Jalü
The three types of rainbow body—fruits of Dzogchen Trekchö and Tögal—reflect degrees of reintegration of the physical body into its primordial luminous essence. Highest is the Rainbow Body of Great Transfer, in which complete dissolution occurs during life or at the moment of death, leaving no physical remainder whatsoever; next is the Great Rainbow Body, in which full reintegration at death likewise leaves no material body behind; and finally the Small Rainbow Body, in which partial reintegration causes the body to shrink to a fraction of its original size. A number of Düdjom Lingpa's direct disciples, as well as later holders of his lineage, are recorded to have attained one or another of these supreme accomplishments.
At the time of death, fully accomplished Dzogchen practitioners can dissolve their body. Through the practice of trekchö, the practitioner can attain the so-called ‘rainbow body’, in which the body becomes smaller and smaller as it dissolves, emanating rainbow light, and finally only the hair and nails are left behind. This was achieved by many students of Düdjom Lingpa. Through the practice of tögal, the practitioner can dissolve his or her body into the ‘Light Body’ (Tib. འོད་སྐུ་, ö ku), where the body transforms into light and disappears completely into space. This was achieved by Garab Dorje, Manjushrimitra, Shri Singha, Jnanasutra and Vairotsana. There are three kinds of rainbow body.
Jalü Powa Chenpo
The highest realization is the complete integration, or rather re-integration, during this life without dying at all, or at the very moment of death. This is often called 'The Rainbow Body of Great Transfer' or Jalü Phowa Chenpo ('ja' lus 'pho ba chen po).
Jalü Chenpo
The result of the complete integration no material body remains after death. Even though this realization is at times also referred to as 'The Rainbow Body of Great Transfer' or Jalü Phowa Chenpo ('ja' lus 'pho ba chen po), it is rather 'The Great Rainbow Body' or Jalü Chenpo ('ja' lus chen po).
Jalü Chungngu
The result of a partial reintegration is that the physical body shrinks dramatically after death and only a very small body remains. Generally such an attainment is known a 'Small Rainbow Body' or Jalü Chungngu ('ja' lus chung ngu).
Since the early 8th century, Tibetans and Himalayan people have treasured "Namtars" as written or spoken narratives that demonstrate the realization of the Buddhist path by exceptional practitioners. These namtars, or spiritual biographies, serve as inspirational guides on the path to enlightenment.
Today, Namtars Foundation aims to record, preserve, and freely offer the world a written and electronic treasury of the oral wisdom of Tibetan and Himalayan Buddhism.
