Santi Maha Sangha is a course of study and practice in nine levels initiated by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in 1994. The aim of Santi Maha Sangha, which in the ancient language of Oddiyana means "Dzogchen Commmunity," is to guarantee the continuation of the Dzogchen teaching as it was originally transmitted by Garab Dorje, and as the Master has been transmitting it for more than thirty years within the Dzogchen Community.
After the "Base" level, whose contents are presented in The Precious Vase, there are three levels dedicated to Semde, three to Longde and the final three to Mennagde or Upadesha. Practitioners interested to take the Base exam should extensively study and practice according to the "Precious Vase." There are various opportunities throughout the year at local centers to take SMS Base courses with certified instructors. Please visit the Master Calendar or Local Center Events calendar for detailed information.
Practitioners must also engage in karma yoga (volunteer work for the Community) in the year prior to the examination. This is not a last minute requirement but reflects one's ongoing commitment to collaborate with ones vajra sisters and brothers. Likewise practitioners must also be a member of the Community the year prior to the examination.
To learn about Karma Yoga opportunities at Tsegyalgar East please contact the Gakyil at: gakyil@tsegyalgar.org or your nearest local Dzogchen Community Center.
To participate in Karma Yoga from afar please contact the Blue Gakyil at: bluegakyil@tsegyalgar.org.
Authorized instructors of Santi Maha Sangha include Mariano Gil (Base), Michael Katz (Base), Steve Landsberg (Base), Lynn Newdome (Base), and Jim Valby (2nd level).
Steve Landsberg is the SMS coordinator for Tsegyalgar. You can reach Steve by email at: slandsberg@ragascape.com
For information about exams and documentations please visit:
http://dzogchencommunity.org/santi-maha-sangha/