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The four foundational practices of Tibetan Buddhism
(Ngondro) bring forth our potential in a direct and very practical
way while removing the veils that keep us from the experience and
expression of our Enlightened nature.
It is impossible to overestimate the value of the Ngondro. The Ngondro leads to ultimate wisdom by developing good Karma and insight. The Ninth Karmapa Wangchug Dorje gave the Chag Chen Ngondro as preparation for the highest insight of Mahamudra in order to enhance and secure our development. This highest realisation serves as the basis, the way and the goal in each of the four practices. We begin with 11,111 repetitions of the Refuge meditation followed by 111,111 repetitions each of Refuge with Prostrations, Diamond Mind, Mandala Offerings and Guru Yoga. The foundational practices cut away countless hindrances and prepare us for the direct experience of our primordial nature. Firstly we open our body, speech and mind to aspects of Enlightenment knowing that they are no different from our own true nature. Then we practice the physical exercises, visualisations and mantras that make them come alive. Finally we merge with them and fully manifest their Enlightened energy. The power of our mind lifts all experience to the level of a Pure Land, a state of mind where all things further our growth and are seen in a jovial light. When we try to meditate ordinarily our mind wanders or becomes dull. This lack of clarity and inability to concentrate remains even if we sit in the same place for long periods. Sitting is of little value in our unreformed state and makes people dependent and robot-like. Maturity, freshness and flexibility characterise those who follow
the traditional way that begins with Ngondro. That is why Shamata
meditation (meditation on awareness of the breath) was not given
in authentic Tibetan Buddhism until after the Ngondro was completed
or, in rare cases, alongside it. |
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