Dzogchen

is the highest teaching and the heart of the teachings of all Buddhas. Although it is generally associated with the Nyingma or Old School of Tibetan Buddhism founded by Padmasambhava, Dzogchen has been practiced as the innermost practice by masters of all different schools throughout the centuries.

Dzogchen is also called Atiyoga, which means ‘original yoga’. Ati refers to the highest, the summit or zenith. It suggests a mountain climb where you reach the summit and can enjoy the view everywhere.

This is because Atiyoga or Dzogchen is at the top of the nine vehicles.

History of Dzogchen

The Origins of Dzogchen: A Glimpse into Timeless Wisdom

Dzogchen, often translated as “The Great Perfection,” is considered the most profound and direct teaching in Tibetan Buddhism. Revered as the innermost essence of all the paths, it points beyond striving and conceptual elaboration, guiding the practitioner to recognize the nature of mind itself.

A Teaching Beyond Time

Though its most well-known development took place within the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, Dzogchen’s roots are traced to India, where teachings of innate awareness (rigpa) were imparted by primordial Buddhas such as Samantabhadra and manifested through realized masters like Garab Dorje.

Garab Dorje, regarded as the first human teacher of Dzogchen, transmitted these instructions to Manjushrimitra, who passed them to Sri Singha, and later to Vimalamitra and Padmasambhava. These great masters brought Dzogchen into Tibet, where it was carefully preserved and transmitted through pure lineages.

Dzogchen in Tibet

In Tibet, Dzogchen was safeguarded within the Nyingma tradition and cultivated through both oral and treasure lineages. The teachings were often passed from master to disciple in secret, to ensure the depth and integrity of the view remained intact. Many great scholars contributed to Dzogchen’s flourishing, but few stand as tall as Longchen Rabjam.

Longchen Rabjam: The Treasury of Dharmas

Longchenpa (1308–1364) is regarded as one of the most influential Dzogchen masters in history. A prolific writer, philosopher, and practitioner, he brought clarity and poetic depth to the Great Perfection teachings. His famed “Seven Treasuries” remain foundational texts for students of Dzogchen.

Longchenpa emphasized not only the philosophical precision of Dzogchen view but also the lived experience of resting in that view—free from grasping, artifice, or fabrication. He clarified that Dzogchen is not something to be attained, but rather something to be recognized: the spontaneous presence of awakened mind, already complete within us.

Preserving the Essence

From the vast expanse of India to the snowy peaks of Tibet, Dzogchen has been carried forward by unbroken streams of realized practitioners. Today, these teachings continue to be preserved and transmitted by qualified lineage holders, including Dr. Kharchen Rinpoche, who offers accessible, experiential guidance rooted in this ancient tradition.

Dzogchen remains as vital today as it was in the time of Garab Dorje. In a world of increasing complexity and distraction, its simplicity shines like a diamond: pointing us back to our original, uncontrived awareness.