The Problem with Dzogchen

is not a problem...

Dzogchen is people’s favorite Buddhist teaching to problematize. It is a problem, some say, because it is claimed it has no Indian origin. It is a problem, others say, because it is too profound to understood by the average person. It is a problem, still others say, because it denies the efficacy of cause and result with respect to buddhahood, and so on. The list of complaints about Dzogchen teaching is quite long.

Buddhahood, Dzogchen teaching claims, does not depend on practice, merit, causes. stages, or even a path. This presents a problem for many.

On what does buddhahood depend? It depends on discovering the basis of the individual, sometimes referred to as “the primordial state.”. Realization of this state is the realization of buddhahood and nonrealization of this state is to be subject to birth and death as a sentient being, governed by affliction and karma. Recognition of this state is called “knowledge” (Skt. vidyā, Tib. rig pa) and nonrecognition is called “ignorance” (Skt. avidyā, Tib. ma rig pa).