Ngondro provides a comprehensive introduction to the foundational practices of Buddhist psychology, addressing essential aspects of identity, relationships, forgiveness, and empowerment. Join Pema Khandro and the Buddhist Studies Institute for a transformative journey into the heart of Vajrayana meditation, beginning January 27, 2025.
Course Overview Ngondro, often referred to as the preliminary practices of Tibetan tantra, is designed to reorient both body and mind, fostering a deeper understanding of oneself, one’s purpose, and the interconnected nature of our existence built on altruism. This training offers a gateway to the profound meditative practices that underpin Vajrayana Buddhism, including refuge, bodhichitta, mandala offerings, deity yoga, and empowerment.
Community Practice Engage with an international community of like-minded practitioners in a series of meditations that are both deeply transformative and accessible. This course simplifies the complexities of ngondro, ensuring a supported, direct experience that opens the path to profound spiritual growth.
Course Structure This one-year training is divided into four modules, each dedicated to a major aspect of the Ngondro practices, taught in their essential, concise form suited for yogis, householders, and lay practitioners outside traditional monastic settings.
Module 1: Field of Buddhas
Start Date: January 27, 2025
Focus: Purification of speech, generating a refuge field, and cultivating enlightened intent.
Module 2: Purifying the Mind
Start Date: April 14, 2025
Includes Vajrasattva meditation for clearing karma and amending past misdeeds.
Module 3: Mountain of Jewels
Start Date: June 30, 2025
Focus on mandala offerings and practices of radical generosity paired with Vajrayogini practice and the Seven Line Prayer.
Module 4: Intrinsic Wisdom
Start Date: September 8, 2025
Focus on empowerment and experiencing the indestructible nature of buddhanature through key Vajrayana themes.
Learning Resources and Support
Philosophy: Self-paced learning segments.
Weekly online practice groups and accountability partnerships.
Quarterly live webinars with Pema Khandro for in-depth exploration and Q&A.
Practice text provided for essential Ngondro practices.
Recommended reading: Longchen Nyingthig Preliminaries, The Excellent Path to Omniscience by Jigme Trinley Ozer.
Get Started Register now to begin your journey with the first live webinar class. Receive oral transmission from Pema Khandro at the start of the live class to formally initiate your practice.
This training is not just an introduction but a profound deep dive into the spiritual practices that prepare you for the higher teachings of Dzogchen, as revealed by the great 18th-century Nyingma yogi Jigme Lingpa. Embrace this opportunity to ground your spiritual practice in the profound wisdom of the Nyingma tradition.
