What is Guru Yoga: Samaya & the Student-Teacher Relationship

by Justin Chökyi Thinley

In Vajrayana Buddhism, the relationship between the guru and the student is at the core of every practice. In order to fully recognize our essential nature, we rely on the guru’s instruction and blessing. In practice, however, guru yoga and devotion is often misunderstood and misrepresented by both students and teachers. In this teaching, Lama Lena explains the fundamental nature of guru yoga, samaya, and what devotion in Vajrayana Buddhism actually means.

In guru yoga, initially we see the guru as a buddha. This leads to seeing ourselves as a buddha, and then, with pure perception, we can see all sentient beings as buddhas. With this understanding, the kleshas cannot maintain their usual power over our life."

This teaching was streamed live from Lama Lena’s home on April 10th, 2021.

Traditionally, dharma teachings are offered free of charge and students offer a donation (dana) as they are able to. If you benefited from this teaching and have the means, please offer dana through the link here: lamalenateachings.com/give-dana

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