In the Dzogchen tradition, the treasure chest of direct realization is wide open—yet most guides still suggest laying the groundwork first. Ngöndro, those meticulous preliminary practices, act like a sturdy foundation before raising the house. They clear away layers of habitual distraction, sharpen concentration, and accumulate the merit that makes Dzogchen’s “pointing‐out” instruction land with clarity.

Skipping ngöndro can be compared to diving into deep water without checking the depth. While a handful of modern Dzogchen masters—drawing on Semde (Mind Series) methods—will offer a direct introduction right away, they rarely abandon the value of preliminaries entirely. Even at this moment, virtual gatherings and 2025 retreats often weave ngöndro elements into the schedule, so that fresh students aren’t caught off guard by the intensity of recognizing rigpa, the mind’s primordial knowing.

On the flip side, if life circumstances make extensive ngöndro feel overwhelming, some teachers suggest condensed versions: a few weeks of refuge and guru yoga, paired with brief Vajrasattva recitations. This lighter approach still polishes the lens, allowing the mind’s innate clarity to shine. After a genuine pointing‐out session—whether in person or through today’s livestreams—those pieces of ngöndro supported by heartfelt devotion and consistent practice ensure the seeds of realization don’t just sprout but flourish.

Ultimately, the path isn’t about following a rigid checklist but meeting the instructions with sincerity. When ngöndro feels alive rather than a chore, it becomes the very force that propels Dzogchen meditation into daily experience.