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It’s so much more than a beautiful design!

As we enter a new era with a wish for Rigpa’s activities to benefit beings far into the future, this is a perfect time to refresh our look and feel.

How did this all come together? What is at the heart of the new look and feel? And what’s new? As you’ll discover, it contains great depth and meaning—far beyond a pretty design.

Rigpa’s new look and feel can be described as ‘Rooted in Essence. Renewed in Form’ as Sogyal Rinpoche’s vision and his special touch for communicating are at its heart, while at the same time there are a number of fresh, modern features.

How did the new look and feel come together?

Over a period of three years, in workshops, brainstorms, interviews and surveys with many groups and members of the sangha—the Vision Board, senior holders, shyonnus, teachers, management groups and sangha members—we reflected on:

  • What are our values as a spiritual community?
  • What is unique about what we have to offer?
  • What are the needs of our existing sangha?
  • How can we best serve new people?
  • What is the state of the world in which we are operating?
  • What is the vision of Rigpa into the future?

Bringing together the collective wisdom from these many discussions and reflections, we came to describe our values or special qualities in the following way:

  • We are a COMMUNITY of practitioners and students, who are OPEN, WELCOMING – open to anyone who wishes to benefit from the dharma.
  • There is the opportunity to be EXPLORATIVE, CURIOUS, INQUISITIVE discovering the many dimensions of the dharma and its skilful means.
  • We are rooted in an AUTHENTIC, DEEP, PROFOUND lineage, which is
    UNCOMPRIMISING, GROUNDED and gives us STABILITY.
  • The teachings and practice, especially those of Vajrayana and Dzogchen, bring an incredible VIBRANCE, CLARITY and AWAKE quality.
  • Imbued in everything we offer is a sense of CARE and KINDNESS—in how we greet people, host our courses and events, guide and teach, create our environments, practice and pray for others.

How do our values translate into a new look and feel?

First, a new description of Rigpa was developed with the final version curated by Patrick Gaffney. You can read the new description here. This will soon appear on all our Rigpa websites around the world.

Then, over a number of months in 2025 led by German sangha member and professional brand designer Nicole Heidbrink, and with advice from the Vision Board and International Steering Group, a new visual design was born.

The new Rigpa designs are made up of key elements which beautifully reflect Rigpa’s values:

  • A clear & elegant font: reflects the open and welcoming aspect of the brand;
  • Basic shapes: give a sense of grounded stability;
  • A carefully chosen selection of Sogyal Rinpoche’s original calligraphies embody the authenticity of what we offer;
  • Brushstrokes and other artistic elements bring an energetic & explorative look & feel;
  • A new colour palette combines some of the existing traditional colours with new additional vibrant colours;
  • The photos and images we will use captures the vibrant and caring spirit of our community and events.

Where will you see the new look?

This month we have been excited to launch the new international website—rigpa.org!

Then in the coming year we will gradually see the transformation of all of Rigpa’s national websites into the new look, each with their own local flavour.

At the same time our event promotional posters, social media etc are all gradually transforming thanks to the enthusiasm of all the national Communications teams with guidance from our Brand Designer, Nicole.

Let’s embrace this new look and feel!

May it reinforce our togetherness as a One Rigpa Community around the world.

May it open the door for many new people to come and benefit from the Dharma.

May it support the whole Rigpa organisation as we work together bringing Rigpa into the next generation.

Thank you!!

Thanks to everyone who has been involved in this project over the last three years contributing with their insights, creativity and enthusiasm!

On the new website you’ll find a feedback button where you’re welcome to share your feedback.

Rigpa’s new ‘look and feel’ Project Team
Gill Kainey, International Communications, Project Lead
Nicole Heidbrink, German Sangha member, Brand Designer
Hans-Fredrik Gustafsson, International Communications, Communication adviser