a common schema used in the kagyu school is that of ground (buddha-nature, emptiness), path (practice) and fruition mahāmudrā (buddhahood). the advice and guidance of a qualified teacher is considered to be very important in developing faith and interest in the dharma as well as in learning and practicing mahāmudrā meditation. most often mahāmudrā (particularly essence mahāmudrā) is preceded by meeting with a lama and receiving pointing-out instruction. some parts of the transmission are done verbally and through empowerments and "reading transmissions." a student typically goes through various tantric practices before undertaking the "formless" practices described below; the latter are classified as part of "essence mahāmudrā." ngondro are the preliminary practices common to both mahāmudrā and dzogchen traditions and include practices such as contemplating the "four thoughts that turn the mind", prostrations, and guru yoga. according to one scholar, most people have difficulty beginning directly with formless practices and lose enthusiasm doing so, so the tantric practices work as a complement to the formless ones.