Geshe Zopa: Embarking on a Transformative Spiritual Journey – Ngöndros & Refuge (Intro)

Discover the meaning, depth and importance of Ngondro, a foundational practice of Tibetan Buddhism. This evening talk is an introduction to weekend teachings on the Ngöndro journey, and everyone is welcome. Under the guidance of Geshe Tenzin Zopa, this Ngöndro program offers a structured path to deepen your Buddhist practice and prepare for advanced tantric initiations. Come along and clear your mind, open your heart, and set yourself on the path to enlightenment.

What is Ngöndro?
Ngöndro is a fundamental practice in Tibetan Buddhism, serving as a crucial foundation for spiritual growth. These preliminary practices, common to all schools of Tibetan Buddhism, are designed to purify obstacles and accumulate merit, setting the stage for deeper spiritual realizations. While often referred to as “preliminary,” it’s important to understand that Ngöndro represents a profound and comprehensive path in itself.

It’s helpful to view the spiritual path as a great adventure. Like any significant journey, it will have its challenges. Ngöndro practices prepare us for these challenges, much like gathering supplies for a long expedition. They build up a positive force and wear away clinging negativities, creating an integrated practice to support our spiritual growth.

The Five-Year Program:
2024: Taking Refuge
2025: Vajrasattva Practice
2026: Mandala Offerings
2027: Lama Tsong Khapa Guru Yoga
2028: Preparation for Tantric Initiation

We are so fortunate that our precious teacher, Geshe Tenzin Zopa has committed to teaching students for a 5-year period whilst they complete their Ngöndro practices under his guidance. Geshe-la’s approach will be to ensure the maximum benefit to students in an atmosphere of flexibility and mutual support rather than rigidity. The program culminates in instruction on Highest Yoga Tantra practices, providing a comprehensive foundation for advanced spiritual practice.

Transformative Power of Ngöndro
Ngöndro practices offer a unique opportunity to examine our past actions and experiences through the lens of Dharma. They help build positive force, wear away negative potentials, and create new neural pathways that support our spiritual growth. On a psychological level, these practices can alleviate long-held guilt and uncomfortable feelings, offering a chance to honestly address and resolve past actions under the compassionate gaze of the Buddha.

Who Should Consider This Program?
This program is ideal for students with a basic understanding of Buddhist concepts who are ready to commit to a structured, long-term practice. It’s particularly suited for those who:
• Seek a strong foundation for their spiritual journey
• Feel the need to reinvigorate their practice
• Are ready for experiential realizations beyond study
• Want to stabilize an inconsistent practice
• Wish to prepare properly for tantric initiations

Support and Community
Following on from the course, regular group practices and discussions will help you stay motivated and engaged. We understand the challenges of long-term practice and are committed to supporting you every step of the way.

As we embark on this journey, it’s crucial to approach these practices with the right attitude. The main pitfall to avoid is allowing the practices to become mechanical. These practices should not become mere repetitions, but profound opportunities for transformation.

The First Ngondro: Refuge
A key component of Ngöndro is the practice of taking refuge. While we often seek temporary refuges in life, the ultimate refuge is buddhahood itself. By sincerely taking refuge in the Three Jewels, we open ourselves to the blessings and transformative power of the Buddha’s teachings.

In this ngöndro, we think of our guru as a buddha and feel that all the buddhas are present with him in front of us. The cause for us to receive their blessings is our aspiration. As Dagri Rinpoche says: “Even if a buddha will manifest in front of us, if we don’t ‘open up’ we won’t receive his blessings! And even if the object of our faith is not a real buddha, if we consider it as a buddha we will definitively receive his blessing!”

You can consider yourself a Buddhist if you feel that buddhas are really present and if you are confident in their power to free you definitively from suffering; and not only you but all other beings. If you feel this intensely, strongly, this is the real, actual taking refuge.