The MahaSiddha Padmasambhava, also called Guru Rinpoche, brought the MahaSiddha Tradition to Tibet in the 8th Century. He synthesized, established and spread these teachings throughout India, Nepal, Bhutan and in what is called the First Spread of the Dharma in Tibet. His teaching became known as the Nyingma (Old School) tradition of Vajrayana (Tantric Buddhism). Other MahaSiddhas spread their way throughout these regions, however Padmasambhava's impact was most far reaching. Together with his consort, Yeshe Tsogyal, Padmasambhava brought the whole country of Tibet under the influence of Vajrayana.

Guru Rinpoche and Yeshe Tsogyal had a group of disciples (25-377 depending on what list is consulted) who practiced according to the MahaSiddha tradition. Among these disciples where those who practiced in the Yogic tradition, symbolized by those with white cotton clothing and long hair, and those who practiced in a Monastic tradition, symbolized by those with red/maroon robes and shaved heads. The Monastic tradition is the most widely known today, but is only one expression of Vajrayana, there are also lineages (like our own) that express essential Vajrayana in its original style.

"The View is Dzogchen
The Practice is Tantra
The Conduct is Sutra."
- The MahaSiddha, Padmasambhava

It is Padmasambhava's instructions to hold the view of Dzogchen, the practice of Tantra and the conduct of Sutra and the Maha Siddhas unorthodox style that brings forth the unique character of our MahaSiddha Dharma Community. It is Yeshe Tsogyel's personal discipline, the eight disciplines, which we practice.