The Fundamental Practices

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“These fundamental practices and pith instructions by His Holiness Kyabje Ratna Vajra Rinpoche are now so timely and precious. Indeed, they are an indispensable companion for the serious practitioner of our time. This book cannot just be read and then left on the shelf but must be put into practice.”—Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche

“For anyone serious about becoming a Vajrayana practitioner, the ngöndro practices provide an essential foundation for the entire path. His Holiness Ratna Vajra Rinpoche has presented these fundamental practices clearly and thoroughly, emphasizing their profundity and relevance. This book is rich with the blessings of authentic lineage transmission and provides essential and inspiring practical advice for both new and seasoned practitioners.” —Jigme Khyentse Rinpoche

THE FUNDAMENTAL PRACTICES

Volume 1

His Holiness the 42nd Sakya Trizin

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A wise and warm guide to the preliminary practices that lay the fundamental groundwork for traversing the path to buddhahood.

When we start on the transformational journey to enlightenment, we need a strong foundation in core Buddhist principles and practices to set us on the right track. The ngöndro, or preliminary practices, are that very foundation; they not only prepare us for advanced practice but serve us in all we do. In this guide to the common and uncommon preliminary practices, His Holiness the Forty-Second Sakya Trizin, Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, expertly gives us the grounded, practical, and illuminating teachings we need to set out on the path to buddhahood. Newcomers and seasoned practitioners alike will find practical guidance and profound wisdom to support them through their exploration of the preliminary practices. 

The common preliminary practices are the four thoughts that turn the mind away from the suffering of samsara and toward the Dharma: remembering the shortcomings of samsara, remembering the preciousness of a human rebirth, remembering impermanence, and remembering the law of karma. These teachings are shared among traditions and will accompany us all the way to buddhahood. The five uncommon preliminary practices are core to further Mahayana and Vajrayana practice: going for refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha; developing bodhichitta, the enlightened mind; Vajrasattva practice, which clears negative karma; mandala offering, which will help us accumulate merit; and guru yoga, which facilitates our realization of the nature of mind.

By using this guide, we can develop a deeper understanding of what Dharma practice truly encompasses and how we can authentically engage in it. His Holiness the Forty-Second Sakya Trizin invites us to appreciate the profound significance of these preliminary practices and experience the transformative benefits they offer—for both ourselves and all sentient beings.

 

book information
  • Paperback
  • 240 pages, 6 x 9 inches
  • $22.95
  • ISBN 9781614299554
about the author
The Fundamental Practices

His Holiness the Forty-Second Sakya Trizin, Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, holds the esteemed position of the forty-second Sakya throne holder within the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism. He is renowned for his profound knowledge and the clarity of his teachings, making him one of the most well-regarded lineage holders in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. He hails from the acclaimed Khön family, known for producing successive generations of exceptional Buddhist masters. From a young age, His Holiness received extensive teachings, empowerments, and transmissions in both sutra and tantra from his father and numerous other esteemed teachers. After completing rigorous philosophical studies at Sakya College in India, he earned the kachupa degree. Embarking on meditation retreats from the age of twelve, including the Hevajra retreat, a key tantric practice within the Sakya school. With great humility, he travels extensively to offer teachings and empowerments to students worldwide upon their request.

Other books by His Holiness the 42nd Sakya Trizin:
Light of Samantabhadra
The Bodhisattva Path from Ground to Fruition

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