Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) is the founder of Nyingma. In the eighth century he came to Tibet, subdued demons, established Samye Monastery, and entrusted profound terma to the tertons. Nyingma practitioners regard Guru Rinpoche as the sum of the "three roots"—lama, deity, and ḍākinī gathered in one.

Guru yoga is the practice of "heart meeting heart with the guru." Taking Guru Rinpoche as the refuge field, visualizing his light merging into one’s own mind, is Nyingma’s most direct gate of blessing.

• **Clearing obstacles.** Guru Rinpoche is famed for subjugating demons and removing obstacles—real support for the hindered.
• **Settling the mind.** Those anxious, restless, or sleepless find, through the ritual’s embrace, a measure of calm.
• **Blessing’s infusion.** Visualizing the Guru’s light merging in brings blessing into practice and daily life.

Online Guru Yoga ceremony follows the Nyingma lineage:

• **Guru refuge field.** The lama consecrates Guru Rinpoche before the maṇḍala, visualizing his light blessing.
• **Guru mantra.** Reciting "oṃ āḥ hūṃ vajra guru padma siddhi hūṃ," purifying obscurations and inviting blessing.
• **Dedication for clearing.** Dedication is turned to your wish (clearing, calm, good conditions), and universally to all beings.
• **Record.** A practice record is provided after the ceremony as witness.

You need not be present—Guru Rinpoche’s blessing does not choose by distance.