Dzogchen is an ancient wisdom teaching developed in Tibet.  It does not belong to any school or religious system, although it was previously taught primarily within Tibetan Buddhism.  Only in the past century, with the introduction of Tibetan Buddhism in the West, has the knowledge of Dzogchen been brought to the Western world.  The word "Dzogchen" in Tibetan means "total perfection" and refers to the true inherent nature of all sentient beings.  It is the primordial state within each of us, free from all limitations and conditioning.  Due to the direct and unelaborated approach of its teachings, Dzogchen transcends cultural and religious boundaries, making it accessible to all without limitation.

The Dzogchen Community is an international community of people who follow and practice the Dzogchen teachings given by Dzogchen master Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. Founded by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, in the 1970's, the international community currently includes thousands of practitioners in over 40 countries around the world. The Community's organization is the result of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu's vision: the Gars ("gathering places" - the larger centers) and the Lings ("islands/places" - the smaller centers) form a great Mandala ("circle") which unites the different geographical areas of the world. Symbolically the Mandala represents the universe as it is perceived by the individual and, in this particular case, the places where the teaching is practiced.

Tsegyalgar East, located in Conway, Massachusetts with retreat land in nearby Buckland, is one of the Gars. Founded in 1984, people from all over the world have come to Tsegyalgar East to receive Chögyal Namkhai Norbu's teachings and participate in Dzogchen meditation retreats in Conway and Buckland.