Rigpa is an internationally operating non-profit- network of Buddhist centres and groups under the guidance of Sogyal Rinpoche.

The aim of Rigpa is to present the Buddhist tradition of Tibet in a way that is both, completely authentic as well as of deep relevance for modern people lifestyles and needs.

Rigpa is open towards all schools and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism and offers to all followers of Buddha’s teachings under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama a complete path of study and practice as well as the appropriate surroundings to experience the teachings indeed.
At the same time, Rigpa explores in which ways the wisdom and compassion of Buddha’s teachings is relevant and useful in different areas of modern life.

“Rigpa is a Tibetan term that means 'intelligence' or 'awareness' in general. In Dzogchen, however, the highest teachings of the Tibetan tradition, Rigpa has a deeper meaning: 'the innermost nature of the mind'. The entire teachings of the Buddha aim at the recognition of the state of omniscience or enlightenment and to practice this truth which is so profound and universal that it goes beyond all limits and even beyond religion”. (Quotation by Sogyal Rinpoche)

The meaning inspired Sogyal Rinpoche to give this name to his work and the network which he created to support Buddha’s teachings in the West. Today, there are over 130 Rigpa centres and groups in more than 41 countries around the world.