Hello everyone

The Gakyil received fifteen replies from community members in response to the question about whether or not we should invite teachers to Kunselling from outside the Dzogchen Community. We have combined these views with advice from long-standing practitioners to help us resolve this important question, specifically with regard to Kunselling, which was blessed by Rinpoche and has been dedicated to Dzogchen practice for twenty-five years.

After taking all views into account, the Gakyil has concluded that we should not invite teachers from outside the Dzogchen Community to Kunselling, which should continue to be dedicated to the Dzogchen teachings and practices transmitted by Namkhai Norbu and Yeshi Namkhai.

We would like to emphasise our respect for teachers from all lineages and also for the thoughtful views expressed by members who say that inviting teachers from outside the community will benefit our practice. We do not wish to appear close-minded, and we have consistently said it would be wonderful to host teachers from outside the Dzogchen Community at Lekdanling.

Our view is specific to Kunselling, most importantly because Rinpoche designated Kunselling as a Dzogchen retreat place and said that in this way it will accumulate the energy of the practice of his transmission. He was not in favour of other teachers (even Dzogchen teachers) coming to lead retreats at Kunselling for this reason. Rinpoche’s unique transmission is precious in this time of global turbulence and fragility, and we think it is even more important to value and nurture the special energy and luminosity of Kunselling as a dedicated base and refuge for Dzogchen practitioners.

The decision not to invite teachers from outside the Dzogchen Community does not include Lama Tsultrim and Tulku Ösel who were uniquely designated by Rinpoche as friends of the Dzogchen Community. Their special relationship with Rinpoche means that if the circumstances are favourable and the opportunity arises, we would be privileged to welcome them to lead a teaching for the Dzogchen Community at Kunselling. All arrangements in this case will be done by or on the instructions of the Blue Gakyil, who will make sure the teachings are consistent with Rinpoche’s transmission.

The other question posed by the Gakyil was whether to host non-Dzogchen activities at Kunselling. There is a long history of activities being held at Kunselling ranging from Tibetan calligraphy to creative writing to tai chi. Most people who responded with a point of view said they support the continuation of non-Dzogchen activities at Kunselling, but on a limited basis. Rinpoche also had no issue as long as the events were curated for the benefit of practitioners.

On this basis the Gakyil will continue to support non-Dzogchen activities as long as

• they constitute a small fraction of the calendar, which in practice means around five events per year
• they are led or sponsored by a community member
• they support wellness and/or cultural development
• they align with the ethos and language of our community
• the activities are of benefit to community members

Non-members are welcome and encouraged to join, but if an event is not attended by community members, then it will not be repeated

The aim of these conditions is to help ensure that non-Dzogchen activities support our community and that the Gakyil has a clear set of guidelines for approving or refusing an activity.

Mike Beeston 

Company Secretary
On behalf of the Gakyil of the UK Dzogchen Community