Santi Maha Sangha is a course of study and practice in nine levels that was started 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.
For details on SMS training and testing, please visit the Merigar West website which has the most current information.
The Portland Dzogchen Community is currently meeting every week to study and practice from the Precious Vase. Jim Valby, an SMS teacher, will be coming in September of 2010 to teach on these practices. We are following his instructions on preparation by having this weekly practice group. If you have Transmission from Chogyal Namkhai Norbu and would like to participate, please email us for times.