Longchenpa: The Great Scholar and Mystic of Tibetan Buddhism

Longchenpa (1308-1363) was a highly significant Tibetan Buddhist scholar and mystic with an emphasis on the Nyingma school.  His profound wisdom, meditation, and scholarly writings make him one of the best philosophers and spiritual teachers in Tibetan Buddhism.  His teachings continue to inspire people throughout the world.

Iconography of Longchenpa

Calm Position: Longchenpa is shown in a sitting meditative posture, which indicates his intense spirituality and identification with the teachings.

Academic Clothing: We frequently find him in the robes of a scholar, which represent his position as both a scholar and a Dharma practitioner.

Serene Face: His face is peaceful and reflects his inner peace, wisdom, and understanding of the nature of reality.

Symbolic Objects: There are times when he is holding a piece of writing or a vajra, as an indication of his command of both intellectual and spiritual dimensions of Buddhism.

Radiant Aura: It can be expected that his image has a radiant light surrounding his head or halo, which shows that his wisdom is enlightened, and the light he gives out through his teachings.

Simple Robes: His unadorned, but luxurious monastic robes emphasize his own belief in humility and renunciation, and yet a sage.

Role in Buddhist Practice

• The most famous work of Longchenpa is his work on Dzogchen, which is among the major teachings of the Nyingma school.
• Longchenpa simplified Dzogchen by providing proper explanations, particularly in his well-known work, the Seven Treasuries.  Dzogchen emphasizes the natural state of the mind without any force, something that enables practitioners to sense their real being.
• He emphasized that wisdom and compassion (bodhicitta) should go hand in hand until liberation is attained.
• Practical Meditation: Longchenpa was a scholar as well as a person who highly appreciated meditation and taught people to practice the teachings directly.

Legacy and Influence 

Longchenpa has brought a great impact to Tibetan Buddhism, affecting the Nyingma, Kagyu, and Gelug schools. These teachings have become more available due to his combination of Dzogchen, tantra, and Mahayana philosophy. One of his most important works is the Longchen Nyingthig, a major cycle of Dzogchen doctrines in the Nyingma school, which offers a holistic way that combines meditation, devotion, and wisdom. Longchenpa is still a role model of practitioners whose works are renowned for their simplicity and practicality in seeking enlightenment.