The aim of Dzogchen practice is the complete realization of enlightenment (byang chub) in this very life, through direct recognition of rigpa — primordial awareness itself.

The path is encompassed in three essential stages:

1. Recognition (ngo sprod) — Receiving direct introduction to rigpa from a qualified master (bla ma).
2. Training (gom pa) — Remaining naturally within that recognition, sustaining the continuity (rgyun) of awareness.
3. Integration (spyod pa) — Allowing this awareness to permeate all experiences—meditation sessions (mnyam bzhag) and post-meditation (rjes thob) alike.

Through continuous familiarization (goms pa), realization becomes stable and effortless. Wisdom (shes rab) and compassion (snying rje) arise spontaneously, benefiting all beings without effort.

According to the tradition, highly accomplished practitioners may manifest the Rainbow Body (‘ja’ lus) at the time of death — a sign of complete realization where the physical elements dissolve back into their primordial nature