Study/Curriculum
History
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The Dzogchen Community was created in late 1970's in Italy by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu with the aim of making the Dzogchen teachings available to interested people.
The Dzogchen teachings contain instructions on how to overcome our psychological limitations and difficulties in order to live a more compassionate and relaxed life. The Dzogchen Community has the function to offer this educational opportunity for now and for the future. The International Dzogchen Community counts among its members all those who are interested in the practice of Dzogchen as passed on to us by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. The Community is thus seen as a place for sharing and exchange for people who share the same path towards knowledge. The various community centres are considered places for the practice of awareness where it is possible to collaborate with others in the perspective of a common spiritual and educational enrichment. In order to make sure his students understand this body of knowledge correctly, in the late 80's Chögyal Namkhai Norbu created a curriculum of Dzogchen Teachings study starting from a Base level going to the 9th level. This program is called Santi Maha Sangha (SMS, meaning Dzogchen community in the language of Oddiyana). In order to start and apply this program one needs to have received the necessary teachings from Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and have the wish to follow them seriously. To enquire about the study please contact our SMS coordinator (form at the bottom of this page). Each level contains instructions given by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, as well as written material to complete the related study. This material contains ancient original text related with the Dzogchen Teachings as well as commentaries on those texts. The study is standard for all student, and all levels contain 3 subjects: one theoretical subject and 2 practical subjects (meditative experiences and behavioral application). |
'Study, Practice, Experience'
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The Santi Maha Sangha (SMS) training prepared by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu begins with the Base Level that provides an essential training in the fundamentals of Sutra, Tantra and dzogchen theory and practice which is indispensable for those genuinely interested in the Dzogchen teachings.
Furthermore, Santi Maha Sangha includes the concise teachings of Garab Dorje and treats exhaustively the view, meditation and behaviour that constitute the knowledge and experience of the practice of Dzogchen for future generations in a pure way. The nine levels of the Santi Maha Sangha training embrace the three series of Dzogchen: the Semde or "Series of Mind", the Longde series or "Series of Space" and the Menngagde, or "Series of Secret Instruction". The purpose of Santi Maha Sangha training is not to develop intellectual knowledge but rather to train and experience Dzogchen knowledge concretely and develop the capacity to continue the Dzogchen teaching for the benefit of others. 
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Examinations |
To follow the Santi Maha Sangha training one needs to have the intention to support the Dzogchen Community and to maintain a continuous membership. Find out more about membership.
Once those 3 subject requirements are completed, one can attend an examination of the related level. No time limit is set between each level, as the main point is to make sure the understanding has been completely integrated into one's life. So concretely it often takes years for this to happen. After passing the examination, one then goes ahead with the curriculum by attending the next level training. This training usually takes between one and two weeks and covers the 3 study points related to view, meditation and behaviour. This process is the same for every level. 
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I am interested in studying Santi Maha Sangha. How do I begin?
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As explained above, Santi Maha Sangha (SMS) means Dzogchen Community. It means those interested in SMS are also interested in the development and well-being of the Dzogchen Community.
There are three ways of participating:
To start with the Base Level study and practice you need to have received direct introduction to the state of Dzogchen from Chögyal Namkhai Norbu's lineage holders. From this point you can immerse yourself in the program through the text The Precious Vase. This book has been compiled by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and presents the Base Level theory and practices (the 2 first subjects). As explained above, practitioners must also engage in karma yoga (volunteer work for the Community, part of the third subject on behavior) in the year prior to the examination. This is not a last minute requirement but reflects one's ongoing commitment to collaborate with people of the Dzogchen Community. Likewise practitioners must also be a member of the Community in the year prior to the examination. In order to learn about Karma Yoga opportunities please contact your nearest local Dzogchen Community Center. |
Classes and courses
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Public talks on Buddhism and courses on Santi Maha Sangha Base level can be organised with authorised instructors: Angie Gilbert, Amare Pearl, Arnaud Coquillard Samuel Pearson.
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Teachers Training |
The main teacher of this curriculum was Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. In present times there are various authorised teachers allowed to teach and give examination for specific levels. Most of them (50 in total worldwide) are authorised to teach the Base level only, a few are authorised to teach the Base and First levels, and only 3 instructors are authorised to teach the Base, First and Second levels. In Australia, there are 4 SMS Base level instructors.
In order to qualify for being teacher of Santi Maha Sangha, one needs to attend teacher trainings. They are for students who have perfected the 3 subjects of the corresponding level. One first needs to do a teacher training of the Base level before doing the First level, then the Second, Third, etcetera... 
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