Matthieu Ricard

Vairotsana (rnam par snang mdzad lo tsa ba). The great and unequalled translator during the reign of King Trisong Deutsen. Vairotsana, (also pronounced be-ro-tsa-na), was recognized by Padmakara as a reincarnation of an Indian pandita. He was among the first seven monks and was sent to India to study with Shri Singha. Shri Singha in turn entrusted Vairotsana with the task of propagating the Mind Section and Space Section of Dzogchen in Tibet. He is one of the three main masters to bring the Dzogchen teachings to Tibet, the two others being Padmakara and Vimalamitra. Vairotsana's chief disciples were Yudra Nyingpo, Sangtön Yeshe Lama, Pang Gen Sangye Gönpo, Jnana Kumara of Nyag, and Lady Yeshe Drönma. An especially renowned disciple was the old Pang Gen Mipham Gönpo whose disciples attained the rainbow body for seven generations by means of the oral instructions entitled Dorje Zampa, the Vajra Bridge. Tsele Natsok Rangdröl, Terdag Lingpa Gyurmey Dorje, and Jamgön Kongtrül Lodrö Thaye are regarded as reincarnations of Vairotsana.