Foundations of Dzogchen: Introduction to the Lineage of Innate Wholeness (Online Course)

Wednesdays, Jan. 13 – Feb. 17 from 5:30–7:00 pm ET and Sundays, Jan. 17 – Feb. 21 from 5:30–6:30 pm ET

Perhaps one of the hallmarks of being human is a sense that we are not good enough as we are. This hidden belief drives us to seek paths of healing, purification and transformation, to seek ways to become more awake, wise and whole. While this impulse may act as a powerful stimulus towards the spiritual path, the teachings of Dzogchen (“the great wholeness”) take a unique perspective on this hidden belief.

These teachings offer a hypothesis that no living thing is fractured or broken. In fact, the opposite is true. This thing called “waking up”  is not a matter of clearing away darkness, or filling in  deficiencies. It is a matter of noticing that we have always been, from the very beginning, primordially whole. Hence this tradition refers to itself as “the great wholeness.”

The key to glimpsing our innate wholeness is not doubling down on one’s spiritual practice, tightening up concentration, and becoming “great meditators.” Because this wholeness is already present as everyone’s birthright, the emphasis is on letting be, loosening up, opening up and turning the gaze inwards to glimpse a wakeful awareness that has always been present.

In this six-week course, Willa will introduce the path of Dzogchen by way of Garab Dorje’s Three Vital Points, Anam Thubten’s Releasing the Knot of Mind, and Shabkar’s classic Dzogchen text The Flight of the Garuda.

The course will explore:

• Basic history of the Dzogchen tradition
• Dzogchen view, meditation and action
• Discernment between mind and awareness
• The essential points of Dzogchen meditation practice

Through study and practice, you will engage with the principles, practices and view of Dzogchen online via live teachings, a book study group and guided practice.

Course Materials

Please have these core texts on hand: 

• Releasing the Knot of Mind by Anam Thubten
• Garab Dorje’s Three Vital Points *
• The Flight of the Garuda by Shabkar *

*These materials will be provided in PDF form to enrolled students.

A course syllabus will be available prior to the start of the course.

Schedule

This course includes two required weekly sessions:

• • • Wednesdays, January 13 – February 17 | 5:30–7:00 pm ET: Live teachings and guided practice with Lama Willa.
    • Sundays, January 17 – February 21 | 5:30–6:30 pm ET: Interactive Book Study Group facilitated by a teaching assistant (TBD).

Both components are required, and recordings of all sessions will be available. Because the teachings and book study group include opportunities for discussion and interaction, live attendance is strongly encouraged.

Please note that this course is a prerequisite for the 2027 Natural Freedom Dzogchen Program.

Natural Dharma Fellowship Full Calendar