Every Saturday from 11:00 to 13:00 we meet at Dzogchen Ling for the weekly teaching on the Dudjom Tersar Ngöndro, guided by Jigme Rangjung (Norbert). Hoofdweg 727 in Hoofddorp, on a voluntary contribution (dana).
Ngöndro is the preliminary practice: both the foundation of the path and so profound that it contains the entire path. Even great masters return to it throughout their lives. To gain a clear understanding of the Vajrayana teachings, starting with Ngöndro is strongly advised.
What the Ngöndro consists of
The Ngöndro has two parts. The general preliminaries are four reflections that turn the mind towards the dharma: the precious human life, impermanence, karma, and the suffering of samsara. They are not gloomy thoughts, but an honest look at our existence that wakes up the motivation to really practise.
The special preliminaries are five practices that work with body, speech and mind at once: taking refuge with prostrations, generating bodhicitta, purification through Vajrasattva, the mandala offering, and guru yoga. Traditionally each one is repeated a hundred thousand times. That sounds daunting, but it is not about the counting. Every repetition refines the motivation and wears a habit down a little further.
Why we do it together
Ngöndro is ultimately a practice you do at home, alone, on your own cushion. But starting it alone is hard. The text raises questions, the visualisations are awkward at first, and on the days when nothing much happens the motivation drains away. That is what a weekly gathering is for.
The sessions focus on cultivating selfless motivation, on the structure and meaning of the practice, and on working with the mantras, the visualisations and the prayers. Beyond that there is the plain fact that practising together works differently than practising alone. On a Saturday when you cannot find your way into it, the group carries you part of the distance.
The Dudjom Tersar
We follow the Ngöndro of the Dudjom Tersar, transmitted by H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche. This version is known for its clear, direct style: compact enough to practise daily, and still complete. Nothing is missing from it.
It is the main lineage of our centre, and the Nyingma school it belongs to is the oldest in Tibetan Buddhism. So what you learn on a Saturday does not stand on its own. It is the gate to all further practice in our tradition, up to and including Dzogchen.
Joining
Whether you are just starting, want to refine an existing foundation, or are simply curious to join once: you are welcome. Let us know at info@rigdzin.nl if you are coming for the first time. All times and other activities are on the Programme page.