Preliminary Practices

A look at common misunderstandings people have about tantra.

Introduction to tantra, a system of practice that allows advanced practitioners to efficiently attain the state of Buddhahood for the benefit of all.

In an age of addiction to constant distractions, focusing on the breath and quieting down our thoughts would be a good start before engaging in the preparatory practices.

Doing the seven-limb practice before listening to or reading about the Dharma, or before contemplating or meditating on the Dharma helps us to establish a properly receptive state of mind.

A short overview of what we need to know about tantra and empowerments before we take the Kalachakra Initiation.

The seven-limb practice in itself is s an excellent enlightenment-building action.

After completing preliminary practices and following an initiatory ceremony that activates our Buddha-nature potentials, along with taking bodhisattva and tantric vows, we transform our minds in tantra by imagining ourselves as a Buddha-figure and our environment as a mandala,...

There are many misunderstandings about ngondro practices, such as that they are a miracle cure for all our problems.

This practice derives from Shantideva’s “Engaging in Bodhisattva Behavior.” Doing these preliminaries before daily meditation or Dharma study helps to establish a properly receptive state of mind.

The six preparatory practices derive from Atisha. They are preparation for any meditation session or session of ngondro preliminary practice.