Testimonials

Ngondro: Five Years of Practice, Humility, and Blessings

~ DudjomTersarNgondro

Testimonial for the Dudjom Tersar Ngondro Program by Louise Carroll

Dear Sangha, 

Hi there from the East Coast of Australia. I was requested to write a testimonial after finishing the Ngondro Accumulations practicing the Concise Dudjom Tersar Ngondro. It took me 5 years. I entered the Vajrayana Foundation Dudjom Ngondro Program after an online Ngondro Retreat in 2021. I had been studying and practicing Buddhism since 1998 and had attempted Ngondro in another tradition but dropped out due to lack of support. I feel so blessed to have met with the Dudjom Lineage and the Vajrayana Foundation Ngondro Program at Pema Osel Ling. 

The journey has been an incredible blessing and there were many challenges along the way. One particular challenging memory was when I was doing prostrations, I got a frozen shoulder so I started doing circumambulations. Then I got a problem with my foot and could not walk! It turns out this was a big gift to me as my ego was thinking I was a failure if I could not do it right. I had a lot of pride in being tough and doing the prostrations! Over the past 5 years of practicing the Ngondro accumulations, I have let go of a lot of perfectionism and self criticism and am now a lot more kind to myself. I don’t think there could have been any other way to work with what seems my “unworkable” Ego. Of course that is still a work in progress! However, without Ngondro I know my afflictive emotions would have so much more hold on me. 

I found the online retreats run by the Vajrayana Foundation at Pema Osel Ling was fantastic support …I took part in the retreat online for 3 years in a row.  I also read extensively from “Words of my Perfect Teacher” , “Cascading Waterfall of Nectar” and “Torch Lighting the Way to Freedom”. I would also listen to the Questions & Answers recordings with Tulku Thadral Rinpoche from the program as it was hard for me to show up live due to the time zone differences. 

I also did my own retreats to deepen my practice and knowledge. The first retreat was a 3 month home retreat in 2021 where I did the Ngondro and listened to Lama Tharchin Rinpoche’s complete teaching on the Dudjom Ngondro. I also did a few other retreats, one was a 5 week solitary retreat in New Zealand where I think the cracks of the retreat hut may still have grains of rice stuck in them from all the mandala offerings. The retreats really helped deepen my study and practice and to accumulate the numbers. Day to day, I was always carrying my mala with counters and a little book that I kept tally of my accumulations. I still carry my mala and accumulations book to practice as I go about travelling or having to wait for appointments etc. 

I am so grateful for the meetings with Choying Wangmo (Regina) every now and then, as her support was priceless. Without it, I can honestly say, I may not have finished as the resistance in me was often strong. I would email her if I reached a milestone and she would always email back “keep going”! So this is what I did and how I finished the accumulations….I kept going. I am glad I did as the gifts are so great ….  Having the accumulations meant I could train in letting go of continually looking to get the “quick fix” my ego always was looking for. Saying the four thoughts every day really does turn my mind to Truth when I get carried away by my afflictive emotions. 

I still continue to practice the Concise Dudjom Tersar Ngondro every day and I want to do it as it is such a great support. It may seem weird but finishing the accumulations feels like I am just beginning, and I am grateful. 

May it be of benefit 🙏🏽

Can You Share Some Testimonials from Previous Attendees for the Annual Ngondro Retreat?

~ DudjomTersarNgondro

Previous attendees of the Dudjom Ngondro retreat often highlight the transformative impact of the experience. Many describe feeling a deep sense of connection to the teachings and the sangha, which fosters a supportive and nurturing environment. Participants frequently mention the authenticity of the guidance provided by the lamas and the immersive nature of the retreat, which helps them deepen their practice and understanding of Ngondro.

One attendee shared that the retreat helped them overcome personal obstacles in their spiritual journey, while another expressed gratitude for the opportunity to receive direct transmissions and teachings in such a serene setting. The sense of community and shared purpose is often praised, as it creates a space for mutual encouragement and growth.

“As a Ngöndro practitioner, I highly recommend attending the Vajrayana Foundation’s Ngöndro Retreat. Since I started my Ngöndro practice at the end of 2019, I have been attending this retreat every year, initially online during the pandemic and later in person. Being at Pema Ösel Ling, connecting with the Lamas and the Sangha, is a powerful experience.”

— Esther Oswald

“I felt a sense of softening and relief during my brief stay, and all that occurred happened so easily and meaningfully. It changed me and brought me a sense of deeper peace in my heart.”

— Sarah Marcus

“I was able to attend retreats over the years, which were so inspiring. I had the opportunity to receive teachings from some of the greatest masters, and the experience deeply enriched my practice.”

— Anonymous

Whether you are just beginning or continuing your Ngondro, we warmly invite you to reconnect with your practice in the blessed environment of Pema Osel Ling.

Every year, practitioners from around the world gather here to receive profound teachings, deepen their practice, and experience the power of sangha.

We hope you’ll join us for this rare and precious opportunity to engage in the Dudjom Tersar Ngondro in an atmosphere of genuine support and transmission.

Retreat Dates: April 12 ~ 20, 2025

Location: Pema Osel Ling, Santa Cruz Mountains

Registration & Info: https://www.vajrayana.org/events/293/

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. We look forward to practicing together!