The Teacher Student Relationship

by Jamgön Kongtrul

translated by Ron Garry

From the colophon, spoken by His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche,

All the siddhis of the profound secret mantra arise from following the lama, and not from anywhere else. (p. 9)

From the colophon, spoken by Patrul Rinpoche,

There is no mention in any of the sutras, tantras, or commentaries of anyone accomplishing buddhahood without following a lama. It can be seen that no one has attained the noble qualities of the levels and paths by their own creation and conjecture. Similarly, all sentient beings, including ourselves, are very good at following the wrong path. (p. 9)

Buddha Sakyamuni, as quoted from the Prajna paramita-samcaya sutra

The good qualities of a wise person arise from the wise lama. (p. 124)

Buddha Sakyamuni, as quoted from the Gandhavyuha Sutra - the Sutra Arranged Like a Tree

..All your virtuous qualities arise from the spiritual friend. After you find those spiritual friends who have gathered the accumulations of merit and wisdom during all the ocean of kalpas, you will obtain the dharma. Otherwise, it is more difficult to meet the wisdom teacher than to find the supreme jewel. (p. 124)

Buddha Sakyamuni, as quoted from the Gandhavyuha Sutra - the Sutra Arranged Like a Tree

Because the wisdom teacher transports us over the great river of samsara, he is like a ferryman. (p. 125)

written by Jamgön Kongtrul

...[I]n the beginning seek and then follow the wisdom teacher. ...The intelligent people who enter [the teaching] in the beginning seek the wisdom teacher who has the characteristics [of a qualified wisdom teacher]. ...Then, on finding him, they should properly follow him.

Buddha Sakyamuni, as quoted from the Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita Sutra

So, the bodhisattva, the great being , who wishes to manifestly and fully awaken to supreme, right, and full awakening, first of all should approach the wisdom teachers, follow them, and honor them. (p. 122)