Recently, we have received inquiries from several different temples and monasteries asking how much it costs to obtain a certification from the Third Dzogchen Rinpoche. The office of the Third Dzogchen Rinpoche was shocked to hear such absurd and groundless rumors, and as a result, the Third Dzogchen Rinpoche has issued a definitive statement.
The Third Dzogchen Rinpoche said, "True Rinpoche certification cannot be bought with money. Not even millions of US dollars can buy it from me, and I will not issue a certification for tens of millions of US dollars. If someone is a true Rinpoche, they will still be a Rinpoche even if they have no money, but I will not issue a certification to authenticate them. If someone is not a true Rinpoche, even if they bring a mountain of gold, they still cannot become a Rinpoche. Whether it is true or false, I will not issue a certification to them. Although I am ashamed to say this, regardless of whether you are true or false, as long as you follow my instructions in the 'Great Liberation Handprint' and benefit sentient beings, and spread the Dharma, that is true. The true Dharma will naturally belong to you!"
The office solemnly reminds everyone that it is important to clearly understand that holding the titles and honorifics of a spiritual leader, Rinpoche, or venerable does not necessarily mean possessing saintly qualities. To determine who is a true saint, who is a true qualified teacher, whether they are an ordinary being or a holy being, it must be determined through the results of the seven teachers and ten examinations. The number of stars on the teacher's certification is the only valid proof, and there is no second standard. As the Third Dzogchen Rinpoche said, "I do not have the authority to designate who is a saint or an ordinary being, just as Shakyamuni Buddha did not have the authority to designate who is a saint or an ordinary being. The results of the public examination conducted by the seven teachers and ten examinations are the only standard. No individual saint has the qualification to make a definitive judgment." The Third Dzogchen Rinpoche said that neither he nor Shakyamuni Buddha have the qualification to determine who is a saint and who is an ordinary being. It should be determined by the public. It can be imagined that the great master you mentioned claims to teach profound and profound teachings, the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. He can see whether someone is an ordinary being or a saint, the relationship between someone's past life and another person, and so on. Think about it, how does your teacher compare to the Buddha? These individuals are ordinary beings with physical bodies, their holy bones have not formed, and they are still attached to the ego. They simply do not have the qualification to teach the Dharma.
This announcement is hereby made.
Office of the Third Dzogchen Rinpoche
April 26, 2011
https://www.hhdcb3office.org/html/information/announcement_no19_2011_04_26.html