Tsog means gathering - a gathering of offering substances and a gathering of disciples who are making the offerings. The motivation for the practice of Guru Puja is to actualise both the method and wisdom aspects of the path, to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. This depends on the very root of the path: the correct devotion to one's guru.

Guru Puja is therefore practised on that basis. One visualises the merit field and requests blessings with heartfelt faith and devotion in order to generate the realisations of the complete path to enlightenment. As the offerings (tsog) have been consecrated during the Guru Puja, they should not be thrown on the floor or given to animals. The offerings are to be treated with respect.

To attain the final goal of enlightenment, it is important for us to abide by a correct and complete path. The person we accept as our guru must be a qualified Mahayana spiritual teacher with great compassion and vast learning. It is important to examine the qualities of the prospective Mahayana guru very carefully before establishing a guru-student relation. Once a guru-student relation is established, from that moment onwards one cannot abandon one's guru. If one gives up one's guru; that is the heaviest negative karma and the greatest obstacle to one's spiritual growth, not only in this life but also in future lives. One has to view one's guru with a pure mind at all times.

Here are some of the benefits of correct guru devotion; you will:
 

	Achieve success in your Dharma practice
	Fulfil all your wishes
	Have a brave mind in overcoming delusions
	Achieve the arya path
	Complete the accumulation of both merit and wisdom
	Quickly attain enlightenment

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lama Zopa Rinpoche's advice on Guru Devotion

Advice from His Holiness the Dalai Lama regarding Dholgyal (Shugden)

Collection of Advice regarding Shugden (Dholgyal)
 

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