This letter presents a vivid historical–mythological narrative of Tibet before and during the early spread of Buddhism, culminating in the appearance and mission of Padma Sambhava—the “Lotus‑Born” master who became the foundational figure of Tibetan Lamaism. Hall begins by describing pre‑Buddhist Tibet as a land of warring tribes practicing Bon, a shamanistic religion focused on appeasing hostile spirits. He outlines the gradual civilizing influence of Buddhism, beginning with the 7th‑century king Sron Tsan Gampo, whose marriages to Buddhist princesses from Nepal and China opened Tibet to Buddhist culture, writing, and ritual. The king’s ministers brought back the Tibetan alphabet and scriptures, and early monks established the first precedents for what would later become the elaborate structure of Lamaism. Hall emphasizes how these early influences were fragmentary, legendary, and often contested by modern historians, yet essential to Tibet’s transformation.

The second half of the letter turns to Padma Sambhava himself, whose miraculous birth, magical education, and esoteric mission form the mythic heart of Tibetan spiritual identity. Born in Udyana and said to have appeared on a lotus through the compassion of Amitabha, Padma Sambhava grows into a master of enchantments, studying at Nalanda and gaining renown throughout India. Answering the call of Tibetan nobles, he crosses the Himalayas bearing scriptures and the thunderbolt of Indra, subduing demons, spirits, and hostile tribal powers through spiritual force. Hall recounts his fifty‑year presence in Tibet—teaching, binding destructive entities to the Dharma, establishing disciples, and transmitting the secret mantra‑doctrines that define the esoteric core of Tibetan Buddhism. The letter frames Padma Sambhava as both civilizer and magician‑saint, whose work laid the spiritual foundation for the entire Lamaist tradition.