The preliminary practices are foundational exercises designed to prepare the mind for the more advanced stages of mind training (lojong). The realization of these practices, including the Four Thoughts that turn the mind to the Dharma, taking refuge, developing relative (aspirational) Bodhicitta, and the six Mahayana paramitas , are essential conditions for spiritual progress.

If your spiritual growth has completed the first two stages of the Lam Rim path, as prescribed in the preceding sections of this site, the 7-Point Mind Training (Lojong) will build on this foundation by providing practical methods to transform your mind through the cultivation of ultimate bodhicitta, which is the realization of emptiness combined with compassionate activity.