Level 1: The Foundation Program Overview
The Foundation Program spans three years and covers the Ngöndro, or ‘that which goes before,’ which is the gateway practice for entering the profound lineage of the Dzinpa Rangdröl cycle. This program is designed so that participants will complete the Dzinpa Rangdröl Ngöndro at the end of the three-year time period. Since the time of Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century, the practice of Ngöndro has been completed by many great yogis and yoginis, many of whom have taken Ngöndro as one of their core practices. Commensurate with the complete body of the Dzinpa Rangdröl cycle, many practices in this Ngöndro are considered esoteric and in the past were given only as a practitioner’s second Ngöndro. In this Ngöndro, one completes 100,000 prostrations with refuge; 40,000 Bodhicitta prayers with accompanying meditation; 100,000 Vajrasattva mantras; 100,000 Mandala Offerings; and 1,200,000 Guru Yoga mantras.
Photo credit: Deborah Howe
Photo credit: Deborah HoweAll of these are accompanied by visualizations. The purpose of these practices is to purify the body, speech, and mind and to accumulate merit, akin to preparing the foundation before a house is built. Practitioners should expect to practice 2-3 hours a day.
Those who have already completed a Ngöndro in another lineage will be required to do 10% of the Dzinpa Rangdröl Ngöndro in order to enter into the second level/Complete Transmission Program. To receive these instructions and begin the practice, there are no additional prerequisites; however, it is a practice that requires great effort and commitment. The application and interview process must be completed.
Complete Transmission Program Details
The Complete Transmission Program will take those who have completed the Dzinpa Rangdröl Ngöndro requirement into the progressive stages that are traditionally practiced during the three-year retreat.
Can I join Gateway even though it is already underway?
Yes, we are welcoming new applications for practitioners inspired to enter this program and join the Dragons Cohort until March 31, 2025. Please feel welcome to contact the Registrar with any questions about how to apply.
Photo credit: Josh BrownleeFollowing the May 2024 online program, we will be opening applications for serious practitioners inspired to take on this Ngöndro and to join the next cohort. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until February 2025. Please contact the Registrar with any questions about how to apply.