Lama Chopa and Tsog
Tsog means gathering. We gather together the things we’re offering, and we ourselves gather together to do the practice. Gathering together with other practitioners, concentrating our minds into the same space, gives us great inspiration. It’s much better than just doing puja alone in our own rooms. This is the Tibetan connotation of tsog.
Tsog in the Tibetan tradition is a most profound method of purification, a profound way of gaining realizations. When you recite the text in English you can see how many subjects are included in the practice. The Guru Puja, for example, covers the entire path to enlightenment from beginning to end. So it can happen that in your daily meditations on the lamrim you’re not making any obvious progress, then suddenly during a puja, because of the conducive atmosphere you’ve created, zoom! — some realization comes into your mind. Many people have gained realizations during a puja simply because of the atmosphere.
Another connotation of tsog is ‘party’ — a party at which we share simultaneously born great wisdom and bliss. Now that’s a party.
On or close to the 10th and 25th days of the Tibetan month, sangha at Ati Ling offer Guru Rinpoche and Throma tsogs, to which everyone is welcome. We also do Red Tara and Green Tara tsogs every month.
Often these feast days fall on a Sunday and are then incorporated into the daily practices puja. Please call 707-632-5629 or email us to confirm the exact date and time of the next tsog.
On the 10th day of the lunar month, we use the ‘Shower of Blessings’ sadhana by Mipham Rinpoche. No empowerment is required for this short and beautiful practice, and all are welcome. Texts are available in the shrine-room. Please feel free to bring an offering of food or flowers for the tsog, ready to be offered.
On the 25th day of the lunar month we offer Throma tsog. Throma contains the complete path of the Vajrayana, from ngondro (the preliminary practices) all the way through the Dzogchen (Great Perfection) practices of trekchod and thogal.
The Throma-based practice of Chöd removes obstacles, both for our short-term happiness and those hindering our ultimate enlightenment. It carries extraordinary healing power and through its practice we can accummulate merit and wisdom in a vast and rapid way. Merely making a connection to Throma practice brings great benefit and blessings.
Source
http://www.gyalwagyatso.org/2014-03-02-lama-chopa-and-tsog.html
