Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910-1991) was head of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism and the author of 25 volumes of poetic and inspired writings. On a retreat in 1984, he presented these teachings from the famous Longchen Nyingtik revelation of the eighteenth-century visionary master Rigdzin Jikme Lingpa. This meditation on guru yoga practice has been translated by Matthieu Ricard, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche's personal assistant.

"When an enlightened master who has wisdom and compassion meets a disciple who has faith and diligence, it is as if the sun's rays were suddenly concentrated through a magnifying glass and focused on to dry grass, causing it to burst into flames at once," notes Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche at the outset. This compelling image vividly conveys the intensely devotional aspect of guru yoga practice. The word "guru" in Sanskrit means "weighty" or "heavy." Under the guidance and inspiration of a qualified master, the disciple receives four empowerments. In response, he or she practices guru devotion in seven different ways including prostration, offering, confession, and rejoicing. "The guru's physical presence is seen as the Sangha, the guru's teaching is seen as the Dharma, and the guru's mind is seen as the Buddha." This excellent work presents a succinct overview of the heart of the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition in Tibet.