In the Dudjom Tersar Ngondro lineage, which comes from Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche Jigdral Yeshe Dorje, practitioners often ask deep and practical questions as they engage with the foundational practices. While specific questions may vary by experience level, here are the top three most frequently asked questions across the board:
1. “How do I balance Ngondro accumulation with daily life responsibilities?”
2. “What is the correct visualization and sequence for each section of Ngondro?”
3. “Why is Ngondro considered essential before Dzogchen practice?”
From the three which is the most frequently asked and pressing question? It’s “How do I balance Ngondro accumulation with daily life responsibilities?” This question comes up consistently for both new and longtime practitioners. Because Ngondro requires sustained effort and large numbers of repetitions, people often seek guidance on how to realistically commit to the practice while managing work, family, health, or other obligations.
Many of us wonder how to accumulate 100,000 prostrations or mantra recitations while raising families, working full-time, or caring for our health. Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche emphasized that consistency, sincerity, and devotion are more important than speed or numbers alone.
Rather than seeing Ngondro as a task to complete, we can view each session—however short—as an offering. Some days may allow for many repetitions, others only a few. What matters is the continuity of connection to the path, the teacher, and the ultimate goal of awakening.
When our daily life becomes the ground for practice—when every challenge deepens our compassion and every joy reminds us of impermanence—then Ngondro is not separate from life at all. It becomes the heart of it. Ngondro becomes the thread that weaves spiritual awareness into each part of our day.
Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche’s Guidance:
“Even if you do not have time to do many recitations or prostrations, it is essential to practice every day without fail. If you cultivate a constant attitude of renunciation, bodhicitta, and devotion, this alone will serve as the foundation for all further practice. These are the roots of Dharma practice, and they will spontaneously lead you to accomplish all the paths and levels.”
“Train your mind again and again in renunciation and bodhicitta. Then, whichever of the stages you are practicing—whether Refuge, Vajrasattva, Mandala Offering, or Guru Yoga—your practice will go well. If you practice regularly in this way, gradually your mind will change, your faith will increase, and your realization will grow.”
A Torch Lighting the Way to Freedom
by Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche
Padmakara Translation Group
Shambhala Publications
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