What is Dzogchen?

Dzogchen is the most ancient form of wisdom within Buddhism, as well as the source of the bardo teachings. Traced back to Samantabhadra, the Primordial Buddha, Dzogchen has been responsible for the enlightenment of hundreds of thousands of individuals over time. Described as the primordial state of total awakening, Dzogchen is the heart essence of all Buddhas, and is the already self-perfected state of the primordial nature. In Dzogchen, the ground is the fundamental state of absolute nature. Sogyal notes two paths, those of the enlightened, and the confused unenlightened. The path of the Dzogchen is to uncover the intrinsic nature through teachings and practice. The fruition of the Dzogchen is to realize original nature and to obtain complete liberation, thereby becoming a Buddha.