Tsegyalgar East is the Northeastern chapter of the International Dzogchen Community. This community was founded by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. After being recognized as the reincarnation of both Dzogchen Master Adzom Drugpa and Dhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in his childhood, Norbu learned Dzogchen from some of the masters, including his main teaching inspiration, Changchub Dorje. Throughout the 1960’s, he taught in different Buddhist institutions around Italy, dedicated to spreading the culture of Tibet to the West. Norbu began to give Dzogchen teachings in the 1970’s, and went on to open the first Dzogchen Community Centre in Tuscany. Today, the International Dzogchen Community has erected locations across the globe. Tsegyalgar East, however, stands out as the first North American branch of the organization!
“Dzogchen” means “total perfection”—it is the “true inherent nature of all beings, their primordial state, which is free from all limitations and conditioning”. This teaching is rooted in the Tibetian Buddhist tradition, and consists of knowledge attained and relayed by Tibetan masters. Dzogchen teachings entail the spread of this knowledge by these enlightened trainers.
Tsegyalgar East also practices Santi Maha Sangha, a practice coined by Norbu to assure the continual cycle of the Dzogchen teachings. This knowledge has been passed from student to teacher for over 30 years, and Norbu’s 9-level program guarantees the repetition of this tradition. To be eligible for the course, potential participants must take a “base exam”, as well as volunteering for the organization for one year beforehand (also referred to as practicing “karma yoga”).
Members of the Tsegyalgar East community can also participate in Vajra Dance, a harmonious dance performed on a Mandala; Yantra Yoga, a traditional Tibetan yoga practice; and Khaita Joyful Dances, modern Tibetan song-and-dance numbers. The organization also hosts showings of live teaching webcasts from a variety of masters. They are funded by their events, workshops, and retreats, which are individually priced. Costs vary, and students receive a discount.
Tsegyalgar East is located in Conway, MA, with 220 acres of land 20 minutes away in Buckland, MA. Their office hours are Monday-Thursday, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. They can be contacted at 413-369-4153 or emailed at secretary@tsegyalgar.org.