Yeshe Tsogyal - Dechen Gyalmo

Victorious Ocean of Wisdom

"Once she had become Padmasambhava's student, Ye-shes mTsho-rgyal soon mastered the basic teachings of the Sutras and the sastras. After she matured her understanding in the inner, outer, and esoteric teachings, she was given the complete teachings of the inner Tantras, the Maha, the Anu, and the Ati, and in particular the oral teachings of the Atiyoga, known in Tibetan as rDzogs-chen. She also received from Padmasambhava the mKha'-'gro snying-thig, the heart of the dakini teachings."

"After achieving great realization, Ye-shes mTsho-rgyal devoted her life to instructing others and encouraging them in their practice; although she underwent many hardships herself, she overcame even the greatest obstacles for others. She brought inconceivable benefit to so many people, it is difficult to imagine how much suffering she removed from the world. Her songs of realization brought her listeners immediate understanding, and her very presence radiated joy. She performed many miraculous deeds, only a small number of which are recounted in this volume. She had many other wonderful qualities as well, some beyond human expression. Perhaps in another time and place it will be possible to say more about these."

"Her intelligence, perseverance, devotion, and pure motivation all were exceptional, even in the company of many accomplished masters who were Padmasambhava's disciples. As well as being the most important woman in the rNying-ma lineage, truly Ye-shes mTsho-rgyal was one of Padmasambhava's greatest disciples. She occupies a place of central importance within the Vajrayana and especially the lineage of Padmasambhava, the great teacher who embodies the enlightened state. For Ye-shes mTsho-rgyal received all of Padmasambhava's teachings, as if the contents of one vessel were poured into another. Traditionally she is compared to a crown, a jewel, a leader, and a guide. Her accomplishments and realizations have seldom been equaled, and the merit of her actions is beyond description."