Dzogchen
Dzogchen (
Tibetan, translated from the
Sanskrit Mahasandhi) has at least 2 meanings:
- Mental state. Dzogchen is a distinct mental state considered to be the primordial state of every sentient being.
- Teaching. Dzogchen is a teaching that gives paths to discover the primordial mental state and develop it to achieve realization (enlightenment). In Tibet Dzogchen is considered an advanced and secret teaching, that is nondual, i.e. it is thought to be the absolute/ultimate teaching of pure and total awareness (see also Maha Ati Tantra)
There are two different main lineages of Dzogchen:
- Buddhist: first taught by Guru Garab Dorje
- Bön (Bon)
In
Tibetan Buddhism Dzogchen is practiced mainly by the
Nyingma school, although all four main schools of
Tibetan Buddhism practice it to some extent.
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