FAQs on the Six-year Dzogchen Practitioners' Course

I have heard the Six-year Dzogchen Practitioners' course referred to as 'the shedra'. What is a shedra?

The Six-year Dzogchen Practitioners' course is indeed commonly referred to as 'the shedra'. A shedra means 'a college' in Tibetan. Shedra is the name given to the college connected to monastic settlements in Tibet. Daily classes are given by a Khenpo (PhD), which are revised later in tutorials, and then studied individually. Students usually memorise the texts they are studying, and later engage in public debate on the subject of the teachings. Exams are set at regular intervals and must be passed in order to advance through the course.

What could I read to get some idea of the course material for the Dzogchen Practitioners' Course?

You could read The Words of My Perfect Teacher by Patrul Rinpoche, ISBN 1-57062-412-7, which is one of the shedra's basic texts. It has also been translated from Tibetan into other languages such as French and Polish.

Can I do the Dzogchen Practitioners' Course without attending the Annual ZPI Shedra?

No, you cannot. Each academic year will start with the Annual ZPI Shedra Summer Course, during which the principle subject matter for the year will be taught. Follow-up courses will be arranged in Dzogchen Centres during the year to assist with revision.

However, if you have already started the course, had an obstacle to attend one course and have the strong wish to continue, you may ask for an exemption (exemption form). An exemption will only be made once during each 6-Year cycle of a Dzogchen Practitioner's Course. Nevertheless students who have not attended an Annual ZPI Shedra course will not be admitted into the 6th Year Course.

If I do not pass the annual exam, can I continue on the course?

Participation can continue in the second year regardless of exam results. However one must have passed all exams in order to attend the 6th Year Course.

I want to attend the Dzogchen Practitioners' Course, but I am afraid that if I enrol, the future arrangements you make may not suit me and I may not be able to attend. What should I do?

Please do not worry. If you really wish to attend the course, you can enrol now. The arrangements will not differ too much from what has been arranged up to now. The Annual ZPI Shedra will take place somewhere in Europe during the summer months, most likely in Belgium in July or August, and will last for about 16-17 days. The cost of the courses will always be kept as low as possible.