Ngondro Commentary: Instructions for the Concise Preliminary Practices

by Chagdud Tulku, Jane Tromge (Editor)

The Dudjom Tersar Ngondro—succinct, unelaborate, and grounded in guru yoga—provides a superb means of opening the door to the nature of mind. The Tibetan word ngondro means ‘to go before’ or ‘preliminary,’ and these preliminary practices fall into two basic categories. The first, that of the outer preliminaries, common to both the Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhist paths, consists of contemplation of the ‘four thoughts that turn the mind.’ Then there are the extraordinary preliminaries special to the Mahayana and Vajrayana paths: refuge, bodhicitta, mandala offerings, Vajrasattva purification, guru yoga, and transference of consciousness.

As we undertake ngondro, we acquire certain skills that we will use again and again in Vajrayana practice. We learn to contemplate, to develop a visualization, to recite prayers and mantra, to perform prostrations and mandala offerings, to dissolve the visualization, and to rest in nonconceptual meditation. We begin our practice with pure motivation, follow the lineage instructions in each section, redirect our attention whenever it wanders, and close with the pure dedication of virtue to all sentient beings. In general, we learn how to meditate.

The ngondro in Tibetan Buddhism establishes the foundation for the entire Vajrayana path—it is as fundamental to the practitioner’s development as the alphabet is to written language. Among the preliminaries of the various lineages, the Dudjom Tersar Ngondro of the Nyingma tradition—on which this commentary is based—is possibly the most concise. Written, then concealed in the eight century by Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), it was intended for these times when few people have sufficient leisure to fully practice. H.H. Dudjom Lingpa (1835–1904) revealed this treasure; his incarnation, H.H. [authorDudjom Jigdral Yeshe Dorje|231685] (1904–1987), from whom I had the excellent fortune to receive these teachings, clarified the text and taught it widely throughout his life.

Practice of the outer and the extraordinary preliminaries provides a strong foundation for spiritual development. The teachings on the four thoughts give rise to the renunciation of ordinary attachments and guide us toward what is beneficial. Refuge creates a sense of protection and blessing. Bodhicitta clarifies our motivation and arouses our compassion—we acknowledge our highest spiritual aspirations. Mandala offerings generate the accumulation of merit and the revelation of pristine awareness that we will need to fulfill our aspirations. Vajrasattva provides a method by which we can purify the obstacles to enlightenment—the mind’s poisons, habitual patterns, negative karma, and intellectual obscurations. Guru yoga enables us to receive the pure qualities of the lama’s realization. Transference of consciousness allows us to continue our path uninterrupted after this lifetime by finding rebirth in the pureland.

Thus these are extremely powerful practices for turning the mind toward dharma, for purifying obscurations, and for bringing forth the qualities of realization. They enhance devotion to the dharma and receptivity to the highest level of teachings, the Great Perfection. For practitioners with receptive minds, the Great Perfection perspective can evolve from ngondro itself.
—His Eminence Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche

Genres: Buddhism

113 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche (Tib. ལྕགས་མདུད་སྤྲུལ་སྐུ་, Wyl. lcags mdud sprul sku), born Padma Gargyi Wangchuk, is held to be the 14th Chagdud incarnation in a line extending from Sherab Gyaltsen, who folded an iron sword into a knot with his bare hands, thus earning the name "Chagdud" or "iron knot." Born to a lama of the Gelug school and a mother from a Sakya family, the 14th Chagdud began his training in the Kagyu school before achieving renown as a master of Dzogchen and teacher of the Nyingma school lineages of Dudjom Rinpoche and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. One of the first Nyingmapa lamas to settle in the United States, he relocated to Brazil in 1995 and built the first traditional Tibetan temple in South America with his wife Jane Tromge (Chagdud Khadro).

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative, especially for someone who does not know much about Buddhism! I received Ngondro teachings and empowerments before reading this book and although I understood what was being taught, this book helped answer some of my questions. Although it did raise some others that I hope to have answered by one of my teachers or through some other dharma books. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Buddhism.

[Miriam Holsinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent overview on this practice - However, I only recommend reading if you're well versed with Buddhism and have a living teacher.

[Dawnene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish someone had recommended this commentary of important instructions to me years ago however perhaps I was not ready to receive the instructions at that time. Fantastic, a jewel for any Buddhist practitioner, particularly the Vajrayana practitioner.

[Pemasiera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clear and comprehensive book for beginner of the Ngondro. Step by step instructions from one of the great teachers coming out of Tibet.

[Lily-Rose *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, to the point and well written. Provides enough information and enough inspiration.