H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche, Jigdral Yeshe Dorje, stands at the very heart of what is known as the Dudjom Tersar, the “New Treasures of Dudjom.” Within the Nyingma school, he is regarded as a great tertön, a treasure revealer whose own terma discoveries form the core of this lineage. These revelations are understood as teachings originating from Guru Padmasambhava, brought forth anew through Dudjom Rinpoche’s realization. In this sense, the Dudjom Tersar is not merely associated with him; it directly originates from his spiritual activity and discoveries.

The Dudjom Tersar constitutes a complete system of practice, encompassing the full range of Buddhist training from foundational teachings through the highest Dzogchen instructions. Within this corpus are extensive cycles centered on Guru Rinpoche, Vajrakilaya, Troma Nagmo, and Khandro Thugtik, among others, forming a self-sufficient path of study and meditation. Dudjom Rinpoche did not simply reveal these treasures; he also carefully organized them into coherent cycles, codifying the practices so they could be transmitted in a clear and systematic way. In doing so, he acted as both founder and primary lineage holder of this stream.

His role extended beyond revelation and organization to the living transmission of these teachings. As the supreme head of the Nyingma school, he personally bestowed the Dudjom Tersar empowerments and instructions upon many disciples, thereby ensuring the continuity of the lineage. After his passing, principal responsibility for maintaining and transmitting these teachings fell to his two main sons, Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche and Dungse Shenphen Dawa Rinpoche, along with other qualified lamas. Through this unbroken line of transmission, the Dudjom Tersar remains a vibrant and complete terma lineage, rooted in Dudjom Rinpoche’s own realization and compassionate activity.