Dzogchen

Dzogchen is an ancient spiritual teaching developed in Tibet within the Tibetan Buddhist traditions. It does not belong to a school or religious system. Rather, it is the knowlege 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, the 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, a key that can open individuals' conciousness regardless of their culture or religion.

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu was recognized at birth as a 'tulku', a realised master who is born again of his own free will for the benefit of all beings. During the years of his studies, which, because of this recognition, were particularly extensive and in depth, he revealed such extraordinary learning ability that he was considered a scholar even at a very young age. When he was eighteen years old he met his main master, Changchub Dorje, who aroused in him the complete awakening of his spiritual knowledge. In the mid '70s, for the first time in the western world, he was requested to give teachings. Since then, thanks to his deep understanding of the essence of Dzogchen and his natural capability of transmitting its meaning, a vast number of disciples of all nationalities have had an opportunity to appreciate the value of his teachings, to understand and to practise them.

Later on, to enable his students to receive and deepen their knowledge of the Dzogchen teaching and Tibetan culture, he founded centres in various parts of the world: Europe, the United States, South America, Australia and Russia. Kunselling is the seat of the Dzogchen Community in the U.K.. For many years Chögyal Namkhai Norbu has been tirelessly travelling around the world not only to spread the Dzogchen teaching, but also to dedicate himself to safeguarding Tibetan culture, a commitment which has taken him to China on various occasions and especially to Tibet. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu is rightly numbered amongst the greatest living masters. Nevertheless, he loves saying of himself: 'I am a simple person.'

The Dzogchen Community

The Dzogchen Community is a world wide community linked by contact with Chöegyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. It exists in thirty countries or more & we all share the same aim of maintaining & working with our Master's Transmission. The organisation is devolved but there are a number of main centres or "Gars" such as Merigar in Italy, Tsegyalgar in the U.S.A. & Tashigar in Argentina. These are like bases or nuclei for the Teaching.

People wishing to make contact with Norbu Rinpoche & his teachings will need to find out where & when they can do so. His schedule for the coming months can be seen here.

The Dzogchen Community also carries out a number of important projects through more specialist ganisations. One such is A.S.I.A., a non governmental development organisation which is carrying out welfare & building projects in Eastern Tibet. Another is the Shang Shung Institute which is concerned with the preservation & development of Tibetan culture both in Asia & in the West. As Norbu Rinpoche has been Professor of Tibetan Studies in Naples for many years there is also an important library housed in Merigar & support is given to scholars. There is also Shang Shung Editions, an international publishing house which produces texts & other publications to support practitioners. Finally there is the Mirror, a bimonthly newsletter which publicises what is going on in the community around the world & contains articles, transcripts, reviews & news of interest to Dzogchen practitioners. It also gives details of practices for special days & details of Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche's schedule including future teaching retreats

Dzogchen Community U.K.

In the U.K. the Dzogchen Community is registered as a charity & organises group practices at weekends & on special days. Our biggest project at present is the development of Kunselling our property in Mid-Wales as a centre where we can hold retreats & teachings.

If you wish to get in touch there are a number of people whom you can contact for further information, including our coordinators; a group known as the Gakyil (pronounced Ganshee).

With regard to practices, whether or not you have met Norbu Rinpoche, if you are seriously interested in the practice & likely to want to meet him then you are most welcome to attend a session & meet people to get an idea of what we do. These are usually held in someone's home & there will probably be three or more practitioners present. We will most likely be doing some kind of simple ritual, perhaps something more specific if it is a special day. Please make contact with the host/ ess of the evening to confirm that you are coming. Most of the ritual practices that we do, which are secondary to Dzogchen itself but still important, consist of visualisation, mantra (songs or chants), mudra (gestures) & possibly the use of musical instruments such as drums. You will be welcome to participate in some of these practices in order to familairise yourself with them but they will not work until you have received the Transmission. At the heart of every rite lies the experience of the state of contemplation which is beyond any concept or practice.

Details of organised practices as well as news & much of the information found on this site are published in our bimonthly newsletter which costs 20 Pounds Sterling per annum.

Membership

Those people who feel that they want to make a more concrete commitment & contribution to the community can apply for membership. When you become a member of the U.K. community part of your subscription goes to make you a member of Merigar in Italy which is our nearest Gar. In this way the monies raised support all the activities of the community, both in the U.K. & worldwide. Members also receive free newsletters & copies of the Mirror as well as get discounts on the cost of teaching & practice retreats.

Details of subscription & membership may be found here.