The introduction to the common meaning of Dzogchen and Mahamudra teaching and practice

While the Kagyü traditions call their essential meditation path “Mahamudra”, the Nyigma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism speaks of “Dzogchen” as the core term.

Many great teachers and practitioners of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions practice both paths. They are similar, but also place slightly different emphasizes. In both, the goal of the path is the realization of the Buddha nature that is inherent in us.

“Mahamudra” is a Sanskrit word, in Tibetan it would be “Chag Chen”, and Dzogchen is a Tibetan word and in Sanskrit it is called “Maha Ati”. So it is actually about “Mahamudra and Maha Ati” or “Chag Chen and Dzog Chen”.

In this course Lama Sönam Rabgye will reveal the similarities and subtle differences between the two meditation paths and also introduce their practice. He himself is a lama in the Mahamudra tradition of the Karma Kagyu school, in which “Dzogchen” is highly valued, but the more gradual path of Mahamudra is preferred for teaching and practice.

The course is therefore also an opportunity to clear up any confusion about these terms and what lies behind them.

English with German translation.

Additional Texts used for daily practrice: PDF Download


About Instructor

Acharya Lama Sönam Rabgye

Acharya Lama Sönam Rabgye has been one of the resident lamas of Kamalashila Institute since 1999. He was born in Nepal and studied at Karma Shri Nalanda Monastic University in Rumtek/Sikkim, later teaching at Karma Lekshey Ling Monastery in Kathmandu. His most important teacher, with whom he took refuge and was ordained, was the 3rd Jamgön Kongtrul, Karma Chökyi Lodrö Senge. As part of his teaching activities, he visits Buddhist centers throughout Europe and supervises Kamalashila city groups. He is a competent teacher of Buddhist philosophy and the meditation practices of sutra, tantra and Mahamudra.

61 Courses

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Course Includes

  • 6 Lessons