Guru Yoga is one of the most profound practices of the Vajrayana. For a long time, Lama Thierry has wanted to dedicate an entire weekend to entering more deeply into this essential practice.

Guru Yoga is described as a central practice of the Vajrayana: a practice of devotion and connection through which we open ourselves to the blessings of the lineage and, ultimately, to recognizing the nature of our own mind.

During this weekend, we will bring together Lojong, the Buddhist practice of mind training, with a deeper practice of Guru Yoga, exploring especially the relationship between Guru Yoga and the two aspects of bodhicitta.

From the Short to the Extensive Guru Yoga Practice

In Gomde’s weekly Lojong sessions, we regularly practice a short form of Guru Yoga. It provides the foundation for our Lojong and Tonglen practice, but in our weekly sessions there is usually little time to explore it in greater depth.

This weekend, we want to consciously make that time.

Together with Lama Thierry, we will practice a longer form of Guru Yoga and explore what this practice really means. What is devotion? What does it mean to receive the blessings of the guru? And how can Guru Yoga transform our Lojong practice and the way we relate to the situations of our everyday lives?

A particular focus will be on the two aspects of bodhicitta: relative and ultimate bodhicitta. Relative bodhicitta is expressed through our aspiration and commitment to awaken for the benefit of all beings. Ultimate bodhicitta points to the direct realization of the true nature of mind and reality.

Guru Yoga is especially important in this context. Through devotion and openness to the blessings of the guru and the lineage, we create the conditions for the realization of ultimate bodhicitta, the ground of the entire path.

Through teachings, shared practice, meditation, and time for questions, we can gradually enter more deeply into this profound connection between Guru Yoga, bodhicitta, and Lojong.

Lojong: Transforming the Mind

Lojong means “mind training.” It is a practice that Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche emphasizes again and again. It helps us cultivate a mind that is softer, more compassionate, and wiser, and teaches us to use even difficult circumstances as part of our path.

At the heart of Lojong is bodhicitta. We train in relative bodhicitta, developing compassion and the wish to benefit others, while ultimately our practice points toward ultimate bodhicitta, the wisdom that recognizes the true nature of things.

During this weekend, we will explore Lojong through the perspective of Guru Yoga. How does our experience change when we meet situations not only through our habitual reactions, but from a perspective shaped by wisdom, compassion, devotion, and the blessings of the lineage?

In this way, Lojong and Guru Yoga can mutually deepen one another, becoming a practice that accompanies us far beyond the meditation session.

Schedule & Practical Information

The retreat begins on Friday, November 13, and ends on Sunday, November 15, after lunch.

The weekend includes:

• Teachings with Lama Thierry
• Extensive Guru Yoga practice
• Lojong and Tonglen
• Guided and shared meditation
• Time for questions and exchange
• Gomde’s daily practice

Day guests are also very welcome. You can participate without staying overnight, either for individual days or for the entire program.

Language: The retreat will be held in German and English as needed.

Accommodation & Meals: Retreat participants have the option to stay at Gomde throughout the weekend and share meals with the Sangha.

Your Contribution

Entire weekend including accommodation and meals: [amount] €

Participation as a day guest: [amount] € per day

Gomde would like to make participation in our seminars possible for everyone. We therefore offer our seminars on the basis of a recommended donation. If you are unable to give the suggested amount, please let us know when registering. If you are able to give more, your contribution helps make it possible for others to participate as well. Thank you for your generosity!

Lama Thierry

Lama Thierry is a Swiss yogi and long-time Buddhist practitioner and teacher. He lived for twelve years as a Buddhist monk, six of which he spent in retreat.

With extensive experience, humor, and a deep understanding of the Buddhist teachings, he has a gift for presenting even profound topics in a direct and accessible way. At Gomde, he regularly teaches Lojong and Tonglen, supporting practitioners in bringing the Buddhist teachings beyond intellectual understanding into their own experience and everyday lives.