In the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, before one can receive empowerments and pointing-out instructions from a dharma master, one must first open and prepare the mind by engaging in the foundational practices (ngöndro). This consists of completing a specified number of repetitions of the rituals of taking refuge, arousing the mind of awakening (bodhichitta), mandala offering, Vajrasattva purification, and Guru Yoga. In this book, Orgyen Chowang Rinpoche brilliantly explains how to engage in the foundational practice according to the New Treasures of the Dudjom tradition, the Dudjom Tersar. And from the outset, Orgyen Chowang introduces the pristine teachings of Dzogchen, the pinnacle of the Nyingma path, to provide the context that informs every stage of the path to awakening.
