thinking that after a few days I would write it out again. That would be the “Ta-te,” the second version to be compared with the first in order to confirm its authenticity. This would be proof that the text was genuine, and not merely my intellect at play. Two days passed. On the third day, I had a dream indicating that the time had come to write and make some clarifications. After completing morning practice I again sat down to write, and continued until lunchtime. The second time I wrote it out very calmly in an easy script. This time it took me two and one-half hours. I then asked that the original be returned, and that my older sister compare the two versions. There was virtually no difference, only two or three grammatical corrections. This is the story of the origin of that practice text, a practice for developing a long and firm life. The text includes mantras, exercises for breathing and control of one’s energy, as well as visualization. There are also instructions pertaining to chakras and channels. In the Tibetan tradition this type of practice is often sealed, meaning that it has to be kept secret for many, many years. When you are keeping such a thing secret you are not permitted even to say that you are keeping something secret. In this case it has not been necessary. There has been no indication that this should be sealed. I have no secret to keep; therefore, I have talked about it. I also talked about it at Maratika, and have done transmission of the mantras.
Notes To Chapter Three 1. Mandarava’s Cave at Maratika: In Northern Nepal, where Norbu Rinpoche did a retreat in 1984, there are two sacred caves. The larger one is associated with Padmasambhava, and the smaller one with Mandarava. In the seventh century, Mandarava—together with Guru Padmasambhava—practiced and attained immortality in this cave, which has consequently become known as the Cave of Long Life. [return] 2. Mahasiddha: Sanskrit, literally “Great Adept”. Maha means great, while siddha is one who has attained siddhi— psychic and spiritual powers. In Tibetan Buddhism there is the example of the Eighty-four Mahasiddhas who were men and women with supernatural powers. These tantric practitioners lived in India and Nepal during the eighth century. [return] 3. Guru Padmasambhava: Sanskrit, from padma (lotus) and sambhava (born). An Indian Buddhist master of Tantra and Dzogchen from Oddiyana. He is known as the “lotus born” because of his miraculous birth. Guru Padmasambhava is said to have spontaneously manifested as an eight-year-old boy sitting on a lotus flower in the middle of a lake at Oddiyana. He brought Buddhism to Tibet from India in the eighth century. With his extraordinary powers, Guru Padmasambhava overcame obstacles that had prevented Buddhism from taking root in Tibetan soil. [return] 4. Mandarava: This Indian princess from Mandi was one of the principal consorts of Padmasambhava. She left the royal life in order to practice the Dharma. She is most renowned for mastering the long life practice with Padmasambhava. She is invoked in certain Tantric rituals which aim to extend life. [return]