A common idea in all vehicles of Buddhism is that ordinary practitioners such as ourselves revere those who have more knowledge, experience and realization than our own. We can clearly see the results of practice in the actions of body, speech and mind of those who go before us . Rinpoche has admonished the long time practitioners within our Sangha to be very mindful of their behavior, as they are setting an example for the rest of us to aspire to.
The practice of Guru Yoga in the Secret Mantrayana is the ultimate example of relying upon those who go before us: the enlightened embodiment of the lama. Guru Yoga is based upon the lama as the door to realization, and is the supreme method for ordinary practitioners to gain experience in realization. Through the strength of our devotion and prayers, we are able to receive the blessings of the practice.
In order to establish this practice, we must see the lama as enlightened embodiment, working for the benefit of all beings. We may recognize our lama as a great scholar, a tulku, but in order for the experience of wisdom to arise, we must see the lama through the eyes of devotion as having the qualities of the Buddha. Thoughtful examination of the good qualities of our lama will naturally bring rise to our faith and devotion. Faith and devotion are indispensable qualities for the development of pure perception.
We are able to read books and study, gaining some measure of intellectual understanding of the teachings. However, as we have experienced in our Shedra studies, precise and clear understanding of increasingly profound topics is no simple task. There are many subtleties and distinctions which are essential and difficult to understand, even with great effort and focus. What’s more, an incorrect or misunderstanding can cause us to carelessly accumulate karma which results in harm to ourselves or to others. Without the skill and guidance of the lama to clear away our misconceptions, even intellectual knowledge of the Dharma is elusive and difficult to establish. How many times has Rinpoche precisely, skillfully and patiently explained the meanings to us and answered our questions?
We need much more than mere knowledge to gain experience in realization. We ordinary practitioners must understand the lama as indispensable in our quest for experience of realization, as the lama is the key to direct experience. We cannot find the nature of mind all by ourselves. In order to find the nature of mind, we need to establish an uncommon relationship with a qualified lama who we can continually rely upon. The lama, with incredible kindness, will share with us a glimpse of the nature of mind, allowing us to develop our own ability.
In order for wisdom to arise in our minds, we need more than intellectual knowledge gained from listening and contemplation. Actual experience, understanding the essence of the teachings is essential. When we think about that, we can see the incredible significance of the lama in developing both of these aspects.
Our devotion and faith in order to obtain a result from our practice of Guru Yoga must rise to a level beyond ordinary; these eyes of devotion must be resolute and immutable, not subject to our whims and impure perceptions. Without steadfast devotion, despite our best efforts at the practice, wisdom will not arise. At times, it is not difficult to see the enlightened qualities embodied before us in the lama. However, unchanging pure perception of our lama as an actual Buddha performing enlightened activity is uncommon. Rarely are we able to maintain this level of devotion and pray in that way. Based on a condition that arises, our devotion degrades.
How do you work at taking your faith and devotion to the next level? When do you find hesitation or reluctance in your practice?
In the Dharma,
Sarah
