Rigpa Paris
Rigpa Paris — Rigpa had several centres in Paris over the years until the Levallois centre was established in 1998.
1978-1981: Dorje Nyingpo Centre, Rue Burcq
The Buddhist centre at 22 rue Burq in Paris first opened as Dorje Nyingpo in around 1978, founded by Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche, who named Sogyal Rinpoche as his representative to look after the centre. It consisted of an apartment in an old family house, situated in the 18th arrondissement of Paris on the Butte Montmartre. The building still stands today, next to a small public garden. The centre was blessed by the presence of many great masters such as Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche, Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche[1], and Kyabjé Ling Rinpoche, and later by Kalu Rinpoche, Dzogchen Rinpoche and Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche.
1981-1987: Rigpa Centre, rue Denis Poisson
In 1981, Sogyal Rinpoche moved with his students to a new centre at the rue Denis Poisson in the vicinity of the Arc de Triomphe, and in 1982 this centre formally became part of Rigpa France. Teachers such as Kalu Rinpoche[2], Serkong Rinpoche[3] and Dzogchen Rinpoche blessed the centre with their teachings.
1987-1995: Rigpa Centre, rue Burq
In 1987, Rigpa then relocated to the house in the rue Burq and remained there until 1995.
1995-1997: Rigpa Centre, rue Blanche
A temporary centre rented by the Rigpa sangha in the 9th arrondissement.
1997-1999: Rigpa Centre, L'Orangeraie
A temporary centre rented by the Rigpa sangha during 1997-1999.
Apart from holding courses, sangha events, and public events with Sogyal Rinpoche, this centre and teaching hall served to invite masters such as Khenpo Petse Rinpoche, Tulku Pegyal Rinpoche, Dzogchen Rinpoche, Tsoknyi Rinpoche, Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, Garje Khamtrul Rinpoche and Chagdud Khadro to give teachings and grant empowerments to the Rigpa sangha.
1998-Current Day: Rigpa Centre in Levallois
After using temporary rented centres, in May 1998 Rigpa finally bought its own centre in Levallois in the northwestern suburbs of Paris, where Sogyal Rinpoche and many other masters such as H.H. Sakya Trizin, Dzogchen Rinpoche[4], Khamtrul Rinpoche, Khenchen Pema Sherab,…..(add) have taught and the culture of study and practice flourishes.