Timeless Rapture: Inspired Verse from the Shangpa Masters

The Shangpa Masters and Their Lineage 327
The king of wrathful deities, Slayer of Lord of Death,
Blessed you as a powerful master; I bow my head to you.
When you meditated on the extremely secret yoga’s meaning,
Your body’s vivid appearance as the deity became very stable.
You achieved a gathering with the three locations’ messengers
And supreme coemergent bliss; I bow my head to you.
Because you were endowed with a pure heart,
Many masters of sublime accomplishment visited you in your dreams,
Such as Saraha, Shavari, Luyipa
Ghandhapa, Bardzin, and Shantigupta; I bow my head to you.
With these masters, you rid yourself of doubt.
When you then interpreted the tantras’ meaning,
Infinite numbers of spiritual heroes and dakinis used symbols
To introduce you to the profound meaning; I bow my head to you.
From Joyful Heaven, the one named Shakya visited you;
Invincible Protector [Bodhisattva Loving-Kindness] manifestly gave
you his blessing
And you gained signs of it.
Continual wealth of the Teachings, I bow my head to you.
You received full authorization for the sacred Teachings
From supreme masters, such as Lotus-Born,
Daö Zhonnu [Gampopa], and the one endowed with the four
reliances [Dolpo Sangyé].
Master accepted by supreme spiritual guides, I bow my head to you.
Perfect in study and reflection; joyful in single-minded meditation,
You have filled the entire world with your cycle of teachings.
Incomparably wonderful, precious spiritual master,
With supreme respect, I bow my head to you.
I, Taranata, wrote this supplication in response to my disciples’ request.