Paper short abstract:

The article is exploring the circumstances that inspired the spread of Dzogchen teachings in ex-communist countries. Why and how did it happen, that local communities were open to invite the masters of a tradition, that comes from such a distant culture.

Paper long abstract:

The article is exploring the background circumstances that inspired the spread of Dzogchen teachings in ex-communist countries during the transition period. Right after the collapse of communist rule a lot of Buddhist communities popped out in different post-soviet countries. Dzogchen teaching was one of the most esoteric teachings in Tibetan religious world, but suddenly it was brought to the open lectures for the audience of post-soviet societies. Why and how did it happen, that Tibetan masters decided to come, and local communities were open to invite the masters of a tradition, that comes from such a distant culture. What exactly in the soviet and post-soviet religious context, inspired the rise of the first Dzogchen communities in post-soviet countries of East and Central Europe. What was the reaction of traditional religions in countries, where Christianity was so strong even in the soviet times? Research is based on interviews and available resources on establishment of Dzogchen communities and spread of Dzogchen teachings in Poland, Lithuania, Russia and other East and Central European countries.