News of the activities of His Eminence the 7th Dzogchen Rinpoche
Birthday celebrations for His Eminence Dzogchen Rinpoche
December 2011
H.E. Dzogchen Rinpoche receives a birthday cake
H.E. Dzogchen Rinpoche celebrates his birthday with his sons Tulku Tsewang Rinzin and Tulku Orgyen Rigdzin
His Eminence Dzogchen Rinpoche celebrated his birthday with friends and family earlier this month in Bangalore.
Dzogchen Rinpoche received birthday wishes from lamas, family, friends and sangha from around the world.
Rinpoche-La spent the evening at a Japanese Restaurant in the Indian city where he was also joined by staff, managers, coordinators and sangha.
The International Director of Gyalwa Dzogchenpa said: "On behalf of Gyalwa Dzogchenpa, Shenpen International and all Dzogchen Branches around the world we wish you, Your Eminence, a very long life and may your enlightened activity reach the 10 directions."
His Eminence said: "Thank you for all your well wishes for my birthday. Your prayers and wishes for my long life help for me continue to serve the Dzogchen lineage."
Senior lamas and tulkus flock to Dzogchen Monastery for Tsok Boom
December 2011
His Eminence Dzogchen Rinpoche was joined by many important tulkus from the Dzogchen lineage at this year’s Tsok Boom festival.
More than 200,000 tsok prayers and an abundance of food offerings were accumulated to generate peace and stability during the five-day ceremony at Dzogchen Monastery.
Dzogchen Rinpoche led the festival which was also attended by Sogyal Rinpoche and many senior tulkus from Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan and Sikkim including Tulku Dhongak, Tulku Sangye Dorje, Yakse Tulku, Tulku Sonam Nyima, Tulku Thupten and Tulku Chok Tru.
They were joined by more than 100 monks from the Nyingma, Kagyu and Gelugpa monasteries in the Dhondenling settlement, along with many local yogis, lay practitioners and a committee of Tibetan community leaders.
The mountains of kabse [traditional Tibetan fried food], fruit, biscuits and sweets were transformed into pure tsok offerings for all the Buddhas and the great masters of Dzogchen lineage and then distributed to all participants so that everyone could receive the blessings.
Sogyal Rinpoche visits Dzogchen Monastery
December 2011
From left to write: Dzogchen Monastery’s Discipline Master Pema Lodoe, Tulku Sangye Dorje (Dzogchen Monastery Nepal Branch), Khenpo Jamphal Tenzin, Sogyal Rinpoche, H.E. Dzogchen Rinpoche, Tulku Sonam Nyima, Yakzer Tulku (Singapore) and Dzogchen Monastery’s Vajra Master Tulku Dhongak
Dzogchen Monastery was delighted to welcome Sogyal Rinpoche when he visited on Thursday 4th December 2011.
Sogyal Rinpoche joined the third day of this year’s Tsok Boom, an auspicious prayer festival, and mentioned how impressed he was by Dzogchen Monastery’s monks ritual practice. As part of the festival Sogyal Rinpoche sponsored a tea ceremony and made offerings to the monastic sangha.
Sogyal Rinpoche also visited Dzogchen Monastery’s shedra [university], dratsung [ritual centre] and retreat centre and commented on the large bodhi tree there.
H.E Dzogchen Rinpoche and Sogyal Rinpoche visited Namdroling Monastery to pay respects to late His Holiness Penor Rinpoche’s kundung.
Tsok Boom 2011
November 2011
His Eminence Dzogchen Rinpoche has announced that Tsok Boom 2011 will be held from December 1st – 5th at Dzogchen Monastery.
Tsok Boom, the recitation of more than 100,000 tsok prayers and offerings, is one of the most powerful rituals used to transform obstacles and challenging circumstances, so that peace and positive conditions can be enjoyed by the whole community and beyond.
The annual five-day festival, which will be led by Dzogchen Rinpoche, will be attended by monastic sangha and large crowds from the lay community - last year more than 200,000 tsok prayers were accumulated.
To dedicate prayers at this year’s festival please visit the donations page.
Mayum-La visits His Eminence in the Netherlands
June 2011
The mother of Dzogchen Rinpoche, Mayum-La, paid a special visit to His Eminence in the Netherlands last month during the European teaching tour.
Mayum-La was joined on her trip by Tigyal-La (Rinpoche-La’s brother from Sikkim) and his wife Dikki-La.
This was the first time many of the Dutch sangha had met Mayum-La and to mark the auspicious occasion the Shenpen Nederland's Board offered her a gift and commented how precious it was to have her there with Dzogchen Rinpoche.
Mayum-La, is of the Lakar Tsang family, who are known as great patrons of dharma in the Kham region of eastern Tibet.
Monks from Nepal join Dzogchen Monastery
April 2011
The new monks memorise their texts on the roof of the dratsang
Dzogchen Monastery continued to grow in April with the arrival of 28 monks from Nepal.
The new novices are from the rural Sherpa and Tamang districts of Nepal and have so far only received a basic education.
In accordance with His Eminence Dzogchen Rinpoche’s wish they will now be given the opportunity to undertake extensive studies in addition to receiving accommodation, clothing, health care and food.
The monks will study Buddhist philosophy including sutra and tantra, Tibetan reading, writing and grammar and will be trained in ritual practice including music lessons for drum and conch playing, chanting, mantra recitation and torma making.
Their time at the monastery will be divided into three sections. Firstly a basic education of five years, which includes English and reasoning. Secondly a nine-year course of extensive Buddhist philosophy study and finally a meditation retreat lasting three years and three months.
New monks join Dzogchen Monastery from Sikkim
April 2011
Registration of new monks from Sikkim
The monks with their new text books ready to begin their studies
A group of monks from six monasteries across Sikkim have been welcomed to Dzogchen Monastery in South India.
The 34 monks were specially selected to study and practice sutra, tantra and philosophy according to the Dzogchen lineage.
Sikkim is regarded as one of the most sacred places on earth and is known as The Hidden Valley.
In early time when Avalokitsehvara blessed the Himalayas all the most holy places were hidden for the future benefit of sentient beings – Sikkim was one of these special locations.
Years later Guru Rinpoche Pema Jugne, Latsunchenpo Namkha Jigme, Nadak Senpa Chenpo and several other special masters gradually opened the hidden valley to benefit those who are karmically connected.
It is said that whoever visits this place will not be born in the lower realms.
Sikkim is particularly connected to the Dzogchen lineage and His Eminence the 7th Dzogchen Rinpoche was born there.
The lineage holder of the Longchen Nyingthig His Holiness Dodrupchen Rinpoche also resides there giving many blessings to the land.
2nd Congregation of Tulkus and Khenpos of Dzogchen, Jan 21st-23rd.
January 2011
Day 1
The official procession welcomes H.E. Dzogchen Rinpoche
The congregation meet in Dzogchen Monastery Temple
H.E. Dzogchen Rinpoche opens the historic congregation
Throne holders, senior tulkus and khenpos of the Dzogchen lineage from across the world gathered at Dzogchen Monastery, South India, for an extraordinary congregation to discuss the future of Dzogchen.
On the morning of the 21st, the lineage holder, His Eminence the 7th Dzogchen Rinpoche was officially welcomed with a traditional possession of eight gyal tsen and phen [ceremonial banners], a team of monks playing ritual conch shells, drums, cymbals and ja ling [Tibetan horns] and an or dug [ceremonial yellow umbrella reserved for revered lamas].
Also within the procession were three young monks dressed in traditional lay outfits accompanying the costumed figure Gya Nag Ha Shang who welcomes high lamas to the monastery and is a symbol of great support and strength for the teachings of the Buddha.
At the ceremonial gate of Dzogchen Monastery, Dzogchen Gemang Tulku, Nyidrak Tulku, Rigdzin Chemno, Tulku Thubten Cheopel, Gemang Khenpo Dronyi, Yakzer Tulku and other senior Dzogchen tulkus welcomed Dzogchen Rinpoche by offering khatags.
The path to the temple was lined with tulkus, khenpos, representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, monastic sangha, international representatives from Shenpen and many Dhondenling villagers, who had all gathered to welcome Dzogchen Rinpoche on this historic occasion.
The congregation was officially opened by Dzogchen Rinpoche, in an inspiring speech that drew on the history of Dzogchen Monastery and the lineage. Dzogchen Rinpoche spoke of his wishes for how the practical wisdom of Dzogchen can benefit people across the globe and how the activity of Dzogchen Monastery could flourish and be supported by all whom are connected to the lineage.
Unable to attend the congregation, Khenpo Orgyen Rigdzin the present abbot of Dzogchen Shri Senha Tibet, sent a specially recorded message of well wishes and prayers for the future of Dzogchen.
Members of the audience, which featured representatives from Dzogchen branches in Tibet, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Malaysia and Singapore and the West received a traditional tea and rice offering and were presented with a Dzogchen Monastery calendar, a book of philosophical writing, prayers and poetry compiled by Dzogchen tulkus and khenpos and other special gifts.
In the afternoon the congregation met again in Dzogchen Monastery Temple and Dzogchen Gemang Tulku thanked Dzogchen Rinpoche for accepting to host the event and spoke of his wishes for Dzogchen in years to come.
The congregation was then presented with a very special message from His Holiness Dodrupchen Rinpoche who gave inspiring instructions on how all representatives can support Dzogchen Rinpoche, Dzogchen Monastery and the Dzogchen lineage.
Dzogchen Monastery presented all representatives with an especially printed book, a collection of Dzogchen prayers and the chant leader Lopon Lobsang Tashi led the recitation of the long life prayers of the lineage.
Day 2
Gemang Khenpo Dronyi, Dzogchen Gemang Tulku, H.E. Dzogchen Rinpoche, Nyidrak Tulku and Yakzer Tulku - Rahor Monastery Representative
The 2nd Congregation of Tulkus and Khenpos of Dzogchen
The congregation met on the morning of January 22nd and discussed essential points for the future of the lineage, including how all Dzogchen branch monasteries can unite together to be firm and stable for lineage, to promote the means of identifying lamas and tulkus by authentic masters of Dzogchen and to pray for the stable and indestructable long life of His Eminence Dzogchen Rinpoche.
After discussing these points at length the tulkus and khenpos then rejoined in the afternoon and agreed on the resolution of these points in the presence of Dzogchen Rinpoche.
All members of the congregation signed the historic resolution and pledged their support to maintain the precious Dzogchen lineage.
Dzogchen Rinpoche closed the congregation and presented everyone with khatags and thangkas in the authentic Dzogchen style, plus many other precious offerings.
The congregation agreed to meet again at Dzogchen Monastery for the third meeting of the tulkus and khenpos of Dzogchen.
Day 3
Dzogchen Gemang Tulku offers a long life mandala to H.E. Dzogchen Rinpoche
Representatives of Dzogchen monasteries from around the world make long life offerings
The monastic sangha perform the dance of King Gesar
Junior monks perform a Tibetan cultural dance
Dhondenling residents enjoy the celebrations
To celebrate the auspicious resolution His Eminence Dzogchen Rinpoche, all members of the congregation, official guests and many Dhondenling villagers all gathered at Dzogchen Monastery on January 23rd.
On the temple veranda Dzogchen Gemang Tulku, Nyidrak Tulku and many senior lamas offered Dzogchen Rinpoche long life mandalas and precious gifts from their monastery. Official guests and international Shenpen representatives also made offerings.
A wonderful day of festivities and dance followed with the monastic sangha performing traditional Tibetan dances including King Gesar and a snow lion dance. Performance groups from Dhondenling also presented offerings of song and dance to His Eminence and the congregation.
Arrival of Dzogchen Gemong Tulku and Nyidrak Tulku
January 2011
Gemang Tulku is offered khatags on arrival to Dzogchen Monastery
Nyidrak Tulku is welcomed by the monastic sangha
Two of the highest lamas in the Dzogchen lineage were officially welcomed to Dzogchen Monastery ahead of the 2nd Congregation of Tulkus and Khenpos of Dzogchen.
Dzogchen throne holder Gemang Tulku and Nyidrak Tulku were greeted by a large crowd of senior tulkus, khenpos, monastic and lay sangha.
Dzogchen Gemang Tulku is one of the three main throne holders of the Dzogchen lineage and had travelled all the way from Singapore to attend the congregation.
Nyidrak Tulku is an incarnation of one of the three main disciples of Pema Rigdzin, the first Dzogchen Rinpoche. Nyidrak Tulku studied at Dzogchen Monastery, South India, for five years and is revered as a great tertön of the Nyingma school.
The monastic sangha performed smoke offerings and welcomed the Dzogchen tulkus in traditional costume, wearing tse sha [ritual yellow hats], trag kep [ceremonial clothing] and playing ja ling [Tibetan horns].
10th Annual Retreat at Dzogchen Monastery
january 2011
H.E. Dzogchen Rinpoche teaches on the Abhisamayalankara
International students during an evening teaching in Dzogchen Monastery's shedra
Dzogchen Rinpoche went deeper into the teachings of the Abhisamayalankara at the 10th Annual Retreat at Dzogchen Monastery, South India, earlier this month.
Rinpoche encouraged students to combine philosophy and meditation so they could integrate the precious teachings into their everyday lives.
The eight chapters of the Abhisamayalankara were revealed in the fourth century to the great Indian practioner Asanga by the Buddha Maitreya.
During the ten-day retreat, which finished on January 12th, Rinpoche emphasised the need to develop bodhicitta, the wish to help all sentient beings, on the path to enlightenment.
On the final day of the retreat a number of new students took refuge and many offered their heartfelt realisations from the teachings.
Dzogchen Rinpoche closed the retreat with a special blessing from a sacred Tara statue from Tibet.
His Eminence Dzogchen Rinpoche’s New Year message
january 2011
Dzogchen Rinpoche emphasised the true value of the dharma in his New Year message to monastic and lay sangha.
Speaking at Dzogchen Monastery’s New Year’s Eve dinner, Dzogchen Rinpoche said the purpose of the teachings was to learn how to handle life’s problems.
Dzogchen Rinpoche said: “Life is short and the dharma is so precious. Continuity is important so take this opportunity; it is very precious and good for you.
“It is important that we let the spiritual choose what we need and not to choose what we want.”
At the dinner of around 100 monks and Western sangha Dzogchen Rinpoche also spoke of his wishes for the future of the monastery including more accommodation for the dratsang [ritual training centre] and for the shedra [university], improved classrooms for the monks and the completion of the temple renovation.
Rinpoche added: “This is the headquarters of Dzogchen Monastery and it’s important to maintain it.
“It’s a joint effort to make these things happen. When we combine a good heart and good motivation, we can make a good wish.”
Rinpoche explained how the teacher supports the lay sangha, the sangha supports the monastery and they in turn learn from the monastic community.
Also present at the dinner were Rinpoche’s sons Tulku Tsewang-La and Tulku Orgyen-La, and Tulku Pema Tashi, who sang a song in honour of the Dzogchen Rinpoches. In addition there were song offerings from Bhutanese and Nepalese monks.
The arrival of the New Year was heralded in by three repetitions of the auspicious Tashi Gyepa prayer.
Drubpa Na Sel 2010
january 2011
Sangha from around the world took part in the fifth annual Drubpa Na Sel at the end of December.
The five-day intensive practice removes obstacles and creates a positive atmosphere and strong foundation for the annual retreat, which follows immediately afterwards.
The practices were selected by His Eminence Dzogchen Rinpoche and included The Heart Sutra, Tara, Dzogchen Monastery Protectors and Dug Kar.
European Teaching Tour 2011 Announced
January 2011
Love and relationships will be at the heart of His Eminence Dzogchen Rinpoche’s European teaching schedule this year.
With public talks on Love Free From Doubt and teachings on Recognising Genuine Love Dzogchen Rinpoche’s public programme will examine the spiritual view on relationships.
At the Dzogchen Retreats, held across Europe, Rinpoche will teach on Wisdom: The Sixth Paramita, continuing his cycle of teachings on the Six Paramitas, begun in 2010.
The European tour starts in the UK on April 22nd with a Public Talk in London followed by a Tara Empowerment in the capital on the 23rd. Rinpoche will then travel on to Birmingham and Norwich before finishing with a week-long Dzogchen Retreat in the Cotswolds.
After the UK Rinpoche will travel to France, Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands for a series of public talks, empowerments, teachings and Dzogchen retreats, culminating with the 4th Annual European Dzogchen Retreat at the Gyalwa Dzogchenpa Institute in the South of France in July. This will be the second retreat to be held at the newly established institute.
Namdroling khenpos request Ngagyur Kama Transmission
December 2010
His Eminence Dzogchen Rinpoche is considering a request to give the Ngagyur Kama Transmission, which will take at least 20 days, after next year’s Nyingma Monlam in Bodhgaya.
Khenpos from Namdroling Monastery in South India, the seat of His Holiness the late Penor Rinpoche, presented a formal request to Dzogchen Rinpoche earlier this month to bestow the Ngagyur Kama at the 2011 annual festival for world peace. The khenpos returned once more to Dzogchen Rinpoche's private residence and repeated their request.
Bodhgaya, in North India, is at the heart of the Buddhist world and is the location of the sacred Bodhi tree, under which the Buddha obtained enlightenment more than 2,500 years ago.
Representatives from Dzogchen Monastery echoed the request for the transmission during a meeting with Dzogchen Rinpoche at his private residence whilst presenting a mandala offering.
A spokesman for the monastery said: “All members of Dzogchen Monastery are wishing Rinpoche-Lak to give Ngagyur Kama Transmission because Rinpoche-Lak is a high lineage holder of the Ngagyur Nyingmapa. This is a very important and great opportunity for all of us."
Dzogchen leaders meet to discuss future of lineage
December 2010
Senior lamas, tulkus, khenpos and monks from Dzogchen branches right around the world will meet at Dzogchen Monastery in the New Year to discuss the future of the lineage.
Top of the agenda will be how to protect and maintain the authentic lineage as it continues to spread internationally, including the need to prevent unauthorised teachers from teaching.
The annual meeting will also feature a discussion on how the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism, Nyingma (of which Dzogchen belongs), Gelug, Kagyu and Sakya, can maintain themselves without becoming overly involved in each other’s affairs.
Australia Teaching Tour 2010
November 2010
His Eminence Dzogchen Rinpoche has just completed an inspiring tour of Australia giving a number of public talks, empowerments and residential retreats in a visit that featured many favourable signs and blessings.
People lining up for the public talk in Torquay
Melbourne Public Talk
Melbourne Empowerment and Teaching
Traditional mandala offering, Three-Day Retreat, SA
Discussion group, Three-Day Retreat, SA
The tour kicked off in Torquay, Victoria, with a sold out public talk to more than 100 people followed by another in Melbourne the following evening.
The Melbourne empowerment was very auspicious and immediately after the ceremony a brilliant double rainbow appeared.
On the first of the three Australian retreats, set amongst the beautiful mountains surrounding Adelaide, Dzogchen Rinpoche taught how to recognise and overcome hope and fear.
International and Australian sangha in front of Uluru
A sacred lake at Uluru - full after years of drought
H.E. Dzogchen Rinpoche during the Könchog Chidü Long Life Empowerment in Alice Springs
Then in the Northern Territory, Dzogchen Rinpoche and the Alice Springs sangha made a trip to the sacred Uluru site following an empowerment in the outback town where many new people received their first ever empowerment.
The public talk in Queensland
Retreatants return with khatags after Rinpoche’s arrival at the retreat venue
Three-Day Retreat, QLD: Resting the mind
In Queensland, the venue for the three-day retreat, located in the remote hillside outside Tuchekoi, reminded Dzogchen Rinpoche of the atmosphere at the Gyalwa Dzogchenpa Institute in France - an ideal place for resting the mind.
The final public talk was held in Sydney in late October. After the well attended talk at Redfern Hall, Dzogchen Rinpoche met with the respected aboriginal leader Shireen Malamoo.
H. E. Dzogchen Rinpoche, respected aboriginal leader Shireen Malamoo and guest
The tour concluded with the National Dzogchen Retreat back in Victoria, where Dzogchen Rinpoche taught on the Six Paramitas. On the first day of the retreat Rinpoche-La remarked on how special the atmosphere was this year, then on the afternoon of the second day light rain fell followed by a large and vivid rainbow.
Re-alignment of the teaching tent according to the ancient principles of Vaastu
H.E. Dzogchen Rinpoche teaches on The Six Paramitas
Historic meeting with H.E. Dzogchen Rinpoche, the International Director and sangha planning the Australian Institute
H.E. Dzogchen Rinpoche and retreatants
Dzogchen Rinpoche said: “Believing that we are a human being is the wrong faith. The true nature of our body is rainbow form. Why do you trust your mind and believe so much in relative although there is so much suffering?”
The retreat concluded with a refuge ceremony for four students and the traditional mandala offering.
Tsok Boom, 16th – 20th November 2010
October 2010
Dzogchen Monastery has announced that Tsok Boom 2010 will be held from 16th - 20th November.
The annual five-day festival to accumulate 100,000 tsok prayers will begin on an auspicious Tshe Chu, Guru Rinpoche day and will be led by His Eminence Dzogchen Rinpoche.
Previous Tsok Boom’s have been attended by monastic sangha from all the nearby monasteries and large crowds from the lay community.
For more information on this year’s event please visit the monastery programme page.
European Teaching Tour 2010
July 2010
UK , April
Dzogchen Rinpoche visited the UK this April holding public talks in London and Norwich, where his visit was featured in the local newspaper The Eastern Daily Press.
In Birmingham Dzogchen Rinpoche held a public talk and a Könchog Chidü long life empowerment and teaching in the Uffculme Centre, which also hosted a photographic exhibition depicting life at Dzogchen Monastery and the Dhondenling Tibetan Refugee settlement in South India.
Traditional mandala offering before the empowerment in Birmingham
Dzogchen Retreat in the Cotswolds, UK
Many new students from around the UK attended the third National Dzogchen Retreat led by Dzogchen Rinpoche, held again in the Cotswolds, this year near Cheltenham Spa.
France, April - May
Throughout April and May, Dzogchen Rinpoche toured across France returning to Paris and Marseille for public talks and to Montpellier to give a public talk, and the Könchog Chidü long life empowerment followed by a teaching. The events were held at le Corum and were auspiciously attended by Mayum-La Lakar, Dzogchen Rinpoche’s mother.
Mayum-La Lakar receives Long Life Empowerment
Public Talk in Marseille
For the first time public talks were held in Albi and Toulouse and both events were sold out.
Switzerland, May
In the latter half of May Dzogchen Rinpoche was welcomed to Switzerland by a very well attended public talk in Basel. A public talk and a Könchog Chidü long life empowerment and teaching were also held in Chur, before Dzogchen Rinpoche travelled to the beautiful mountain town of Flumsersberg in the Churfirsten range for the National Retreat.
H.E. Dzogchen Rinpoche gives a public talk in Basel
Participants wait to receive the empowerment from H.E. Dzogchen Rinpoche in Chur
H.E. Dzogchen Rinpoche with retreatants during the Shenpen Suisse National Dzogchen Retreat
Germany, May - June
Germany hosted Dzogchen Rinpoche’s tour throughout May, holding public talks in Kassel and Lichtenstein, which was particularly well attended.
Berlin hosted a public talk and a Könchog Chidü long life empowerment and teaching. Dzogchen Rinpoche was requested by members of the sangha to give a special teaching for children. One of the children present helped with the Long Life Empowerment. The children spoke about their deepest wishes which included, to be friendly, to give donations and for the world to be without war. Dzogchen Rinpoche commented that these wishes came from the children’s wisdom.
Berlin: children help with the empowerment
Berlin: teaching for children
The 2010 National Retreat was held in Fürstenberg/Havel where students from across Germany received five days of precious teachings from Dzogchen Rinpoche.
The Netherlands, June
In June Dzogchen Rinpoche visited the Netherlands giving public talks in Zutphen, Utrecht and Amstelveen, with hundreds of people in attendance. A Könchog Chidü long life empowerment and teaching was also held in Amstelveen.
Following on from the very successful retreat in 2009, the Dutch sangha and many new students gathered together for the National Retreat in Vorden. This was the first time that the sangha used the new teaching tent, which provided a very inspiring atmosphere for Dzogchen Rinpoche to teach. The first day of teaching began with Rinpoche leading a serkyem practice to create a peaceful and beneficial environment for the retreat.
Members of the audience at Zutphen Public Talk
First use of the teaching tent at a Dzogchen Retreat
France, June - July
Dzogchen Rinpoche returned to the Tarn region of the south of France to hold the first National Dzogchen Retreat at the Gyalwa Dzogchenpa Institute Europe.
Gyalwa Dzogchenpa Institute Europe
Many new and returning students attended from across France and retreatants lined the entrance offering khatags as Dzogchen Rinpoche arrived to give the first teaching at the institute.
The institute provides a peaceful and natural environment for visitors to learn and participate in ongoing philosophical study and meditation under the guidance of Dzogchen Rinpoche and the Dzogchen lineage.
View from the teaching tent
Practice: enjoying the nature
The teachings and practices during the retreat were dedicated to all beings and to the development of the Gyalwa Dzogchenpa Institute Europe so that it may be of benefit to both the local community and the international sangha.
Teachings on Buddhist philosophy
Heartfelt prayers
To complete one of the most successful European tours to date, students from throughout Europe and from the US travelled to the institute to attend the 3rd Annual European Retreat.
Tsok: the offerings are blessed
Sangha celebrate tsok
Upon the instruction of Dzogchen Rinpoche, retreatants accomplished 100,000 tsok offerings - a very significant and auspicious achievement, planting positive seeds for the future.
The Gyalwa Dzogchenpa Institute Europe has been established through the vision of Dzogchen Rinpoche and the support of the European sangha and for many this was the first time visiting the new European home of the Dzogchen lineage.
Retreatants of the 3rd Annual European Dzogchen Retreat at the GDI