Before diving in head first, please understand the differences in risk associated and the recommendations, outlined below.

Historically, transmissions were given only in person, when teacher and student were in the same place, at the same time. Today, in this Kali Yuga, technology has sped up the pace and connectivity of the world and some Lamas have begun live-streaming their transmissions. This is an experiment to see if the connection can be made across distances.

These instructions include words and symbols, but they also include a telepathic, mind-to-mind component, known as a “wang” in Tibetan.  This direct connection is essential to the student’s progress. Without it, only conceptual understanding arises in the student’s mind and this can actually act as a hinderance to further progress.

In addition to the hinderance of intellectualization, there are other practical risks to be aware of. Dzogchen works directly with the alchemy of raw emotions, energy, and mind. There will be inner upheavals, wacky meditative experiences (nyam), and extreme highs and lows. Please take this into consideration if you have a history of mental health issues or are experiencing significant emotional distress. This practice is not for everyone.

If the Mahayana path is like hiking a trail up a mountain, then Dzogchen is like climbing a sheer rock wall – it is a direct route with many more pitfalls. THINGS CAN GO WRONG! 

Go check out your local Buddhist center. Seek out an introductory class, attend Dharma talks, and engage the sangha (community). Then as you continue to do this, develop a relationship with a Dharma teacher. Ask questions, and get personal instructions on your own practice of healing and transformation.

Recommendations:

• Begin a relationship with a qualified and authentic teacher. A teacher can address pressing questions as they arise and give you a map and tools for the journey. As practitioners, we can rely on those who have hiked the trail before us.

• Do not expect to travel this path guided only by books and the internet! Use the internet to find a teacher, then connect with them.

• The responsibility to take care of your own mind rests with you; not the lama. So, take it upon yourself to be safe and use common sense.

• With great power, comes great responsibility. In this case, the responsibility is to your own naturally luminous mind.