Testament Series

• The Noble Sūtra Teaching the Eleven Perceptions from the Words of the Buddha

In this sūtra (Toh. 311) the Buddha teaches eleven perceptions to be cultivated at the time of death to the assembled monks as his final testament.

• The Three Statements that Strike the Vital Point by Garab Dorje

The famous three lines spoken by Garab Dorje as his last testament to Mañjuśrīmitra.

• Immaculate Radiance: A Testament by Longchen Rabjam

One of three final testaments included in the Khandro Yangtik collection, this is the longest and most famous. It includes a series of similes that illustrate the key themes of the general teachings and concludes with Longchenpa's declaration of delight at the prospect of his own death.

• Final Words: The Essential Advice by Minling Terchen Gyurme Dorje

These four lines, which Terdak Lingpa Minling Terchen Gyurme Dorje is said to have pronounced before passing into parinirvāṇa, are commonly recited as a prayer of aspiration. The great Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo reportedly recited them himself before his own passing.

• The Will and Prophecy of the Thirteenth Dalai Lama by Thirteenth Dalai Lama

Dating from 1932, this response to a plea for longevity has come to be regarded as the Thirteenth Dalai Lama's final testament, in which he offers stern advice and a prophetic warning of what might befall Tibet.

• The Final Testament of Yukhok Chatralwa as Transmitted to Lama Rigdzin Nyima by Yukhok Chatralwa Chöying Rangdrol

This final testament, which succinctly expresses the view, meditation, action and fruition of the Great Perfection, was transmitted to Lama Rigdzin Nyima (b. 1931).

• The Last Testament of Katok Dampa Deshek by Katok Dampa Deshek

This five-line aspiration for the spread of the teachings is said to be the final testament (zhal chem) of the great Dampa Deshek, founder of Katok Monastery.

• On the Final Words of Orgyen Tendzin Norbu by Dodrupchen Jigme Tenpe Nyima

An explanation of the final words of the great Dzogchen master Orgyen Tendzin Norbu (1841–1900): "I am Guru Padmākara of Oḍḍiyāna, a buddha free from birth and death. Awakening mind is impartial and unbiased, beyond labels of the eight stages, the four pairs."

• Clarifying the Profound Meaning: A Concise Commentary on the Final Testament in Four Lines by Minling Khenchen Ngawang Khyentse Norbu

A brief explanation of the famous final testament of Minling Terchen Gyurme Dorje (1646–1714) that is commonly recited as an aspiration.

• The Testament Prayer to Orgyen Rinpoche by Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa

As stated in the colophon this prayer to the Guru of Oḍḍiyāna is extracted from a biography which Chokgyur Lingpa revealed as a treasure (gter ma) at Karmé Damchen Drak (karma'i dam can brag).

• Words Spoken at the Moment of Passing by Tra Gelong Tsultrim Dargye

In his final words, Tra Gelong Tsultrim Dargye invokes the Khecharī form of Vajrayoginī, together with her retinue, makes offerings before them, and prays to enter the ranks of the sky-faring ḍākas and ḍākinīs.