Rigdzin Düpa (the Gathering of Vidyadharas) is a Guru Rinpoche practice from the Longchen Nyingthik terma cycle. Patrul Rinpoche received the transmission of the Longchen Nyingthik cycle primarily from Kyabje Drukpa Tulku Rinpoche.

In Dzogchen Monastery, the Guru Rinpoche practice that is traditionally practiced every year after losar (Tibetan New Year) comes from the terma cycle Könchok Chidü, from the tertön Jatsön Nyingpo. This tradition started with the Third Dzogchen Rinpoche.

With the Fourth Dzogchen Rinpoche, the Longchen Nyingthik started to be practiced in Dzogchen. In particular Gyalse Zhenpen Thaye brought all the Longchen Nyingthik to Shri Singha University. After him, there were many lineage holders and masters, such as the 5th Dzogchen Rinpoche, Dza Patrul Rinpoche and many others. The Longchen Nyingthik became widespread in this area.
The Lonchen Nyingthik Rigdzin Düpa drupchen took place for the first time in Dharma City (Belgium), in summer 2008. 

It was a ‘world premiere’ to practice Rigdzin Düpa in the form of an intensive drupchen retreat, and it was also the first drupchen to take place in Dharma City International Study and Practice Centre. The drupchen was presided by Dzogchen Ranyak Patrul Rinpoche as Vajra Master, with the support of Lopön Tsering Gönpo as Vajra Assistant. Only western disciples performed the different liturgical tasks and maintained the continuous mantra recitation 24/24. On the auspicious fifth day of the drupchen, the colossal statue of Guru Rinpoche arrived after a long journey from Asia. (Watch on youtube) along with many other promising signs.

As Ranyak Patrul Rinpoche said in a message sent short before the first Drupchen, in April 2008:
“In the first week, we will study how to make peace outwardly, inwardly and secretly and in the second week there will be prayers of drupchen, which are the prayers wishing for the world to be at peace. This drupchen is very beneficial for all sentient beings: those who were killed by the aggressive emotions of others, and also those who died not naturally, not peacefully. But not only for them: it will bring benefit to all sentient beings.
This year is a little bit tough and strange. Therefore, we want to make these peace prayers.  For those, who participate in this course and in the peace prayers of drupchen, whoever they are, this course will definitely bring benefits—almost like a three-year retreat.”

Rigdzin Düpa is a key sadhana of the Longchen Nyingthik. The inner aspect of the guru Padmasambhava is surrounded by eight vidyadharas (rigdzin), twenty-five disciples and a vast retinue of dakas, dakinis and protectors.

In 2008, Rinpoche put Dharma pills inside the mandala shrine during the drupchen, and he said that one of them has become a white relic (riksel). Rinpoche said that if the relic is good, it will multiply itself, and that if it happens, he will give them to us. It was an amazing experience, and all students were very happy that they had been able to participate. In their own words: “We would all like to thank our perfect guide for his kindness and blessings and for making this happen. Allowing us to take part in this drupchen for world peace and to assist in keeping alive the traditions of our lineage was a privilege and a cause for much happiness in the future.”

The particularity of these drupchens is that Patrul Rinpoche has been the first who, year after year, taught Westerners how to perform all aspects of a drupchen sadhana. Patrul Rinpoche is the Vajra Master, often assisted by Lopön Tsering Gönpo as Vajra Assistant, while his students perform all the necessary tasks to perform the sadhana: chant leader (umze), instruments, ritual service (chopön), set up the mandala, make tormas, etc.

Since 2008, the Rigdzin Düpa drupchen takes place in Dharma City, Belgium.

• Dharma City, Belgium, February 2019
• Dharma City, Belgium, March 2018
• Dharma City, Belgium, March 2017
• Dharma City, Belgium, February 2016
• Dharma City, Belgium, Feb–March 2015
• Dharma City, Belgium, March 2014
• Dharma City, Belgium, Feb 2013
• Dharma City, Belgium, March 2012
• Dharma City, Belgium, March 2011
• Dharma City, Belgium, Aug 2008