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 being 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.