In Tibetan Buddhism, the concept of "Guru Chhange" refers to a unique practice where a student visualizes themselves as a specific deity, embodying their qualities and wisdom. This practice goes beyond mere visualization; it's a transformative journey where the student actively cultivates the qualities of the chosen deity within themselves. The chosen deity, often referred to as the "Yidam," can vary depending on the student's needs and spiritual aspirations.
Popular Guru Chhange deities include Chenrezig, the embodiment of compassion, and Manjushri, representing wisdom. By visualizing themselves as Chenrezig, students cultivate immense compassion for all beings, while embodying Manjushri allows them to develop profound wisdom and clarity. Through dedicated practice, the student's identification with the chosen deity deepens, blurring the line between visualization and their own being. This transformative process fosters the qualities they seek to cultivate, leading to spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.