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Dzogchen, also called the "Great Perfection" and it is considered the most ancient and direct stream of wisdom within the Buddhist tradition of Tibet. This lineage derives from Samantabhadra, also known as “Kuntuzangpo” in Tibetan, with Padmasambhava as one of first human teacher. It is both the final and ultimate teaching, and the heart of the teachings of all the Buddhas. Though generally associated with the Nyingma or Ancient School of Tibetan Buddhism founded by Padmasambhava, Dzogchen has been practiced throughout the centuries by masters of all the different schools as their innermost practice. This is the Mind Direct Transmission (Gyalwa Gong Gyü) lienage. In the context of the Dzogchen lineage, there are different degrees or levels of transmission and practice and this lineage has been passed directly from master to disciple via oral instructions, for over 400 years.
The Dzogchen lineage has historically included significant roles for women, particularly through the female lineage of Yeshe Tsogyal. This lineage is known for its unique contributions to Dzogchen teachings, with each of the twenty-two Khandros (female masters) leaving behind a single-sentence instruction that encapsulates their life's experience. These instructions are considered essential teachings within the Dzogchen tradition and called "Termas" (གཏེར་མ་). Machik Labdrön, was female student of Pamasambhava, who introduced Chöd to Tibet.
Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, is believed to have been born in what is now modern-day Pakistan, according to various sources, he was born in the Swat Valley, which was historically known as Uddiyana or Oddiyana.
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The transmission of Dzogchen teachings from India to Tibet is a significant part of its history. According to the Nyingma tradition, the teachings were then brought to Tibet from India by Vimalamitra, Vairocana, and Padmasambhava, in the 8th century AD. The earliest Dzogchen texts appeared in the 9th century, attributed to Indian masters. These texts, known as the Eighteen Great Scriptures, form the "Mind Series" and are attributed to Śrī Siṅgha and Vimalamitra.
In Bhutan, the Dzogchen tradition is part of the broader Buddhist practices, which have been introduced to the region in the 8th century AD by Padmasambhava, who founded the Nyingma lineage of Buddhism.
In the 19th century, the Rimé movement provided a counter-weight against Gelug cultural dominance of Buddhism, trying to preserve the teachings of the Nyingma, Kagyu and Sakya schools.
Dzogchen Study Centers USA & Beyond
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Tergar Buddhist Institute ®
Tergar Institute is led by Mingyur Rinpoche, and inspired by the scholar-yogi tradition. The Institute exists to share the profound teachings of the Kagyu lineage of Vajrayana Buddhism. They offer approach based on the deep integration of study and practice into a single, unified path. Not solely a meditation course, a retreat, or a track of academic study, our approach includes elements of each, equipping our students with new ways of being that are carried forward into the rest of their lives.
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Mindrolling Monastery ® India
Mindrolling Monastery, is now home to Ngagyur Nyingma College, one of the largest Buddhist institutes in India. The lineage was established by Chögyal Terdag Lingpa.
The Mindrolling lineage is one of the two lineages that follow the family or blood lineage system, the other being the Sakya lineage of the Sakya Trizins. The Mindrolling lineage continues to this day through the direct descendants of Terdag Lingpa, it also has a unique tradition of female members, known as Jetsünmas, who have played significant roles as teachers and practitioners.
This tradition continues to the present day with Jetsün Tsering Paldron, the daughter of the current Mindrolling Trichen, also known as Her Eminence Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche.
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Garchen Buddhist Institute
Garchen Buddhist Institute 9995 E Blissful Path, Chino Valley, AZ 86323
This is an ideal place to practice solitude, if needed. Founded by His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche, it focuses on sharing the Drikung Kagyu tradition, a lineage emphasizing the transmission of oral instructions from master to student
Closest Lodging: Days Inn by Wyndham 688 Fletcher Ct, Chino Valley, AZ 86323
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Rangjung Yeshe Institute ® In-person & Online
Rangjung Yeshe Institute ® Online Saraswatinagar Rd, Kathmandu, Nepal 44600
One of the most accessible and affordable among Academic Meditation & Dharma Studies for Westerners online. Full Program takes minimum 1 up to 3 calendar years. Further studies are lifelong. Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI) offers a specialized education in the field of Buddhist studies, multiple lineages and schools, concentrated on Dzogchen academic approach, with the focus on Indian and Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and practice, as well as related research languages.
Closest Lodging: Atisha By Pema Boutique Hotel Phulbari Road 06, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
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Nitartha Institute
Rooted in the traditions of the Kagyü and Nyingma lineages, Nitartha Institute courses are taught by highly renowned teachers: Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen, and several Western teachers including Dr. Karl Brunnhölzl, Scott Wellenbach, Dr. Phil Stanley, and many others.
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DharmaSun ® by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
DharmaSun® by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche Lainzerstrasse 105, 1130 Vienna, Austria
One of the most accessible and affordable among Meditation & Dharma Self- Studies for Westerners online. Full Program takes minimum 1 up to 3 calendar years. Further studies are lifelong. Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's lineage is rooted in both the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. He is the eldest son of the renowned Dzogchen master Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche.
Closest Lodging: Hotel Bergwirt Schönbrunn Maxingstraße 76, 1130 Wien, Austria
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Nalandabodhi ® Boulder, CO
Nalandabodhi is an international community under the direction of Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, our centers provide open and supportive spaces for engaging in study, meditation, and mindful activity on the journey to discover the full potential of our own mind.
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Shambhala ® Online
Shambhala ® Online 1084 Tower Road
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 2Y5One of the most accessible and affordable among Meditation & Dharma Self- Studies for Westerners online. It is rooted in Tibetan Buddhism and draws from the Kagyu and Nyingma schools, as well as the mythical kingdom of Shambhala. The lineage is currently led by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, who is considered the spiritual and family lineage holder.
Gampo Abbey, is about 5 hours 30 minutes drive. 1533 Pleasant Bay Loop, Pleasant Bay, NS B0E 2P0, Canada
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Namgyalgar ® Dzogchen Retreat Centre
Located in the Glass House Mountains of Queensland, Australia, Namgyalgar serves as a sacred space dedicated to inner transformation through the profound teachings of Dzogchen. As the heart of the International Dzogchen Community of Australia and New Zealand, Namgyalgar offers a tranquil environment for practitioners to deepen their understanding and practice.
