Dzogchen Retreat in Taiwan: Nyingma Great Perfection Teachings at Fahsilin

Interested in a Dzogchen retreat or teachings in Taiwan? Fahsilin in Hsinchu preserves the authentic Nyingma Dzogchen lineage of Dudjom Rinpoche and Urgyen Tenzin Rinpoche. This guide explains what Dzogchen is, how it is taught at Fahsilin, and how overseas practitioners can arrange a retreat or begin the foundational practices.

What is Dzogchen

Dzogchen (大圓滿, "Great Perfection") is the highest teaching of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism.

It points directly to the natural state of mind — luminous, spacious, and always already present.

Unlike gradual paths, Dzogchen introduces the practitioner to rigpa (awareness itself) through the direct pointing-out instructions of a qualified master.

Rooted in the Padmasambhava tradition and preserved unbroken from teacher to student for over 1,200 years.

Nyingma Dzogchen Lineage at Fahsilin

Rooted in the Dudjom New Treasure (敦珠新伏藏) tradition.

Transmitted through His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche → Master Urgyen Tenzin Rinpoche → Master Urgyen Topden Rinpoche (Fahsilin's founder).

Includes complete Ngöndro (four preliminaries: precious human birth, impermanence, karma, suffering of samsara), tsalung, trekchö and tögal practices.

Foundations Before Dzogchen

Traditional Nyingma path progresses through:

Four Foundations (Ngöndro / 四加行): reflection on precious human life, death and impermanence, karma, and the suffering of samsara.

Refuge, Bodhicitta, Vajrasattva purification, mandala offering, guru yoga.

Only after these foundations does the master formally introduce Dzogchen.

Fahsilin's Zhuyou (祝由) and Guru Rinpoche mantra practices also serve as gentle preparation for those new to Vajrayana.

How to Arrange a Retreat or Teaching

Contact Fahsilin via LINE or phone to enquire about upcoming teachings.

Solo retreats: master may recommend specific practice period based on your foundation.

Group programmes are announced periodically on YouTube and Facebook.

Overseas practitioners can arrange online consultations first to assess suitable practice.

Why Practise in Taiwan

Chinese-speaking Dzogchen teaching is rare outside Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal.

Taiwan offers ease of visa, safety, food, and infrastructure compared to remote Himalayan locations.

Fahsilin's Zhubei location (15 minutes from Hsinchu HSR) is easily reached from Taipei or overseas via Taoyuan International Airport.

FAQ

Do I need to be Buddhist to attend Dzogchen teachings?

Openness of mind is more important than title. Beginners are welcome; foundational practices adapt to your starting point.

How long is a typical retreat?

Ranges from weekend introductions to 3-year traditional retreat. Master Urgyen Topden Rinpoche will advise based on your foundation.

Can I take teachings online from overseas?

Some teachings are given online; foundational transmission (empowerment / lung / tri) is best received in person when possible.

What is the difference between Trekchö and Tögal?

Trekchö ("cutting through") establishes stable recognition of rigpa; Tögal ("crossing over") uses visionary practices to bring luminosity into full expression. Both require prior foundation.

Do you have English-speaking teachers?

Master Urgyen Topden Rinpoche teaches primarily in Chinese; English enquiries are welcome and English-speaking assistance is available.