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What is Ngondro and why is it important?
In Tibetan Buddhism, Ngöndro refers to the preliminary or foundational practices and is common to all four schools of Buddhism. As is stated in the Treasury of Abidharma:
"The sacred dharma of the Teacher is two-fold, epitomizing scripture and realization.
These are upheld entirely through being spoken and being put into practice, respectively.
Ngondro is the foundational training in the practice component referenced above.
The benefit of this set of practices is twofold: 1) they are transformative by removing obstacles and accumulating merit; and 2) these practices prepare you for the tantric path of Buddhism, Vajrayana. Ngondro is the introduction to tantric sadhanas, and is required for students wishing to ultimately take the more profound teachings in the generation, completion and Perfection of Wisdom (Dzogchen) stages of Tibetan Buddhism.
Additionally, doing these practices, the student will begin to gain an understanding of many of the unfamiliar terminology used in Tibetan Buddhism, which understanding will enrich further studies.
Why take the Ngondro course now?
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Life is very busy for most people, and the accumulation of Ngondro takes time. Because it is the prerequisite for Vajrayana and the advanced teachings of the Perfection of Wisdom, it is best to begin sooner, and avoid a delay in any future teachings you may wish to obtain. Also, Ngondro is an invaluable introduction to Buddhist sadhanas because students are actually doing the sadhanas, putting the teacher's instructions into practice. It is a necessary step to begin the experiential part of the Buddhist path.
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For practitioners who have been studying the Sutrayana and feel ready to progress to Vajrayana, Ngondro is the next step. This also pertains to current students of Ewam's Shedra program who plan to continue to the Vajrayana teachings (beginning with year 4, TAN104). Also, any students who plan to begin the first year of the Shedra program in 2025 will benefit by taking this course and beginning the accumulations sooner rather than later.
- Ewam is beginning a new cycle of teachings* of the Buddhist path as laid out in the nine vehicles: the two vehicles of Sutrayana; the vehicle of the Bodhisattvas; the three outer tantras; and the three inner tantras of mahayoga, anuyoga and atiyoga. Students must complete some ngondro in order to begin the generation stage teachings. This ngondro course fulfills that requirement.
*This is an exciting new cycle of teachings taught according to the Namchak lineage, of which Ewam's founder, Gochen Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche is the lineage holder. The cycle will be taught by Ewam's esteemed teachers KhenRinpoche Ngawang Namchak and Jetsunma Jamyang Palmo. (Details of this new cycle will follow soon). At this time, it is estimated that this will be a 5 year cycle, and in-person teachings begin in 2025 (date tba).
It is important that Ngondro is practiced with the correct understanding of the view of both the foundational and the Bodhisattva vehicles. We are happy to announce that Jetsunma Jamyang Palmo is offering a series of teachings as a companion to the ngondro course beginning November 24th. These teachings will be once per month for 30 minutes. The first teaching topic will be The View of Buddhism from a Universal Perspective. Jetsunma's teachings are not only an essential partner with the ngondro course, but are suitable for all students, whether Buddhism curious, beginning practitioner, or experienced practitioner. For more information on these teachings, click the link below.
How to receive these precious teachings?
The schedule for the Ngondro teachings will be online via zoom from 8:45 am to 10:45 am on the first Sunday of each month, beginning November 3rd, through June, 2025. The full schedule will be provided shortly. Although we encourage students to attend the Zoom class live, we understand this may not be possible for all students. Therefore, all classes will be recorded and made available to students.
To be put on the email list to receive further information on this Ngondro course, Jetsunma's teachings and the new Namchak Lineage Cycle, click below.
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