Question asked by Lu Yang
Hello Pastor! I have 2 questions, so first is that on my altar I have printed images instead of statues etc. But Tsem Rinpoche in one of his videos said that there is a way to put multiple images that is in a particular way. How should I align them? Secondly and lastly is that what are the 6 preliminary practices and how do I practice them. Because I know you need to complete these practices before you even do anything related to Tantra. I want to prepare myself and get ready for Tantra and in general to transform myself and become the best version of myself! Thank you Pastor!
Dear Lu Yang,
Thank you for questions.
In regards to placement of your images, here is the order, based on you looking at your altar:
> Gurus and Buddhas in the centre
> Meditational deities/Bodhisattvas on the left
> Dharma Protectors on the right.
I hope this helps.
In regards to the preliminary practices, we have an article available here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/preliminary-practice.html. However there is a lot of information due to space constraints that could not be included.
That being said, before you engage in preliminary practices it is important that you have a firm foundational grasp of the Dharma before you start. This is so that you know fully what you are doing, how to do it, etc. Only them will your preliminary practices be successful.
Here is a list of Dharma books recommended by Rinpoche to start ones journey in Dharma practice: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/books-that-are-a-must-read.html
As part of that list is our Lamrim text, known as Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand (https://www.vajrasecrets.com/lamrim-liberation-in-the-palm-of-your-hand). This is the very core of our Dharma practice here in Kechara. In fact we run a two year course on this book online, the next in take will be next year January. It would be good for you to go through and complete the first year of Lamrim before engaging in Preliminary practices as they are big commitment, as you need to do them every day without break. There are prayers, visualisations and contemplations involved with them as well.
I hope this helps.