In Buddhist rituals for initiation, the initiates re-enacts the role of Vajrasattva and recites mantra and dialogue from the sutras, while the teacher enacts the role of Mahavairocana Buddha bestowing wisdom. In Vajrayana Buddhist practice, Vajrasattva is used in the Ngondro, or preliminary practices, in order to "purify" the mind's defilements. In lineages of initiation such as Shingon, Buddhism, Vajrasattva is also seen as the initiator of that lineage. Traditionally, Nagarjuna was said to have met Vajrasattva in a tower in South India, and was taught tantra by Vajrasattva, thus transmitting the esoteric teachings to historical figures.