Lama Zangmo will give instructions on the Ngondro, a practice text by the 9th Karmapa, Wangchuk Dorje, consisting of the four ordinary foundations and the four special foundations.

The Four Ordinary Foundations are contemplations on the four thoughts that turn the mind to the Dharma, namely the preciousness of human life, impermanence, karma, cause and effects, and the sufferings of samsara.

The Four Special Foundations are purification and accumulation practices and are: prostrations, recitations of the Dorje Sempa hundred syllable mantra, mandala offerings and guru yoga practice.

The function of the prostrations is to deepen our sense of refuge in the Three Jewels and take root in the Lineage, and to help us appreciate the importance of Dharma practice. It is a method of purification of the obscurations and accumulation of merit.

Lama Zangmo will give instructions in the Four Thoughts and how to start the first of the special foundations, the prostration practice. She will also give the lung, scriptural transmission, for the practice. This course is suitable for those who have already taken Refuge or are planning to take refuge at the next opportunity. For any questions and guidance about whether to join this course, please feel free to contact the office or make an appointment to speak to Lama Zangmo.

You will need to bring a Ngondro text for the teachings (available from the shop).

The schedule for each day will run between the following times:

Saturday 31 January: 10am-4pm

Sunday 1 February: 10am-1pm

The instructions will be followed up with an afternoon of contemplation and prostrations on Sun 15 Feb from  1.30 - 4pm  where Lama Zangmo will be available for Q&A at the beginning in order to get started properly on the practice. More information on this can be found here.

For those who wish to start prostrations for the first time, it is best to attend all those dates.  It is essential to book in advance for this course.

The £5 registration fee is not a payment for the course. There is no charge for our courses and teachings, but donations to help cover the costs of running the centre are very welcome.