Ngondro are the foundational practices for purifying, training and empowering the body-mind. They form the basis of Vajrayana meditation and serve as the foundation for the highest practices.

Ngondro means ‘before going.’ In traditional Vajrayana practice, it represents the cognitive, physical, emotional and philosophical components which are keys to the practice of liberation. 

This Ngondro training focuses on the foundational esoteric practices of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism which emphasizes reliance on intrinsic wisdom, through its highest teaching, Dzogchen. The Heart of the Vast Expanse is a cherished cycle of the Nyingma lineage. It is also known as the Longchen Nyingthig, (klong chen snying thig). This is a cycle revealed by the brilliant eighteenth century Buddhist yogi, Jigme Lingpa, poet, leader, historian, and treasure revealer, whose texts synthesize Longchenpa’s teachings.

Pema Khandro offers Ngondro teachings for serious students who wish to do intensive contemplative training. Dedicated to training yogis, householders and lay people outside of the monastery, Pema Khandro presents these practices in their concise, essential form. This comprehensive course on Ngondro will be taught in four modules to support the accomplishment of practice over the period of one year, with the training modules completed in nine months.

Prerequisites & Requirements

• The Lung will be given in the first module, so no prerequisites or previous empowerments necessary to begin the Ngondro training.
• Maintenance of a harmonious relationship with Instructors, Pema Khandro, co-leaders, and student community at the Buddhist Studies Institute.
• Ability to cover tuition and practice of Dana (teaching offering) in support of all program components.
• Psychological health and stability: a history of emotional maturity and personal development, psychological development

Consistency of Conduct

The Buddhist Studies Institute promotes observation of Buddhist ethics, maintaining personal discipline and observing practices necessary for suitable health throughout the training.

• Embodying Buddhist principles:
  • Generosity, discipline, patience, diligence, compassion, equanimity.
  • Respect for and harmony with teachers and sangha.
• Ethical integrity:
  • Upholding the five precepts and Commitment to Buddhist ethics.
  • Maintaining sobriety (in terms of being free from substance addictions).
  • Refraining from sexual misconduct. The Buddhist Studies Institute follows a zero tolerance for sexual abuse policy.
  • Refraining from hate speech (including hate speech on social media).
• Respect for diversity:
  • Respect towards other religious views, expressing kindness towards all beings regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation or sectarian affiliation; respect for all types of Buddhism.

General Tuition and Financial Aid Considerations

General Tuition: $699
Pay Per Module: $254
50% Discount for Snow Lions & Vajrayana Training Members: $350 ($87.50/Module)

The course costs are set at a minimum fee already, with financial aid built into all tuition rates. Because we are a non-profit organization, the costs of all activities and overhead of our organization must be covered by the participants of the courses or donations and all courses are offered at below cost. For those who are experiencing genuine financial hardship and wish to enroll in the course, Financial Aid applications are available.

Open Scholarships: Financial-Aid scholarships are available for this training. Financial Aid Scholarships are 50% of Module price: $127 per Module. Email to Apply at Info@BuddhistStudiesInstitute.org. Applications must be received in advance.

About Membership

Membership is an expression of generosity and support. Our non-profit organization is supported by a combination of tuition from courses, monthly membership and individual donations. However, our monthly membership pledges are the major source of funding that provide the steady basis of support. Through these pledges, we plan our courses and maintain our operating expenses.

Membership is a way to connect. Membership pledges also create a network of sangha members who support our mission and keep in touch with the heart of our community. Member-only events offer a way to connect events in person and online, as well as events with guest teachers. Member letters from Pema Khandro Rinpoche and a member-only online library offer inspiration and learning. Membership links up like minded people through online discussion groups, email groups and community building member events.