The four thoughts

Four reflections that turn the mind towards practice

In Tibetan Buddhism, these contemplations form the common, or outer, preliminaries of ngöndro. They examine the opportunity of this life, its impermanence, the consequences of action and the suffering of saṃsāra.

They are distinct from the Four Noble Truths. Here the emphasis is on developing the motivation to practise.

1. Precious human life

Reflect on the freedoms and favourable conditions that make Dharma practice possible. In Dudjom Rinpoche’s explanation, this opportunity is difficult to obtain. Recognizing its value encourages us to use it well.

2. Impermanence and death

This body, like everything that is born, will not last. Contemplating death brings attention to the time available for practice, rather than assuming that the opportunity will always remain.

3. Karma: actions and their effects

Dudjom Rinpoche describes the mind continuing after death, directed by beneficial and harmful actions. Reflection on karma connects the wish for freedom with responsibility for what we do.

Explore karma →

4. The suffering of saṃsāra

In this teaching, no rebirth within saṃsāra provides lasting freedom from suffering. Contemplating that predicament develops renunciation: the wish to be free from the cycle, and the motivation to follow the Dharma.

Read a traditional explanation

Dudjom Tersar Ngöndro Notes brings the four contemplations together before explaining the inner preliminary practices. The Ngöndro topic introduces their wider setting.