The Dzogchen: Innermost Essence Preliminary Practice

As a preliminary practice (Tibetan:ngon-dro) it begins with sutra meditations on the value and potential of this human life, its frailty and the inevitability of death, the infallibility of karmic actions and their consequences, and the suffering of worldly existence. Following the recognition of these common truths it continues, leading the spiritual aspirant into refuge in the Three Supreme Jewels and, for a Mahayanist (whose selfless attitude is based on pure love and compassion), into activation of the awakening mind - bodhicitta. The work then unites these meditations with a series of practices exclusive to the tantric path - Vajrasattva purification, mandala offering, union with the spiritual master, the chod practice of cutting duality at its source and so forth. This is not only a preliminary practice but actually provides a complete means in itself for attaining the fully awakened state.
The entire translation is accompanied by the actual Tibetan text.