Dzogchen is an ancient spiritual teaching developed in Tibet within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. It does not belong to a school or religious system. Rather, it is the knowledge that Tibetan masters have transmitted without being limited by sectarianism. The word Dzogchen, meaning total perfection, actually refers to the true inherent nature of all beings, their primordial state, which is free from all limitations and conditioning. The master’s transmission of this state of knowledge lies at the very heart of the Dzogchen teachings.
The Dzogchen tradition has been passed from master to student in an unbroken lineage over the centuries, right up to the present day. Due to its direct and unelaborate approach, it transcends cultural boundaries making it accessible to all nationalities regardless of their spiritual background.
Chris Werner says:
I’m interested in reaching deeper into the dzogchen understanding and was wondering what steps I should take? Would it be good for me to find a master and recieve the direct introduction and some guideance on practice and if so how would I do this? Or is there other steps that are advisable? Thank you.
Laurel says:
Chris,
Thank you for contacting us with this question. In other Buddhist traditions, it is not necessary to have a teacher to study, but in the Dzogchen tradition, it is necessary to have a teacher from an unbroken lineage back to the historical Buddha, and to receive transmission from them in order to practice. You could start by reading some books on Dzogchen to see if it is the right path for you, but the practice will still not have meaning until one has had transmission from the teacher. Since this is the community of Namkhai Norbu, I can recommend his introductory books, such as “The Crystal and the Way of Light”, or “Dzogchen the Self Perfected State”. These are all available on Amazon and such websites, or at the library. For transmission, Rinpoche does two transmissions via webcast per year. If you sign up for our mailing list, you will get notices about it. Depending where you are located, he will be in several locations this Spring and Summer. If you go to any of these retreats, on the last day, he gives many transmissions so you have the ability to practice what he has been teaching. Our main page and “Upcoming Events” page have links for information about the retreats. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to write.
Chris Werner says:
Thanks I look forward to receiving transmissions and more teachings and very much appriciated both The Crystal and The Way Of Light and Dream Yoga and The Practice of the Natural Light.
Hoa says:
I like to take the transmission in August 2013. Is your facility a place to go for the webcast transmission?
By anyway, do you know what location Rinpoche will be in person giving the transmission in August or November for this year?
Much appreciated if you can email me the response.
thanks, Hoa
Laurel says:
Hoa,
There was a transmission in February, but no schedule yet for future world-wide transmissions in 2013. Please keep checking the web site for updates. And yes, you can come to the center for the transmissions when they are scheduled during the day or evening, Pacific time. Sometimes, due to the time change, they occur here (in Berkeley) in the early hours of the morning. Then it is best to tune into the webcast site from home.