Frequently Asked Questions About the International Dzogchen Community

About the International Dzogchen Community (IDC)

​What is the IDC?

According to the IDC Statute, the International Dzogchen Community is an international non-for profit organization that brings together people who are committed to study and practice the Dzogchen Ati Teaching under the guidance of a master possessing authentic knowledge of the state of Dzogchen.  It is non-political and non-sectarian.

The International Dzogchen Community is composed as follows:

•  The International Dzogchen Community Association
•  The main seats of the International Dzogchen Community in a specific geographical area, referred to as “Gars”
•  The local seats/centers within a single country, referred to as “Lings”
•  The associations, foundations, study centers, universities, cooperatives, companies and/or any other institution founded, cofounded, promoted by and/or affiliated with the International Dzogchen Community.

What is the IDC’s Purpose and Mission?

According to the IDC Statute, the mission of the Association is to support the transmission of the Dzogchen Teaching, as transmitted within Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s lineage and to safeguard its authenticity. The basic purpose of the Association is to support the evolution of individuals through respect of everyone’s dignity and individual dimension, refraining at the same time from any proselytism and sectarianism. E-mail idc.ig.secretariat@gmail.com for more information.

Who governs the IDC?

•  The Spiritual Master of the Dzogchen Community, also referred to as the “President”
•  The “International Sangha Assembly”, also referred as the “Assembly”
•  The International Board of Directors, customarily known as the “International Gakyil”

The International Coordination Committee includes members from all Gars and plays an advisory role.

Where can I find copies of the IDC Statute and related documents?

Please follow the links posted on the IDC’s website at: http://dzogchencommunity.org. For questions related to specific terms, issues or language use in the Statute, please e-mail red@dzogchen.net

How is the IDC funded?

The IDC operates on an operating cost break-even basis using funds and in-kind donations generated through fundraising, gifts and a share of global membership fees. For more information, e-mail yellow@dzogchen.net

How do I contact the IDC’s administrative office?

•  Postal address:

International Dzogchen Community

Loc. Merigar, 58031, Arcidosso (GR)

Italy

•  e-mail: idc.ig.secretariat@gmail.com

About the International Gakyil (IG)

What is the IG and what is its role?

The International Gakyil is the highest governing body of the International Association. It has the responsibility to support the President in ensuring that the work and the organizational system of the Dzogchen Community are efficiently implemented in accordance with the understanding of the Dzogchen Teaching. Specific questions should be e-mailed to blue@dzogchen.net

How are members selected?

A minimum of three members and a maximum of nine are proposed by the President and ratified by the International Sangha Assembly.  The requirements for membership are significant and demanding and should be considered carefully before expressing interest. E-mail idc.ig.secretariat@gmail.com for more information.

How long is an IG term?

IG members initially serve a three-year term and are each individually re-electable for a second, contiguous, three-year term for a maximum of six contiguous years in office.

What is the role of the Vice President?

The IG nominates from amongst its members a Vice-President who assumes the legal representation of the Association.  The role represents the Association before third parties and in the court for any deliberation on ordinary and extraordinary administration resolved by the International Gakyil and has all relevant powers of signature. The Vice-president coordinates the work of the IG. E-mail idc.ig.secretariat@gmail.com for more information.

About Membership

What is a Welcome Card and why does it exist?

Please read the Welcome Card overview letter: http://dzogchencommunity.org/the-welcome-card-open-message-to-gakyils-of-gars-and-lings or e-mail blue@dzogchencommunity.org

 

What is the difference between a Welcome Card Membership and Full Membership?​

Please read the Welcome Card overview letter: http://dzogchencommunity.org/the-welcome-card-open-message-to-gakyils-of-gars-and-lings or e-mail blue@dzogchencommunity.org

Are Welcome Card holders eligible to take the SMS Base exam and Level One teaching?

No, only Members are. Please read the Welcome Card overview letter: http://dzogchencommunity.org/the-welcome-card-open-message-to-gakyils-of-gars-and-lings or e-mail blue@dzogchencommunity.org

About the Global Alignment Process

What is the simplest possible way our Gar or Ling can join the IDC?

Due to the complexity of the legal environments in the various countries in which we operate, there are no shortcuts or methods that are easier than others.  Rather, there is a defined process managed by the IDC Vice President which has proved successful in achieving alignment by managing through the complexity. E-mail idc.ig.secretariat@gmail.com for more information.

Which are the major points we need to address to align our Gar or Ling with the IDC? What make us aligned?

The prerequisites for being Aligned are that a Gar or Ling has modified its statute in order to comply with the requirements of the IDC Statute and has signed the Protocol for the Affiliation of Gar/Ling and agreed to operate according to the Affiliation Agreements (one for use of Trademark & Logo, one for Membership Agreement). This may mean that their legal incorporation documents will need be revised to be compatible with both local laws and the terms of the IDC Statute (and related documents). Gar and Ling Statute Templates can be found here http://dzogchencommunity.org/documents/

E-mail idc.ig.secretariat@gmail.com for more information.

 

About Other Topics

 

How do I contact the international administrative staff for Webcasts?

• Webcast: webcast@dzogchen.net