Printable: 25-item Dzogchen-Tocused Five Buddha Natures Self-Assessment

Tailored to the Tibetan Dzogchen sensibility (rigpa and the natural state), with practical notes for reflection and daily-life integration.

How to use (print-ready)

Circle or mark a number 1–5 for each item: 1 = never, 2 = rarely, 3 = sometimes, 4 = often, 5 = almost always
• Items 1–5: Vairocana (Inner Yoga / ground of natural awareness)
• Items 6–10: Akshobhya (Maha Yoga / steadiness, mirror-like wisdom)
• Items 11–15: Ratnasambhava (Anu Yoga / equality and generosity)
• Items 16–20: Amitabha (Ati Yoga / discriminating wisdom and compassionate discernment)
• Items 21–25: Amoghasiddhi (integration of wisdom into action)
• Scoring: Dominant quality = highest total; Missing quality = lowest total; Defense pattern = coping style under stress.

Dzogchen note: These are lenses to recognize the natural state (rigpa) rather than fixed traits. After scoring, reflect on how each wisdom might reveal or obscure rigpa in daily life.

The 25 items (Dzogchen-oriented wording)

Vairocana (Inner Yoga — ground of emptiness and spacious awareness)

1. I can stay calm and present even when things feel chaotic.
2. I often see the bigger picture and connections others miss.
3. I hold an expansive, non-reactive perspective in conversations.
4. I notice patterns and underlying meanings rather than getting drawn into details.
5. I rest in the awareness that phenomena arise in the space of rigpa and are interrelated.

Akshobhya (Maha Yoga — steadiness, mirror-like wisdom)

6. I stay cool and grounded when irritated or upset.
7. I am reliable and keep commitments under pressure.
8. I am honest with myself and others, even when it’s difficult.
9. I do not overreact to difficulties; I breathe and respond.
10. I am a steady, calm presence in a group.

Ratnasambhava (Anu Yoga — equality, generosity)

11. I enjoy sharing resources and helping others without expecting something in return.
12. I treat people with equal respect, regardless of background.
13. I feel comfortable giving feedback that helps others grow.
14. I feel content when I support others’ success.
15. I recognize value in everyone, reducing pride.

Amitabha (Ati Yoga — discriminating wisdom; compassionate discernment)

16. I am sensitive to others’ feelings and respond with kindness.
17. I can identify meaningful options amid confusion.
18. I am patient and can explain things clearly to others.
19. I prioritize harmonious, compassionate outcomes even when hard.
20. I choose words/actions that reduce suffering for others.

Amoghasiddhi (Action-oriented wisdom; integrated skillful means)

21. I set goals and take practical steps to achieve them.
22. I adapt quickly to new information and circumstances.
23. I act decisively when needed.
24. I follow through on plans and complete tasks.
25. I learn from results and adjust strategies to improve.

Scoring and interpretation (print-friendly notes)

• Dominant quality: highest total among the five groups.
• Missing quality: lowest total among the five groups.
• Defense pattern: which group you lean on under stress.

Dzogchen-aligned interpretation tips

• Vairocana-dominant: balance with grounding in body/breath; avoid abstract disengagement.
• Akshobhya-dominant as defense: invite gentle vulnerability and safe exposure to emotion.
• Ratnasambhava-dominant as defense: strengthen boundaries and honest feedback.
• Amitabha-dominant as defense: cultivate clear boundaries and compassionate assertiveness.
• Amoghasiddhi-dominant as defense: integrate reflective practice; align action with wisdom, not only outcomes.

Practical Dzogchen-informed follow-up

• Rigpa reflection: 5–10 minutes of open-awareness meditation; observe which qualities arise naturally.
• Trekchö-like check: brief non-conceptual inquiry into the nature of thoughts/feelings.
• Thögyu-style integration: choose one daily action that weaves the highest wisdom into life.

Printable format tips

• Portrait orientation is fine; use 1-inch margins for clean borders.
• Print with 11–12 pt font, clear headings, and ample white space.

Sources and recommended Dzogchen readings