Preliminaries

Here are translations of a number of vajrayana preliminary practices according to different Tibetan traditions. The outer common preliminaries include meditating on the preciousness of human life, impermanence and death, cause and effect, and the sufferings of cyclic existence. The inner uncommon preliminaries consist of going for refuge, the meditation and recitation of Vajrasattva, mandala offering, and Guru yoga.

Flowing River of Blessings – Essential Heart of the Preliminary Practices by Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche

This is a modern compilation and rendition by Kyabgön Chetsang Rinpoche of classic verses of the preliminary practices as they are performed in the Drigung Kagyü Five-Fold Mahamudra tradition. This is extremely profound in the sense that it is rather short and easy to practice, yet it contains the entire scope of the common and uncommon preliminary practices and recitations. It is presented here in verse with the original Tibetan and transliterations. (12 pages)

The Most Profound Preliminaries by Katsel Umdze Yonten Chog

This is a compilation of the preliminary practices utilizes in the Yangzab, or “Most Profound”, treasure cycle composed by the Nyingmapa master Padmasambhava and later revealed by Rinchen Phüntshog in the 16th century. This presentation contains the famous Rainbow Body Prayer. It is presented here with the original Tibetan and transliterations. (39 pages)