In this episode I am once again joined by Joe Evans, founder of the Rangdröl Foundation and teacher of Dzogchen under the name Jigme Rangdröl.

Joe explains the significance of the guru-disciple relationship in Dzogchen, details the various forms it may take, and reveals his own special relationship with Dzogchen master teacher Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche.

Joe considers the power of devotion, describes the practice of guru yoga, advises on how to assess a Dzogchen teacher’s authenticity and motivation.

Joe also discusses his own journey as a Dzogchen teacher, reflects on the significance of the endorsements he has received from his gurus Dungse Rigdzin Dorje Rinpoche and Acharya Malcolm Smith, and offers his heart advice to those who wish to practice Dzogchen.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep232-dzogchen-devotion-joe-evans-2

Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.

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Topics Include:

00:00 - Intro

00:57 - A significant evolution in Joe’s practice

05:39 - Establishing a relationship with Namkhai Norbu

05:55 - Guru-disciple relationship in Dzogchen

11:15 - Does your teacher need to know who you are?

13:03 - A common Dzogchen confusion

14:35 - Sudden or gradual?

16:27 - 1-1 time with Namkhai Norbu

18:20 - Namkhai Norbu’s powers of knowing

20:21 - The role of bodhicitta

22:18 - The practice of guru yoga

27:35 - How to assess a Dzogchen teacher

32:27 - The power of following instructions

33:47 - The most significant teaching Joe has received

36:31 - Being a hidden yogi

37:28 - Insufficient practice

39:38 - Simple advice for the Dzogchen aspirant

41:24 - Namkhai Norbu’s three pieces of advice

44:00 - Facing difficulty and mistakes on the path

46:51 - The power of devotion

50:39 - Meeting Dungse Rigdzin Dorje Rinpoche

56:38 - Meeting Acharya Malcolm Smith

01:01:53 - The period of internet message boards about Buddhism

01:04:52 - Flame wars and schisms

01:05:51 - Joe’s unusual endorsements to teach Dzogchen

01:13:20 - Joe’s reason for teaching

01:16:06 - Joe examines his own motivation

01:19:16 - What does an endorsement to teach Dzogchen mean?

01:24:03 - Why Joe uses the title ‘Lama’

01:26:31 - Demystifying the experience of teaching the Dharma

01:29:26 - Joe’s heart advice to those interested in practicing Dzogchen

01:31:34 - Where does Joe’s confidence in Dzogchen come from?

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Previous episode with Joe Evans:

- https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep224-american-dzogchenpa-joe-evans

To find out more about Joe Evans, visit:

- https://www.rangdrolfoundation.org/

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- https://www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James