The fourth and final practice of the Preliminary Practices is Guru Yoga. After the first three practices you are now ready to receive the blessing of the transmission lineage through meditation on the teacher (Lama).

In Guru Yoga you meditate on the teacher in the form of Diamond Holder (Vajradhara). When you receive the blessing of the teacher and the lineage it is possible to open yourself up fully to space and thus experience the nature of mind.

Identification with the teacher is the ideal way to practice the Great Seal (Mahamudra), the highest form of meditation within the Karma Kagyu Lineage.

Following the Preliminary Practices most students practice Guru Yoga on the 8th Karmapa, Mikyo Dorje.