Dear Gar and Ling Gakyils of the International Dzogchen Community,

Greetings from the International Gakyil!

We wish to share some important information and requests for your review.

  • The International Dzogchen Community (IDC) is an international non-profit, non-political, and non-sectarian organization, and does not promote, approve, or support political or sectarian discussions and controversies within official IDC channels. The International Gakyil (IG) has no jurisdiction over private communications that occur outside community platforms, but we kindly ask that Gar/Ling Gakyils remind their members that each individual is responsible for their actions and to be respectful and aware of the circumstances of others.
  • The IG recommends an excellent resource for newcomers, presented in collaboration with Shang Shung Publications (SSP) – the newly updated booklet about Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and the IDC. The booklet can be downloaded from the landing page at https://welcome.dzogchencommunity.org/. We encourage sharing this link on your websites and with your local sangha.
  • Regarding restricted course and retreat participation requirements, the IG suggests that Gars and Lings update the wording in their program announcements to reflect that those wishing to participate in restricted courses and retreats need to have received transmission from Chögyal Namkhai Norbu or Yeshi Namkhai. Prospective participants without transmission should be directed to contact the authorized teacher leading the program in question who will then make a decision. Rinpoche’s advice on working with newcomers in The Dzogchen Community: Principles and Guidelines, printed by SSP and often called the Blue Book, is a useful reference for this topic and others.
  • Due to recent requests, the IG kindly asks Gar and Ling Gakyils to please consider regularly adding wording such as “for all those in need” to their Shitro practice announcements to clarify that this practice is dedicated not only to locally known practitioners but also to all those who are suffering or have died.
  • The IG and the Practicing Together team are organizing several Practicing Together Global Practice Chains in the months to come for peace and evolution. The first one, a 24-hour Guru Tragphur practice, took place on August 17, 2024. In recent days we sent a message to Gar/Ling Gakyils and under separate cover to all IDC members announcing the schedule and how to register.

Best wishes, 

The International Gakyil