preliminary practices (ngöndro)

Preliminary practices, such as prostrations and recitation of the Vajrasattva mantra, done before undertaking major tantric practices.

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A person sitting on top of a moutain, meditating.
Preliminary Practices

Seven-limb Prayer

Purifying and creating positive potential prepare our minds to grow in wisdom and understanding.

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Buddhist Worldview

100,000 Bows Toward Full Awakening

A wide-ranging Q&A session on spiritual practice with two monks from Clear Mountain Monastery.

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Prostrations to the 35 Buddhas

Prostrations to the 35 Buddhas Practice

Instruction on the 35 Buddhas practice, including an overview of karma, and how to do…

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Heather pouring water into water bowls from a pitcher.
Preliminary Practices

The heart of generosity

The preliminary practice of offering water bowls cultivates openness and generosity in the practitioner.

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Painting of Shakyamuni Buddha.
Refuge Ngöndro

Refuge ngondro retreat: Questions and answers

Advice on how to approach the retreat, structure meditation sessions, activities between sessions, and working…

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Refuge Ngöndro

Refuge Ngondro Retreat instructions

The refuge ngondro practice and tips on how to work with the mind during the…

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Refuge in the Three Jewels

Refuge: Meaning and commitments

An eminent Tibetan teacher explains the meaning of true refuge and the responsibilities that it…

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Vajrasattva

Unloading the garbage mind

A student shares her thoughts on doing purification practice after attending the Vajrasattva retreat at…

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Cultivating Concentration Retreat 2013

Conditions for serenity retreat

Cultivating the conditions needed to gain shamatha. Physical posture and how to structure a meditation…

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