Ep232: Dzogchen Devotion - Joe Evans 2
Joe Evans is the founder of the Rangdröl Foundation and teaches Dzogchen under the name Jigme Rangdröl.
Available on Youtube, iTunes, SoundCloud & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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.
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?
Previous episode with Joe Evans:
To find out more about Joe Evans, visit:
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James