Sutra, Tantra and Dzogchen

“The nine vehicles of the Nyingma School can roughly be described as the three vehicles of Sutrayana, and the six vehicles of Vajrayana – the three Outer and three Inner Tantras. The highest Inner Tantric vehicle, Ati yoga, can also be called Dzogchen. When Dzogchen is viewed as a path in its own right, we talk about the three vehicles of Sutra, Tantra, and Dzogchen, rather than about Sutrayana and Vajrayana. Sutra incorporates all teachings and practices of the path of renunciation with the experience of emptiness as their fruit. Tantra embraces all the teachings and practices that use symbolic method as the path of transformation. Dzogchen includes all teachings and practices that provide an opportunity for direct introduction into the experience of non-duality.” (Spacious Passion, Chapter II, ‘Sky Mind’)

Ngakma Nor’dzin and Ngakpa ’ö-Dzin will expound on the principle and function of each vehicle—the experiential base, the quality of the practices, and the fruit of each path—and how these are vividly relevant for us all in our daily lives. They will consider how the focus of each vehicle is pertinent to the changing circumstances of any individual aspiring to be a kind person of good heart.

On Saturday evening Ngakma Nor’dzin and Ngakpa ’ö-Dzin will give empowerment of MagÇig Labdrön. An enlightened female Lama, MaÇig Labdrön (1055-1152) established gÇöd as a central practice in Tibet. She is venerated as one of the primary foremothers of the Aro lineage, and her Lama’i Naljor is one of Aro’s most important practices.