Tib., Bod-kyi jo-mo ye-shes mtsho-rgyal-gyi mdzad-tshul
and rnam-par-thar-pa gab-pa mngon-byung rgyud-mangs dri-za'i glu-'phreng
This very important and illuminating text exists in two Tibetan versions, both of which have been translated into English. One version is believed to have been dictated by the lady herself and written down verbatim by Namkhai Nyingpo (Nam-mkhai sNying-po) in the early 9th century.
Once completed, the text was treated as an earth treasure
(see terma): it was written on yellow parchment, was
assigned a protective spirit, and was then hidden (in the Tibetan region of Kham). Also, a
number of possible discoverers (Tib., terton) were prophesied who may reveal it in a distant
future.
This did happen, in the early 18th century, although the discovery seems to have been in the form of a so-called "mind treasure" (see terma). That second version was recorded by the terton Taksham Nuden Dorje (Stag-san Nus-lDan rDo-rJe; born 1655) and shows, according to its translator Dowman, that it was composed by someone with historical knowledge far beyond Tsogyal's time of death (817).
However, both texts are similar enough to credibly represent a secret autobiography of Yeshe Tsogyal (757-817), probably the most important and influential woman of the Tantric tradition as practiced in Tibet. The work recounts her adventurous life, first as student and consort of Padmasambhava, and subsequently as a fully accredited teacher in her own right. Yeshe Tsygyal relates the events surrounding her initiations, explains the rituals she practiced with Padmasambhava and others, her austerities and temptations as well as her efforts in spreading the then new teachings of the Inner Tantras.
Remains to be mentioned that a comparison of the two translations shows the 18th century text to be generally more outspoken concerning ero-tic imagery, yet this may depend more on the translator than on the respective Tibetan versions.
Namkhai Nyingpo. Mother of Knowledge: The Enlightenment of Ye-shes mTsho-rgyal.
Translated by Tarthang Tulku, edited by Jane Wilhelms. Berkeley, CA.: Dharma Publishing, 1983.
Taksham Nuden Dorje. Sky Dancer: The Secret Life and Songs of the Lady Yeshe Tsogyel.
Translated and edited by Keith Downman. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1984.