In response to the needs of his international Dharma students, the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje compiled this condensed practice text especially for those who wish to complete their preliminary practices in the context of busy work lives. This practice text was published as a seperate ebook: Brief Recitations for the Four Preliminary Practices.

In this succinct teaching presented in 2006 by the Gyalwang Karmapa in Bodhgaya, India, he guides students through the details of the visualizations of Refuge, Vajrasattva purification, and Mandala offerings — often punctuated with his good humor. The commentary does not include the practice of Guru Yoga, which according to the Gyalwang Karmapa’s advice should be done only with blessing and instructions of one’s own guru.

A summary of the practice sequences and a list of precepts of the refuge vow are also included in two appendices.