakshasas in the southwest and sings songs to his attendants and escorts.	203
	Epilogue		209
The Abbreviated Chronicle			211
Notes			213
Bibliography			223
Glossary			233
Index			301