The Foundation
Kyapjé Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, the grandfather of Phakchok Rinpoche, said that the “essence of all the sūtras and tantras were condensed into four things to think of, the four mind changings, and four things to practice, the preliminaries of four times one hundred thousand (ngöndro).” This page collects Samye Institute’s archive of teachings on these preliminary practices from the Vajrayana Membership.
Video Teachings
Nine Yanas · The Foundation · Vajrayana
Prostrations are a way of paying respect as well as a mindfulness practice. In this video filmed at Samye Hermitage New York in 2015, Tulku Migmar discusses the purpose of prostration and demonstrates three different techniques.
10 minutes
Nine Yanas · The Foundation · Vajrayana
Renunciation can be a powerful opportunity if we take it seriously. In this teaching, Phakchok Rinpoche reminds us to reflect on impermanence and on renunciation.
16 minutes
The Foundation · Vajrayana
In this teaching, Tulku-la introduces the practice of Vajrasattva, the second of the “extraordinary preliminaries” of the Ngöndro.
62 minutes
The Foundation · Vajrayana
Tulku Migmar concludes his teachings on the preliminary practices by discussing Guru Yoga.
74 minutes
The Foundation · Vajrayana
In this teaching, Tulku Migmar discusses the third of the “inner” ngöndro practices, offering the mandala. This practice is a means of perfecting the accumulation of merit and overcoming our emotional obscurations hindering liberation.
74 minutes
The Foundation · Vajrayana
In this teaching, Tulku Migmar begins to discuss the inner Ngöndro practices by teaching on making prostrations in the Ngöndro.
52 minutes
Audio Teachings
Nine Yanas · The Foundation · Vajrayana
In this brief presentation, Phakchok Rinpoche leads students step-by-step through the Four Mind Changings.
9 minutes
Ground, Path, and Fruition · The Foundation · Vajrayana
In this audio excerpt, taken from a teaching given in Japan in 2017, Phakchok Rinpoche explains the core principles of Tibetan Buddhist empowerment. Additionally, he shares some observations about cultural interpretations of empowerment.
5 minutes
The Foundation · Vajrayana
Phakchok Rinpoche reminds us about the profound blessings of taking refuge.
18 minutes
Ground, Path, and Fruition · The Foundation · Vajrayana
In this audio teaching, Phakchok Rinpoche teaches on the relationship between Guru and disciple. As the guru-disciple relationship is at the heart of the Vajrayana teachings, this teaching is of great value to all those beginning or continuing Vajrayana practice.
66 minutes
Mahayoga Practices · The Foundation · Vajrayana
Drupla Sherab Dorje explains the background and history of the Tukdrup Barché Kunsel Ngöndro.
23 minutes
The Foundation · Vajrayana
In this audio clip, Drupla Sherab Dorjé responds to several student questions about Vajrayana practice.
5 minutes
Articles
Enhancing and Dispelling Obstacles · Ground, Path, and Fruition · Mahayoga Practices · The Foundation · Vajrayana
Phakchok Rinpoche provides practical experience on how we can structure our Vajrayana practice.
Ground, Path, and Fruition · Mahayoga Practices · The Foundation · Vajrayana
In this document, Phakchok Rinpoche shares the eight essential points to hold in mind for any meditation session.
Ground, Path, and Fruition · Mahayoga Practices · The Foundation · Vajrayana
Phakchok Rinpoche would like to share this document with all his Vajrayana students so they may regularly reflect on the fourteen root Samayas, the life-essence of authentic Vajrayana practice.
Nine Yanas · The Foundation · Vajrayana
Read insightful student reflections on the Four Mind Changings, a Tibetan Buddhist teaching that inspires personal transformation and spiritual growth.
