Ngondro Includes Everything

HH Dudjom Rinpoche Jigdral Yeshe Dorje

"Ngondro is a condensed form of the entire teaching of the Buddha, including the teaching of Guru Padmasambhava and many other lineage masters. It is a skillful and easy way to transform our actions and attain enlightenment. As we do the Ngondro practice, our interest and devotion naturally awaken, encouraging us to a deeper commitment. This leads to a direct connection with our true nature, and a practical way to embody genuine love, wisdom, and joy. Thus, Ngondro practice grounds our body, speech, and mind in the true nature so that we can truly benefit ourselves and others."

Venerable Khenpo Rinpoches

Illuminating the Path

Photo of Ven. Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche and Lama Jomo Lorraine at PBC Palm Beach Dharma Center on October 23, 2016, by Mark McDonnell.

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The lama appears as the one who inspires purity of mind. Since our minds are still deluded due to interdependence, in the relative sphere, because we feel pure perception toward the lama, the lama exists and the devoted practitioners exist. So, externally we visualize the lama and make prayers, and then receive the teacher’s empowerment and blessing. These are the external, relative practices of Guru Yoga. Up to that point you were praying to the apparent, symbolic lama.... If you wonder where the absolute lama abides, it is within the absolute nature of mind. The absolute state of rigpa is where the lama is fully accomplished. When you maintain your awareness of the true nature, just that is the absolute practice of Guru Yoga."

His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche

Excerpted from "Ngondro Practice According to the Dzogchen View" in the Venerable Khenpo Rinpoches' book, Illuminating the Path (pg 25)

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