Preliminary Practices

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

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

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

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.

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.

A look at common misunderstandings people have about tantra.

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

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.

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