Dzogchen or "The Great Perfection" is considered the summit of all Tibetan schools, the highest and most immediate path towards spiritual progress.
Rather than a religious doctrine it is better defined as a system of inner knowledge, given the great importance to the development of individual awareness. This spiritual path, which is open to all, involves working towards self-awareness. Personal freedom is an essential aspect so there is no obligation to follow rules or take monastic vows. The fundamental practice consists of reaching a deep knowledge of oneself and one's essential existence through the various experiences of daily life. For this reason, Dzogchen is particularly well suited to the needs of modern society. Passed down through the ages in Tibet, it developed an esoteric literature of inestimable value.
Many of the Dzogchen masters stand out for their genius and spiritual greatness, and they have left behind them a remarkable heritage of wisdom, transmitted from master to disciple in an unbroken line down to the present day. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu is an influential figure of undisputed prestige as one of the present day exponents of this ancient tradition.