“The lama appears as the one who inspires purity of mind. Since our minds are still deluded due to interdependence, in the relative sphere, because we feel pure perception toward the lama, the lama exists and the devoted practitioners exist. So, externally we visualize the lama and make prayers, and then receive the teacher’s empowerment and blessing. These are the external, relative practices of Guru Yoga. Up to that point you were praying to the apparent, symbolic lama…. If you wonder where the absolute lama abides, it is within the absolute nature of mind. The absolute state of rigpa is where the lama is fully accomplished. When you maintain your awareness of the true nature, just that is the absolute practice of Guru Yoga.”

His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche

Excerpted from “Ngondro Practice According to the Dzogchen View” in the Venerable Khenpo Rinpoches’ book, Illuminating the Path (pg 25)