Kalachakra Ngondro Program | MODULE 1
ONLINE. This program will be in English. We will not be able to offer live translations in any other language, however, we can offer access to the practice texts in various languages. Please send in your registration at the bottom as soon as you decide to register so that we can plan accordingly.
Module 1 already started but you can still register below. Later registration and start is possible because the sessions are recorded.
About the KALACHAKRA NGONDRO PROGRAM
The Kalachakra Ngondro Program is a 2-year long program created for students who want to deepen themselves in the Kalachakra Path in a structured, step-by-step guided process.
The Ngondro — also called the “Preliminary Practices” — prepares you to uncover your own Buddha nature. If you want to completely unveil this perfect nature, the Kalachakra Ngondro prepares you for the very subtle and profound yogic practices of the Completion Stage called the ‘Six Vajra Yogas’ of the Kalachakra Tantra. You can benefit by doing the Kalachakra Ngondro even if you do not aspire to engage in serious meditation practices of the Kalachakra Completion Stage in this lifetime.
Shar Khentrul Rinpoché offers a flexible approach in order to embrace a variety of practitioners because being fixed on only one traditional way may not be a match for everyone. Developing familiarization with the Kalachakra Ngondro practices can be adjusted individually according to your own personal inclination.
Rafa Lobsang Dorje from Kalapa received 2018 Rinpoché’s encouragement to teach the Kalachakra Ngondro and will kindly lead this program. In addition to that, Rinpoché, along with other senior students, may occasionally participate in a few sessions from modules 1 – 9 if time permits.
Requirements
The program is open to all. There are no formal prerequisites for Modules 1-7.
Although we encourage step-by-step participation, you are allowed to directly register for any module (except modules 8 and 9).
Generally speaking, the Kalachakra Ngondro Program is for you if you wish for long-term and regular support in your dharma practice, regardless if you are starting now or if you have been practicing previously. More specifically, modules 1-7 are shaped to help you prepare for receiving the 1st set of Kalachakra Empowerments (“Seven Empowerments of a Growing Child”), also known as the Kalachakra Initiation, and for receiving in the future the “Kalachakra Four Higher Empowerments” if you so aspire. That being said, you are more than welcome to just drop in to make a first connection and see how the practice reverberates with you—in this case, the modules 1-4 may be more suitable.
We encourage all new participants to get a copy of Shar Khentrul Rinpoché’s books; Unveiling Your Sacred Truth, The Hidden Treasure of the Profound Path and the Practice Book The Profound Path of Vajra Yoga, as these will be the main references for our program.
Optionally, in case you are waiting for the module to start, you are encouraged to read Rinpoché’s other books, such as Ocean of Diversity and The Realm of Shambhala.
Structure of the Modules
The program follows the structure of the Kalachakra Path as presented by the Jonang-Kalachakra Tradition of Tibetan Buddhsim. It is divided into Outer Preliminaries (2 modules), Inner Preliminaries (5 modules), and Unique Preliminaries (2 modules).
Each module includes a weekend-webinar of teachings and practice led by an authorized Ngongdro Teacher and by practices guided by other senior students approved by Rinpoché, followed by two group practice sessions of 90 min. each and one Dharma discussion session where questions can be addressed to the Ngondro Teacher and where you can exchange with other participants. The schedule of the weekend-webinar may vary slightly from module to module.
Details for MODULE 1
Four Convictions of Renunciation (Outer Preliminaries)
Weekend Webinar: 17th – 19th November
VIENNA TIME (CET)
FRIDAY 17th November 18.30 – 20.00
SATURDAY 18th November 10.00 – 11.30 | 14.00 – 15:30 | 18.30 – 20.00
SUNDAY 19th November 10.00 – 11.30
+ 2 Practice Sessions (Wednesdays: November 22th and 29th, 18.30 – 20:00)
+ Homework
+ 1 Group Discussion on Wednesday 6th December (18.30 – 20.00)
Preparing the Mind for the Path by reflecting on the Four Convictions of Renunciation: (1) the karmic law of cause and effect; (2) the suffering nature of samsara; (3) the preciousness of a human rebirth, and (4) the impermanent nature of this life.
“These four topics are specifically designed to facilitate the transition away from a life driven by samsaric attachment to the eight worldly dharmas, and towards a life focused on taming the mind through practising Dharma. Renunciation can also be understood as a form of self-focused compassion—the desire to be free from suffering. It is this desire to be free which motivates us in the beginning, and it is this desire that we will eventually extend to encompass everyone else. If we are unable to sincerely wish ourselves to be free from suffering, then it is impossible for us to honestly wish this for others. When cultivated strongly, this mind of renunciation can become a powerful force behind all manner of spiritual practices.” (Khentrul Rinpoché)
Registration
Register below. Before the module starts, please make sure to send an e-mail to [email protected] briefly answering the following questions. Your registration will be automatic and do not depend on the answers provided. The questions below are just for us shaping the module to registered participants.
1. What are your Motivations for participating in this program? What are your goals?
2. Do you have the intention to attend (part of) the program in-person or all online-only?
3. Do you have the aspiration to participate in more than one module or in all of the modules?
4. Are you a student of Shar Khentrul Rinpoché? If yes, which online empowerment(s), retreat(s) or course(s) have you completed with Rinpoché or with one of his authorized Teachers? Please include details about them, including dates etc. if applicable.
5. This program is open also to beginners. You can join even if you never practiced any spiritual path at all. Just in case you have something to share about your previous spiritual path, including both Buddhist Studies or Practices and from other traditions as well, please write them in a summarized form, if applicable.
6. Do you have any specific questions or doubts about the Kalachakra Ngondro Program?