Preliminary Practices

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...

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

The primary connotation of “ngondro” is preparation. These practices are absolutely essential preparation for undertaking and sustaining our “spiritual journey.”

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

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

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.

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

A look at common misunderstandings people have about tantra.

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.

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