Santi Maha Sangha is a course of study and practice in nine levels initiated by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in 1994. The aim of Santi Maha Sangha, which in the ancient language of Oddiyana means “Dzogchen Commmunity,” is to guarantee the continuation of the Dzogchen teaching as it was originally transmitted by Garab Dorje, and as the Master has been transmitting it for more than thirty years within the Dzogchen Community. After the “Base” level, whose contents are presented in The Precious Vase, there are three levels dedicated to Semde, three to Longde and the final three to Mennagde or Upadesha.
In 2012 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu will be giving the SMS base exam and the SMS level 1 training at Tsegyalgar East July 11th – 17th. This examination covers the instructions of Sutra, Tantra and Dzoghen as described in the “Precious Vase.” Practitioners interested to take the Base exam should extensively study and practice according to the “Precious Vase.” There are various opportunities throughout the year at local centers to take SMS Base courses with certified instructors.