Master Padma said: "When practicing the Dharma it is
necessary to lay a good foundation."
"How is that to be done?" Lady Tsogyal asked.
"First of all, if you lack the accumulation of merit, you
will not meet with the master who possesses the oral instructions.
If you lack the karmic continuity of former training, you will not
understand the teachings. If you lack the special faith and
devotion, you will fail to perceive the virtues of the master. If
you lack vows, discipline and samayas, you will violate the root of
Dharma practice. If you are not guided by the oral instructions,
you will not know how to meditate. If you lack diligence and
perseverance, you will not enter the pathway of practice and your
virtue will stray into laziness. If your mind does not sincerely
turn away from samsaric pursuits, you will not reach perfection in
Dharma practice. If all these factors coincide, there will be
success in Dharma practice. The accomplishment of unexcelled
enlightenment depends on the coincidence of many causes and
conditions, so be diligent! In short, in order to abandon what
should be abandoned and accomplish what should be accomplished do
not leave your body, speech and mind in ordinariness but exert
yourself and the result will be excellent. Keep that in
mind!"