Dzogchen

Dzogchen (Great Perfection) is considered the highest teaching in the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. It points to rigpa—pure, primordial awareness that is the natural state of all beings, obscured only by not recognizing it.

Unlike gradual paths that work to purify the mind, Dzogchen introduces practitioners directly to their buddha nature. Through "pointing out instructions" from a qualified master, the student recognizes rigpa and then rests in this recognition. The practice is simply to remain in natural awareness without effort or modification.

Dzogchen teaches that the mind's nature has never been stained by confusion. Enlightenment is not created through practice but recognized as always already present. The practitioner's task is simply to relax into this recognition again and again until it becomes continuous.

After receiving pointing out instructions, practice by relaxing completely and recognizing awareness in its natural state—not modified, not fabricated, not following thoughts. When distraction occurs, simply recognize awareness again. The key is effortless resting, not effortful meditation.

The main obstacle is effort itself—trying to create a state rather than recognizing what is. Another is confusing a calm mental state for rigpa. Dzogchen requires proper introduction from a realized master; attempting it without guidance often leads to self-deception.