Dudjom Tersar Ngöndro Retreat
Lama Shenpen Drolma
October 31 ~ November 6, 2011

The ngöndro, or preliminary practices, in Tibetan Buddhism form the basis for the entire Vajrayana path—they are as fundamental to the practitioner’s development as the alphabet is to written language. Among the preliminaries of the various lineages, the Dudjom Tersar Ngöndro of the Nyingma tradition is the most concise, intended for these  times when there is less leisure for practice.
 

The Dudjom Tersar Ngöndro is an extremely powerful means for turning the mind toward dharma, for purifying obscurations and for bringing forth the qualities of realization. It enhances devotion to the dharma and receptivity to the highest level of teachings, the Great Perfection. For practitioners with receptive minds, the Great Perfection perspective can evolve from ngöndro itself. The Dudjom Tersar Ngöndro—succinct, unelaborate, and grounded in guru yoga—provides a superb means of opening the door to the nature of mind.
 

This retreat will provide an opportunity to receive teachings on the meditations and underlying principles of the preliminary practices as they apply to our daily lives, and is suitable for those who are exploring the Vajrayana path, as well as those who would like to begin or are already undertaking a ngöndro practice.  

In order to attend this ngöndro retreat, students must have attended Bodhicitta Immersion Retreats I and II, or the Bodhicitta Immersion Retreat I being offered immediately prior to this retreat (October 24 – 30.)

Registration
The cost for the Ngöndro Retreat at Iron Knot Ranch, which covers food, facilities, camping, dorm-style accommodations or private casita, will be $35 – $55 per day (sliding-scale based on ability to pay and choice of accommodations). Chagdud Gonpa Foundation membership and Iron Knot Ranch sponsorship discounts apply. Partial scholarships, work trade and payment plans areavailable on a limited basis. Please register by October 12. Registration after this date may result in a $50 late registration fee. There is no penalty for cancellation and your early registration is a great help to us in planning for the event. To register or for further information, please contact events@ironknot.org or call (510) 315-1960.