The Ngöndro, or preliminary practices, are the traditional pathway into Vajrayana Buddhism. Combining meditation, reflection, visualisation, recitation and physical offering, these practices effect a complete and comprehensive inner transformation. Not only do they prepare the practitioner for the profound path of Vajrayana and the teachings of Dzogchen, but they also lead him or her gradually towards enlightenment.
Held on one Saturday afternoon each month, this workshop series will give you a thorough, practical introduction to the main Ngöndro practices, addressing the what, the how and the why of each element of these life-changing practices. The 2022 workshop program will address practical aspects not covered in Rigpa’s 2021 Ngöndro program.
These workshops will be presented by monastic and lay practitioners from Rigpa Australia and Rigpa’s international retreat centre Lerab Ling. They will share their deep understanding of the Ngöndro based on their decades of practice.
Experienced students and any student with a year or more of Buddhist study and a well-established regular meditation practice who would like to start the Ngöndro are most welcome to join these sessions.
Session |
Date |
Time |
Topic |
Presenter |
1 |
19 February |
2 – 6pm (AEDT) |
What is the Ngöndro |
Daniella Vedelago |
2 |
26 March |
2 – 6pm |
Using The Four Thoughts to turn your mind towards the Dharma |
Dr Ian Gawler & Dr Ruth Gawler |
3 |
28 May |
3 – 6:30pm |
Refuge and prostrations: what we can truly rely on |
Catherine Paul |
4 |
25 June |
2 – 6pm |
Bodhichitta: enlightened courage, the heart and wisdom of compassion within the Ngöndro |
Jane Gray & Walter Kaan |
5 |
23 July |
9am – 4.30pm |
Full day Ngöndro practice retreat: exercise your practice muscle |
Various instructors |
6 |
3 September |
3 – 6:30pm |
Vajrasattva: purifying and healing our obscurations and defilements |
Catherine Paul |
7 |
24 September |
3 – 7pm |
Mandala Offering: doing the practice |
Ane Lhamo |
8 |
12 November |
2 – 6pm |
Guru Yoga: connecting with devotion as the unbroken receptivity to the truth |
Jan van der Breggen |
Where: Online and in-person at some Rigpa Centres
Cost: Rigpa subscribers (members): free
Non-subscribers: Individual session: $30 full price $20 concession per session
Enquiries: If you haven't already registered but would like to attend the remaining session #8 (Guru Yoga) please email sydney@rigpa.org.au