Preliminary Practices

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

Our lives are sometimes so busy with meetings, work, holidays and other distractions, that it’s easy to forget the Dharma among the highs and lows. Whatever the situation we find ourselves in, the lam-rim indicates four points that we can contemplate to ground ourselves, bring...

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

Tsenshap Serkong Rinpoche always used these verses from the “The Abridged Kalachakra Tantra” before beginning Kalachakra teachings and practice.

The Nyingma tradition of dzogchen is a complex of many lineages and teachings. Learn about the three lines of transmission, the three divisions of treasure texts, the three aspects and four types of rigpa, and other features adding to the richness of this tradition.

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.

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,...

We need first to understand what a Buddha-field or pure land is before offering a mandala.

A look at common misunderstandings people have about tantra.