Nyingma, whose name means "ancient", is one of the main schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The tradition associates itself with the early transmissions of Buddhist teachings to Tibet, particularly in connection with Padmasambhava, and over time developed a network of monasteries and masters.

Nyingma teachings include specific interpretations of the Tantric paths and the Dzogchen tradition. Treasured texts discovered or rediscovered at various times are part of the religious history of the school. Its organization, like some Tibetan schools, has not had a single central leader throughout its history.