Dzogchen

Dzogchen is a practice found in Tibetan Buddhism.

The Dzogchen Teachings are described by western scholars as a set of 'inner' or 'heart' teachings which is complete in itself. Actual Buddhists believe that these teachings are indescribable and can only be understood when explained by an authentic Vajra Master.

Background

Padmasambhava is the source or Dzogchen teachings.

The roots of Dzogchen is found exclusively within the Nyingma family of Tibetan Buddhism.

Concepts

According to the teachings passed on by the first master of the Nyingma Dzogchen lineage, Garab Dorje, Dzogchen made three points:

Direct introduction to one's own nature (Tib., ngo rang thog-tu sprod-pa)
Not remaining in doubt concerning this unique state (Tib., thag gcig thog-tu bcad-pa)
Continuing to remain in this state (Tib., gdeng grol thog-tu bca'-pa)

The Dzogchen teachings focus on three terms: View, Meditation and Behaviour. To see directly the absolute state of our mind is the View; the way of stablizing that View and making it an unbroken experience is Meditation; and integrating that View into our daily life is what is meant by Behaviour.

The Practice of Dzogchen

Sogyal Rinpoche, a Dzogchen Master, provides a practical set of instructions as to the practice of Dzogchen: the central practice of Dzogchen is meditation; the objective of silent and prolonged meditation is to clear the clouds of obscurity that the world has embedded in our minds; everything that is of this world is 'Samsara' or suffering. Through meditation it is possible to clear the cultural conditioning from our minds and to glimpse our true nature.

Dzogchen practice does not require the practitioner to be anywhere special -- in fact -- to be doing normal activities while practicing is the ultimate practice of Dzogchen, to be always "mindful."

The goal of Dzogchen practice is to remain in the clear, undeluded state of the nature of the mind, unconditioned by thoughts. At the beginning, a Dzogchen teacher introduces one directly (direct introduction) to the real nature of your mind, even for a few seconds. So, being a Dzogchen practitioner implies one must have a qualified Dzogchen teacher, who has knowledge of the nature of the mind. Having experienced that state which is beyond description, Dzogchen practice is to become familiar with this state, and to remain in it for every moment of your life and every circunstance.

Uses and Application for Ordinary People

Tulku Thubten Rinpoche of the Dharmata Foundation teaches that "being aware of ones awareness" is a simple method for people to follow in practicing Dzogchen moment to moment. "Consistency" is the key to this method.

External links

Dzogchen Atiyoga, Info Page
Dzogchen Institute, founded by Surya Das
Tsegyalgar, International Dzogchen Community in America (founded by Chogyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche)
Merigar, International Dzogchen Community in Europe (founded by Chogyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche)
Dzogchen Lineage, website of international Sangha under the guidance of Dzogchen Khenpo Choga Rinpoche
Nyingma Institute, Info Page
Sogyul Rinpoche's Dzogchen Seminars
Rimé Foundation A non-profit organization specializing in the translation of Tibetan literature, with a special focus on the Dzogchen tradition
The Ligmincha Institute, founded by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche in 1992
The Bön Foundation, founded in 1989 and dedicated to Bönpo refugees
Yungdrung Bön Association (includes a link to English-language

page)

Dharmata Foundation

References

Chogyal Namkhai Norbu, translated into English by John Shane "Dzogchen: the self-perfected state", Snow Lion Publications
Lawless, J. and Allan, J. Beyond Words: Dzogchen Made Simple, Harper Collins. (2003)
Dudjom Rinpoche. The Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism. Vol 1. Wisdom Publications. (1991)
Sogyal Rinpoche. The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. Random House. (2002)
Elías Capriles, Buddhism and Dzogchen. Part 1 - Buddhism: a Dzogchen Outlook. Published on the Web: http://eliascapriles.dzogchen.ru/buddhismanddzogchen1.zip