Tsok Defined
First, a definition. It may be a little complex, but we feel it better to give you all of the information we can:
Tsok or Tsog (tib.) tshogs sambhara/gana The Tibetan word 'tsogs' translates either the Sanskrit sambhara or gana. In the former case it indicates 'provisions' or 'accumulations', and in the latter case it is an abbreviation for ganacakra (tshogs-kyi 'khor-lo), meaning 'feast-offering'. In the sense of sambhara, the the term refers to the 'two accumulations or provisions of merit (punya) and pristine cognition (jnana), which are gathered sequentially over an inestimable period of time (three times ten to the power of fifty-seven years [3,000,000,000,000,000, 000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 years]). The fulfilment of the 'two accumulations' constitutes the fruition of the entire Mahayana path to enlightenment, resulting in the attainment of the rupakaya and the dharmakaya respectively.
In the latter sense of the term (ganacakra), in the context of tantric practice, the rituals and mandala of feast-offerings are regarded as an indispensable means for conferring accomplishment and pacifying obstacles. There are three aspects to the feast-offering:
The gathering of fortunate yogins and yoginis who participate in the feast;
The outer, inner and secret sacraments of the ritual which are offered and consumed during the feast; and
The mandalas of buddha-body and buddha-mind, whether actual or visualized, who receive the offerings and bring the ritual to its successful conclusion.
The overall purpose is to distribute merit (punya) and pristine cognition (jnana) in the context of a specific tantric ritual.
When we say that we observe Guru Rinpoche and Dakini Tsoks, we are using 'Tsok' in the second sense of the above definition: the rituals and mandala of feast offerings.
On Guru Rinpoche Days (see the practice calendar) we practice our usual Tara sadhana, and in addition we practice the Shower of Blessings: A Guru Yoga based on the Seven Line Prayer, a practice composed by the great Lama Mipham. Outer offerings include meat, alcohol, and grain.
On Dakini Days (see the practice calendar) we practice our usual Tara sadhana, and in addition we practice a Yeshe Tsogyal Tsog from the tradition of Atisha, the great Kadampa master. Outer offerings for this tsok are vegetarian.
