Discover/For Newcomers

Welcome to the Dzogchen Teachings of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

On this page you will find some advice on where to start, how to discover the Dzogchen teachings, meet the Teacher and make contact with people who already have experience with the teachings.

What is Dzogchen?

Dzogchen is our primordial nature, a state free of suffering, that all beings without exception have from the very beginning. Dzogchen is translated as 'Great Perfection' from the Tibetan language. The Dzogchen teaching is considered the summit of all Tibetan paths. It is the highest and most immediate path towards spiritual progress. Rather than a religious doctrine the Dzogchen teaching is better defined as a system of inner knowledge, given the great importance to the development of individual awareness. Learn more...

Who is Chögyal Namkhai Norbu?

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu is an eminent present-day Master of the Dzogchen teachings. He was Professor of Tibetan and Mongolian Languages and Literature at the Oriental Institute of the University of Naples, Italy from 1964 to 1992. In 1976 he established the International Dzogchen Community, and later the Shang Shung Institute and A.S.I.A. for the preservation of Tibetan culture. Learn more...

Where to start?

The starting point for the practice of Dzogchen is to receive ‘Direct Transmission’ from the teacher. This ‘Direct Transmission’ is the means by which the teacher introduces us directly to the true nature of our mind: our primordial state or ‘rigpa’ (Tibetan). We can receive ‘Direct Transmission’ from the teacher in person by attending a retreat, but since this is not always possible, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu also gives ‘Direct Transmission’ via the worldwide web. We call this 'World Wide Transmission.' There are three of these each year. Learn more...

Meeting and Talking to experienced followers

One of the best ways to learn more about the Dzogchen teachings is to meet someone who already practices this path and has experience with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu's teachings. You will be able to find such practitioners in all major cities in Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands, and worldwide. Learn more...

Books to start with...

Before receiving "Direct Transmission" from Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, it is important to understand what the Dzogchen teachings are about, in order to know whether or not we are interested in this path. There are some books which give a very good introduction and background to Dzogchen: Dzogchen Teachings; Dzogchen, the Self Perfected State; The Crystal and the Way of Light: Sutra Tantra and Dzogchen; The Mirror, Advice on Presence and Awareness.

I want to participate now

The best way to start participation is to meet other practitioners. You can contact the Dzogchen Community through phone and email, or attend a specific event related with the Dzogchen teachings. There are courses and events all year around. Learn more...

I still have some questions...

Contact persons on the contact page are happy to talk with you. However, if you wish to find out for yourself, we have a special Frequently Answered Question page on this website. Learn more...

​Namgyalgar monthly Newsletter

If you wish to receive news about events and information related with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu's program, the Dzogchen Teachings and the Dzogchen Community, we could send you an email every month. Note that if you do not wish to receive our emails, it will be as easy to unsubscribe than it is to subscribe.