Knowra Dzogchen Dzogchen Dzogchen is a Tibetan Buddhist tradition of meditation and teachings centered on recognizing primordial awareness as naturally present, rather than something produced through practice.
Rigpa : In Dzogchen, primordial awareness that is empty, lucid, and naturally present. Recognition of rigpa is the tradition’s central contemplative aim.
Direct introduction : A teacher’s experiential presentation of the nature of mind to a student. It frames recognition as something disclosed through transmission, not manufactured by technique.
Nyingma : The oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Dzogchen is especially associated with Nyingma, though it also appears in other Tibetan traditions.
Sky gazing : A contemplative practice in which open-eyed awareness is cultivated while gazing into the sky. Some Dzogchen instructions use spacious visual attention to support nonconceptual presence.
Gradual path in Tibetan Buddhism : A staged approach to Buddhist awakening that develops ethical conduct, meditation, and insight over time. Dzogchen emphasizes recognizing already-present awareness, while gradual paths foreground progressive cultivation.
Sem : Ordinary conceptual mind, characterized by thoughts, perceptions, and dualistic grasping. Dzogchen distinguishes rigpa from sem rather than treating every mental event as awakened awareness.
Three statements of Garab Dorje : A concise Dzogchen teaching outlining recognition, confidence, and continued practice. These statements summarize a traditional account of how realization is recognized and stabilized.
Garab Dorje : A semi-legendary Indian master regarded in Nyingma tradition as the first human Dzogchen teacher. Nyingma lineage accounts trace Dzogchen transmission to his teachings.
Dark retreat : An extended contemplative retreat conducted in complete darkness. It is used in some Dzogchen contexts for advanced visionary practices, especially thögal.
Tantra : A set of Buddhist and Hindu traditions using ritual, visualization, mantra, and esoteric initiation. Dzogchen is often classified within Buddhist tantra, yet its teachings stress direct recognition over elaborate visualization.
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