Embark on Your Ngondro Journey in the Heart of Thailand
Thailand, a land steeped in Buddhist tradition for over two millennia, offers a unique and fertile ground for deepening your Ngondro practice. With 92% of its population embracing Buddhism, the very air resonates with a spiritual energy that supports and nourishes your inner work. The Thai people’s deep reverence for Buddhist practice translates into a welcoming atmosphere for retreatants, believing that their presence brings blessings to the community. Beyond the spiritual richness, Thailand also provides a compelling combination of pleasant weather, stunning natural landscapes perfect for walking meditation, excellent value for money, and world-class facilities for travelers.
Understanding the Ngondro: Preliminaries of Profound Transformation
“Ngondro,” meaning “preliminaries” in Tibetan, refers to the foundational practices common to various schools of Tibetan Buddhism. These aren’t merely introductory exercises; they are potent transformative practices in their own right. They are considered “uncommon” because the specific details of each practice can vary between different Tibetan Buddhist lineages.
The core Ngondro practices typically include:
- Refuge (Prostrations): Cultivating devotion and taking refuge in the Three Jewels.
- Purification (e.g., Vajrasattva practice): Cleansing negative karma and obscurations.
- Merit Accumulation (e.g., Mandala Offerings): Expanding positive potential and generosity.
- Requesting the Blessings of the Lineage (e.g., Guru Yoga): Connecting with the wisdom and inspiration of the lineage.
Some traditions also include the refuge prayer as a separate practice. Each of these practices is traditionally repeated 110,000 times.
While the Ngondro is often referred to as preliminary, its transformative power is immense. Many esteemed Tibetan Buddhist masters have emphasized its profound significance, even repeating these practices multiple times throughout their lives. The time required to complete the Ngondro varies greatly, from six months to ten years, depending on the intensity of practice. A dedicated Ngondro retreat can significantly accelerate progress compared to practicing at home.
Finding the Perfect Ngondro Retreat
Ngondro retreats can be either teacher-led or self-led. Given the variations between Ngondro practices across different lineages, self-led retreats are often the most practical option. This allows practitioners to focus on the specific Ngondro they have received instructions for from their own teacher.
Key considerations when choosing a self-led Ngondro retreat center
- Flexibility: The center should allow you to create your own daily schedule, without requiring participation in a fixed program.
- Space: Ample space is essential for practices like prostrations and mandala offerings. Consider whether the center provides necessary equipment like prostration boards.
- Nature and Walking Paths: Access to walking paths and outdoor space is important for breaks and walking meditation.
- Length of Stay: Ensure the center’s policies align with the duration of your intended retreat. Some centers may have restrictions on length of stay, especially for extended retreats. A letter of introduction from your teacher may be required for longer stays.
Your Ngondro Retreat at Bodhicitta Retreat Centre
Bodhicitta Retreat Centre offers the ideal environment for a self-led Ngondro retreat in Thailand. We provide everything you need to focus on your practice:
- Tranquil Location: Nestled in the natural beauty of Suan Phueng, Ratchaburi, just two hours from Bangkok, our center offers a peaceful escape from the distractions of daily life.
- Purpose-Built Accommodation: Our solid construction bungalows provide comfortable and private spaces for your practices.
- Spacious Rooms: Rooms are designed to accommodate meditation and various Ngondro practices.
- Outdoor Space and Walking Paths: Enjoy the serene surroundings with ample space for walking meditation and relaxation.
- Delicious Vegetarian Meals: Nourishing vegetarian meals are provided three times a day.
- Convenient Transportation: We offer airport transfers from Bangkok airports directly to the retreat center.
To ensure you have the most productive retreat possible, we may ask about your retreat purpose and experience. We welcome stays of up to one month, with the possibility of rolling monthly renewals. Contact us today to begin your Ngondro journey at Bodhicitta Retreat Centre.