“The very highest meaning of tsog is to join method and wisdom. The real meaning of experiencing tsog is the transcendental wisdom, non dual great bliss – the wisdom of emptiness, the non-duality of that, and uniting these two. That is the very essence of tsog. It is the offering of that experience, oneself experiencing it, the male and female heroes and heroines, of which the essence is the guru deity, and oneself also experiencing that, as the guru deity. The real meaning of tsog is integrating method and wisdom, the transcendental wisdom, non-dual bliss and voidness (this is the secret meaning).” [1]

Tsog is celebrated twice each lunar month: on the 10th day of the lunar month for DAKA Tsog and Padmasambhava Day, and 25th of each lunar month for DAKINI DAY.

Dates in 2021 (converted from lunar calendar)

Tsog (Tsok) Dates on Western calendar 2020

• DAKA TSOG and Padmasambhava Day See this feature explaining Daka Tsog>>
• DAKINI DAY TSOG See this feature explaining Dakini Tsog>>

• NOTE: adjusted to Eastern Standard Time.

Purify negative karmas and renews Samaya

Usually, anyone can attend public Tsog or make offerings to the Dakas and Dakinis on these auspicious days: the 10th and 25th days of each lunar month. Making offerings is always meritorious.

Tsog is a practice commitment for many Higher Yogic practitioners. Practicing the Tsog twice a month renews our Samaya (vows) and purifies our negative karmas. The food is first blessed, transforming the offering from “mundane” to suitable visualized offerings of “uncontaminated nectar.” This is then offered, one by one, to the Yidams, Guru, Dakinis and Protectors, Three Jewels, and all beings of the six realms:

Tsog at night

Tsog is nearly always at night time. From the Heruka Root Tantra it is explained — night is symbolically when Dakas and Dakinis are more active:

Offering extensive food and drink
Always do at night time – why?
Because it is admired to do at nighttime
Always wander at nighttime and always gather at nighttime.

From the Heruka Root Tantra:

Quickly attempt to make offerings
Every waxing and waning of each month do tsog.

Tsog Purpose

The Heruka Root Tantra explains the purpose of Tsog offering, which is to remove obstacles and hardships:

The waxing and waning of each month
If good tsog is offered
Then one has no hardships, no difficulties
And one goes to the pure land of Tharpo Kachoe

Tsog (Tsok) Dates on Western calendar 2020

• DAKA TSOG and Padmasambhava Day See this feature explaining Daka Tsog>>
• DAKINI DAY TSOG See this feature explaining Dakini Tsog>>