In the last five years I have been trained by a teacher, who was able to show me that in Tibetan Buddhism there is no difference in studying, reflecting, meditating, and doing rituals. These are all forms of practise that serve only one goal: creating the causes to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Guru Puja is not just a ritual for those who love rituals. It is an essential practise for those who want to achieve enlightenment. By doing the Guru Puja we create the causes for a good connection with our spiritual teacher, and this connection is the root of the path. All the realizations on the path to enlightenment depend upon our spiritual friend.

If we haven't met a teacher yet doesn't mean we can't do Guru Puja. Engaging in the Guru Puja will create the causes to meet your teacher in the future. And if you do have a teacher practising Guru Puja will help to stabilise that relationship.

Guru Puja is an extensive practise in which we take refuge in the three jewels, after which we make prostrations and lots of offerings. With the merits created by this we request the blessings of the guru, who is one in essence with all the Buddha's. When the blessings of the guru are received we offer the tsog: an abundance of all that is good in our life, as delicious food, drinks, flowers, etc. We remember all the realizations of the path by reading the Lam Rim prayer. And finally, after generating so much merit, we dedicate towards our enlightenment.

Guru Puja is a beautiful practise to do, especially if you can do it together with your dharma brothers and sisters. We are all striving for the same goal, and we need each others support to generate the merit to achieve that goal. It doesn't matter if you can sing or not, but it would be good to bring some yummy food (fruit, biscuits, drinks, or whatever you think is delicious) that we first offer and then share. It is a long sit, with a lot of fun, after which you get a big raise of your merit account.

Hope to see you on the 12th of May!
Jamyang
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