What is The Five Preliminary Practices (Ngöndro)

Introduction

The Five Preliminary Practices are foundational preparatory methods in Tibetan Buddhism. They are undertaken before the main tantric practices (such as deity yoga and advanced cultivation). Their primary purpose is to purify karmic obstacles, accumulate merit, tame the body and mind, and establish a solid foundation for profound practice.

1. Taking Refuge and Generating Bodhicitta

• Practice: 100,000 prostrations while taking refuge.

• Purpose: Cultivate faith in the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha) and the Guru, while awakening the aspiration to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all beings.

• Function:

  • Establishes the direction of practice

  • Destroys self-grasping

  • Creates reliance and trust

2. Vajrasattva Practice and 100-Syllable Mantra

• Practice: Reciting the Vajrasattva mantra 100,000 times.

• Purpose: Purify negative karma and obscurations accumulated since beginningless time.

• Function:

  • Purifies the mental continuum

  • Removes defilements and karmic imprints

  • Prevents obstacles in practice

3. Mandala Offerings

• Practice: Accumulating 100,000 mandala offerings.

• Purpose: Develop generosity and accumulate vast merit and wisdom.

• Function:

  • Creates vast stores of merit

  • Cultivates wisdom

  • Eliminates habits of scarcity and miserliness

4. Guru Yoga

• Practice: Visualizing the Guru and reciting the Guru’s mantra, typically 100,000 times.

• Purpose: Unite one’s mind with the wisdom mind of the lineage Gurus.

• Function:

  • Swiftly receives blessings

  • Awakens inner awareness

  • Strengthens connection with the lineage

5. Water Offerings (or Alternative Practices)

• Practice: Commonly 100,000 water bowl offerings (though some lineages use Vajrapani Protector practice or Grand Offerings).

• Purpose: Develop pure offering and reverence while removing obstacles.

• Function:

  • Accumulates merit

  • Pacifies the mental continuum

  • Cultivates habits of respect and generosity

Overall Significance of the Five Preliminary Practices

• Purifies karmic obstructions – eliminates obstacles to practice

• Accumulates merit – creates conducive conditions for realization

• Establishes faith – strengthens trust in the Guru, Three Jewels, and Deities

• Tames self-grasping – shatters pride and habitual patterns

• Connects with lineage – ensures blessings and access to essential instructions

   

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