Knowra Ngöndro Ngöndro Ngöndro is a set of contemplative and ritual practices that prepares practitioners for advanced Vajrayana meditation. Its forms vary across Tibetan Buddhist lineages.
Vajrayana : A branch of Buddhism that uses tantric methods, including ritual, visualization, and mantra, to pursue awakening. Ngöndro is the preparatory practice system used within this branch.
Four thoughts that turn the mind : Four contemplations on precious human birth, impermanence, karma, and the suffering of samsara. These contemplations often precede the formal accumulations and redirect attention toward practice.
Tibetan Buddhism : A form of Buddhism shaped in Tibet, with distinct institutions, teachings, and tantric practices. Ngöndro is especially associated with Tibetan Buddhist practice and transmission.
Dzogchen : A Tibetan Buddhist meditation tradition that points to the nature of mind as primordial awareness. Some Nyingma ngöndro cycles prepare practitioners for Dzogchen instruction.
Refuge (Buddhism) : A Buddhist commitment to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha as sources of guidance toward liberation. Taking refuge is a core ngöndro practice that establishes its orientation.
Prostration : A gesture of lowering the body as an expression of reverence, humility, or devotion. Repeated prostrations embody refuge and help make the practice physically demanding.
Nyingma : The oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, tracing its lineage to early transmissions in Tibet. Nyingma traditions preserve influential ngöndro instructions and liturgies.
Mahamudra : A meditation system in Tibetan Buddhism focused on recognizing the nature of mind. Kagyu ngöndro often serves as preparation for Mahamudra meditation.
Bodhicitta : The intention to attain awakening for the benefit of all sentient beings. Ngöndro cultivates this motivation before tantric practice.
Mantra : A syllable, word, or phrase repeated in ritual or meditation for spiritual purposes. Ngöndro uses mantra recitation, especially in Vajrasattva purification.
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