The first Preliminary Practice is called Prostrations. Here you take refuge to six supportive elements on your way to Enlightenment:

The enlightened teachers of the Karma Kagyu School (Lama), the methods (Yidam), the enlightened mind (Buddha), the teachings of the Buddha (Dharma), the liberated Bodhisattvas (Sangha) and the protectors of the lineage (Cho Chong).

Prostrations are very physical and powerful and in particular strengthen your power to act. This exercise specifically purifies the energy channels of the body and generally removes some of mind’s coarsest veils. Prostrations also build up good impressions in mind.

By means of prostrations you create a connection to the Karma Kagyu Lineage and to the timeless nature of mind. Prostrations must be performed 111,111 times as is also the case with the other three Ngondro practices.