Dzogchen | |||||||||||
Tibetan name | |||||||||||
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Tibetan | རྫོགས་ཆེན་ | ||||||||||
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Chinese name | |||||||||||
Traditional Chinese | 大究竟、 大圓滿、 大成就 | ||||||||||
Simplified Chinese | 大究竟、 大圆满、 大成就 | ||||||||||
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Dzogchen (Tibetan: རྫོགས་ཆེན, Wylie: rdzogs chen, "Great Perfection" or "Great Completion"), also known as atiyoga (utmost yoga), is a tradition of teachings in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism and Bon aimed at discovering and continuing in the ultimate ground of existence.[2] The goal of Dzogchen is knowledge of this basis, this knowledge is called rigpa (Skt. vidyā). There are spiritual practices taught in various Dzogchen systems for awakening rigpa.
Dzogchen emerged during the first dissemination of Buddhism in Tibet, around the 7th to 9th centuries CE. While it is considered a Tibetan development by some scholars, it draws upon key ideas from Indian sources. 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 figures like Śrī Siṅgha and Vimalamitra. Early Dzogchen was marked by a departure from normative Vajrayana practices, focusing instead on simple calming contemplations leading to a direct immersion in awareness. During the Tibetan renaissance era (10th to early 12th century), Dzogchen underwent significant development, incorporating new practices and teachings from India. This period saw the emergence of new Dzogchen traditions like the "Instruction Class series" and the "Seminal Heart".
Dzogchen is classified into three series: the Semde (Mind Series), Longdé (Space Series), and Menngagde (Instruction Series). The Dzogchen path comprises the Base, the Path, and the Fruit. The Base represents the original state of existence, characterized by emptiness, clarity (lhun grub, associated with luminous clarity), and compassionate energy. The Path involves gaining a direct understanding of the mind's pure nature through meditation and specific Dzogchen methods. The Fruit is the realization of one's true nature, leading to complete non-dual awareness and the dissolution of dualities.
Dzogchen practitioners aim for self-liberation, where all experiences are integrated with awareness of one's true nature. This process may culminate in the attainment of a rainbow body at the moment of death, symbolizing full Buddhahood. Critics point to tensions between gradual and simultaneous practice within Dzogchen traditions, but practitioners argue these approaches cater to different levels of ability and understanding. Overall, Dzogchen offers a direct path to realizing the innate wisdom and compassion of the mind.