Rigpa

Rigpa (T. rig pa རིག་པ་) is the Tibetan word for the Sanskrit term vidyā, and it carries all of the same connotations as the Sanskrit term, such as: "knowledge," "field of knowledge," "esoteric knowledge," etc. (See vidyā for full definition.)

In addition, in the Dzogchen tradition, the term rigpa conveys the meaning of pure awareness. In this sense, "it denotes the fundamental innate mind in its natural state of spontaneity and purity, beyond alternating states of motion and rest and the subject-object dichotomy."

Rigpa is said to be the special feature of Dzogchen. Jikmé Lingpa says in his Treasury of Precious Qualities:

Rigpa, which transcends the ordinary mind (citta),

Is the special feature of the natural Dzogpachenpo.

Distinguishing between ordinary mind and rigpa

In Dzogchen, a fundamental point of practice is to distinguish ordinary mind (citta) and rigpa.

For example, Dodrupchen Jikmé Tenpé Nyima wrote:

Generally speaking, in the instructions on Dzogchen, profound and special aspects are endless. The key point, however, is the differentiation between the ordinary mind and rigpa.

The Dalai Lama wrote:

This is where we come to the distinction between the word sem in Tibetan, meaning 'ordinary mind', and the word rigpa, signifying 'pure awareness'. Generally speaking, when we use the word sem, we are referring to mind when it is temporarily obscured and distorted by thoughts based on the dualistic perceptions of subject and object. When we are discussing pure awareness, genuine consciousness or awareness free of such distorting thought patterns, then the term rigpa is employed.

Sources

• Dalai Lama (2004), Dzogchen. Heart Essence of the Great Perfection, Snow Lion Publications, ISBN 978-1-55939-219-8 

Further reading

• Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche (1994), Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen, Rangjung Yeshe Publications 
• Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche (2004), The Bardo Guidebook, Rangjung Yeshe Publications 
• Dalai Lama (2004), Dzogchen. Heart Essence of the Great Perfection, Snow Lion Publications, ISBN 978-1-55939-219-8 
• Hookham, S.K. (1991), The Buddha Within: Tathagatagarbha Doctrine According to the Shentong Interpretation of the Ratnagotravibhaga, SUNY Press 
• Karma Chagme; Gyatrul Rinpoche; Wallace, B. Alan (1998), A Spacious Path to Freedom: Practical Instructions on the Union of Mahamudra and Atiyoga, Snow Lion Publications 
• Khenchen Trangu Rinpoche (1998), The Practice of the Tranquility and Insight: A Guide to Tibetan Buddhist Mediation, Snow Lion Publications 
• Kunsang, Erik Pema (2006), Quintessential Dzogchen, Ranjung Yeshe 
• Kunsang, Erik Pema (2012), Perfect Clarity, Ranjung Yeshe 

• Pettit, John Whitney (1999), Mipham's Beacon of Certainty: Illuminating the View of Dzogchen, the Great Perfection, Wisdom Publications, ISBN 0-86171-157-2 
• Rinpoche Dzogchen Ponlop (2003), Wild Awakening: The Heart of Mahamudra and Dzogchen, Shambhala Publications 
• Schaik, Sam (2004), Approaching the Great Perfection: Simultaneous and Gradual Methods of Dzogchen Practice in the Longchen Nyingtig (PDF), Wisdom Publications Inc. 
• Schmidt, Marcia Binder (Ed.) (2002), The Dzogchen Primer: Embracing The Spiritual Path According To The Great Perfection, Shambhala Publications, Inc., ISBN 1-57062-829-7 CS1 maint: Extra text: authors list (link)

External links

• Rigpa, Rigpa Shedra Wiki
• Rigpa, Rangjung Yeshe Wiki
• Striking the Vital Point in Three Statements, Lotsawa House
• Special Teaching of the Wise and Glorious King, Lotsawa House