Vows

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

A downfall from the tantric vows requires transgressing one of the fourteen root vows with the four binding factors being complete. Several factors may cause us to transgress our vows.

The secondary bodhisattva vows are to refrain from 46 faulty actions.

Atisha’s “Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment” is the forerunner of the Tibetan lam-rim tradition. It places special emphasis on the bodhisattva vows and their necessity for successful tantra practice.

Taken at the stage of developing engaged bodhichitta, if kept purely, the bodhisattva vows act as a root for attaining enlightenment.

An introduction to the fundamentals of Buddhist ethics.

Ngulchu Jedrung's shortened version of the six-session yoga, omitting recitation of the vows.

To differentiate the common tantric vows from the Kalachakra root tantric vows, we follow here the explanation given in “An Explanation of Secret Mantra Ethical Discipline: A Cluster of Fruit of Actual Attainments” by Tsongkhapa.

Taking the Kalachakra empowerment also entails six uncommon practices that create close bonds with six Buddha-family traits.

These root tantric vows give the necessary supporting context to our practice. Without them, we cannot gain attainments or realizations from tantric practice in the yogaand anuttarayoga classes.