How do we begin Buddhist practice? We can first listen to explanations from a qualified teacher, and take time to reflect on what we have heard–trying to understand a little more. Then, after a lot of studies we then gradually encourage ourselves to try some of the practices. That summarizes one approach. Phakchok Rinpoche advises students with this inclination to enter the pathway of the Nine Yanas.
Another method is to approach the practice with a degree of trust–we think this seems right–and we begin practicing what we hear right away. As we do that, we take time to reflect on our own experiences. When we follow this method, we observe our own experience and notice any changes and improvements right away. Rinpoche calls this method the Path of Meditation.