Quote from: heybai on September 17, 2010, 08:07:10 pmCan we follow the Path through self-study, without the formal support of a qualified Dharma teacher?Yes. In a way it's a more courageous approach to take.Spiny
Can we follow the Path through self-study, without the formal support of a qualified Dharma teacher?
I am following Spiny's lead in posting a simple, but I think important, question. Some of us have been reading and studying on our own for years now without the benefit of face-to-face meetings with a teacher. Some people are house bound, or live in remote areas. Are the internet, books, podcasts and the like enough? Spiny recently asked if the Internet was a virtual teacher. I am not asking if the Net can substitute for a personal, real-world, association with a realized teacher (it cannot), but whether or not a teacher of any sort is required.Can we follow the Path through self-study, without the formal support of a qualified Dharma teacher?
Quote from: heybai on September 17, 2010, 08:07:10 pmI am following Spiny's lead in posting a simple, but I think important, question. Some of us have been reading and studying on our own for years now without the benefit of face-to-face meetings with a teacher. Some people are house bound, or live in remote areas. Are the internet, books, podcasts and the like enough? Spiny recently asked if the Internet was a virtual teacher. I am not asking if the Net can substitute for a personal, real-world, association with a realized teacher (it cannot), but whether or not a teacher of any sort is required.Can we follow the Path through self-study, without the formal support of a qualified Dharma teacher?Hi Heybai I believe the answer to this question lies in the tradition one chooses to follow.Kindly,Laura
Calling Guru From Afar by 1st Jamgon Kongtrul LAMA KHYEN NOLama, thinks of us.DRIN CHEN TSA WIE LA MA KHYEN NOKind root lama thinks of us.DU SUM SANG GYE KYI NGO WOEssence of the Buddhas of the three times,LUNG TOK DAM CHO KYI JUNG NESource of genuine Dharma in scripture and realization,PHAK TSOK GEN DUN GYI NGA DAKMaster of the noble gathering of sangka,TSA WEI LAMA KHYEN NERoot lama, may you think of us.JIN LAB THUK JE YI TER CHENGreat treasure of blessing and compassion,NGO DRUB NAM NYI KYI JUNG NESource of the two siddhis,TRIN LE CHI DO KUN TSOL DZEBuddha activity that grants whatever is desired,TSA WEI LA MA KHYE KHYEN NORoot lama, may you think of us.LA MA O PAK ME PA KHYEN NOLama Amitabha, thinks of us.TRO DRAL CHO KU LONG NE ZIK SHIKBehold us from the expanse of the dharmakaya, free of fabrication,DAK SOK LE NGEN KHOR WAR KHYAM NAMWe wander in samsara through the force of negative karma;DE CHEN DAK PAY ZHING DU DRONG DZOBring us to rebirth in your pure land of bliss.LA MA CHEN RE ZIK WANG KHYEN NOLama Chenrezik, thinks of us.O SAL LONG KUE LONG NE ZIK SHIKSee us from the expanse of the luminous sambhogakaya.RIK DRUK DUK NGAL TSE NE ZHI ZHINGPacify completely the suffering of the six kinds of beingsKHAM SUM KHOR WA DONG NE TRUK DZOAnd totally transform the three realms of samsara.LA MA PE MA JUNG NE KHYEN NOLama Padmasambhava, thinks of us.NGA YAB PE MA O NE ZIK SHIKBehold us from the luminous lotus of Nga Yab Ling.NYIK DU KYAB ME BO BANG NYAM THAKIn these dark times, swiftly protect with your compassionTHUK JE NYUR WA NYI DU KYOB DZOWe, disciples, who are destitute and without refuge.LA MA YE SHE TSO GYEL KHYEN NOLama Yeshe Tsogyel, thinks of us.KHA CHO DE CHEN TRONG NE ZIK SHIKBehold us from the dakinis' city of great bliss.DIK DEN DAK SOK SI PAY TSO LEBring us, who have committed negative actions,THAR PAY DRONG KHYER CHEN POR DROL DZOCross the ocean of samsara, to the great city of liberation.KA TER GYU PAY LA MA KHYEN NOLama of the oral transmission and terma lineages, thinks of us.ZUNG JUK YE SHE LONG NE ZIK SHIKBehold us from the expanse of primordial wisdom, the union of appearance and emptinessDAK GYU TRUL PAY MUN KHANG TOL NEBreak through the dark prison of our confused mindTOK PAY NYI MA SHAR WAR DZO CHIKAnd make the sun of realization rise.KUN KHYEN DRI ME O ZER KHYEN NOOmniscient Drime Ozer, thinks of us.LHUN RUB O NGEI LONG NE ZIK SHIKBehold us from the expanse of the five spontaneous lights.KA DAK GONG PAY TSAL CHEN DZOK NEHelp us to perfect the great display of mind, primordially pure,NANG SHI THA RU CHIN PAR DZO CHIKAnd complete the four stages of Ati yoga.NYAM ME JO WO YAB SE KHYEN NOIncomparable Atisha and your heart sons,GA DEN LHA GYE U NE ZIK SHIKAmidst hundreds of deities, behold us from Tushita.TONG NYI NYING JEY NYING PO CHEN GYIBring about the birth in our mind streamJANG SEM GYU LA KYE WAR DZO CHIKThe bodhicitta, the essence of emptiness and compassion.DRUB CHOK MAR MI DAK SUM KHYEN NOSupreme siddhas, Marpa, Milarepa, and Gampopa, think of us.DE CHEN DOR JE YING NE ZIK SHIKBehold us from the space of great vajra bliss.DE TONG CHAK CHEN CHOK NGO DRUB CHINGEnable us to attain the supreme siddhi of Mahamudra - bliss and emptiness inseparable;CHO KU NYING U SE PAR DZO CHIKAwaken the dharmakaya in our heart of hearts.JIK TEN WANG CHUK KAR MA PA KHYEN NOLord of the world, Karmapa, thinks of us.KHA KHYAB DRO DUL YING NE ZIK SHIKBehold us from the space where all beings, in numbers as vast as the sky, are trained.CHO KUN DEN ME GYU MAR TOK NEBring us to see that all phenomena are like an illusion, without any true existence,NANG SEM KU SUM CHAR WAR DZO CHIKAnd to realize appearance and mind arising as the three kayas.KA GYU CHE ZHI CHUNG GYE KHYEN NOLamas of the four great and eight lesser Kagyu lineages, thinks of us.RANG NANG DAK PEI SHING NE ZIK SHIKBehold us from the realm of pure appearances that naturally arise.NE KAB ZHI YI TRUL PA SANG NEClear away the confusion of the four situations,NAM TOK THA RU CHIN PAR DZO CHIKAnd bring us to the perfection of experience and realization.JE TSUN GONG MA NAM NGA KHYEN NOFive Sakya forefathers, think of us.KHOR DE YER ME LONG NE ZIK SHIKBehold us from the expanse of samsara and nirvana inseparable.NAM DAK TA GOM CHO SUM DREL NEHelp us to blend together pure view, meditation and action;SANG WAY LAM CHOK TRO PAR DZO CHIKTake us along the supreme path of the secret vajrayana.NYAM ME SHANG PA KA GYU KHYEN NOLamas of the unequalled Shangpa Kagyu, think of us.NAM DAK SANG GYE ZHING NE ZIK SHIKBehold us from the totally pure realms of Buddhas.THAB DROL NYAM LEN TSUL ZHIN JONG NETrain us correctly in the methods of practice that bring liberation;MI LOB ZUNG JUK NYE PAR DZO CHIKLead us to discover the path of no more learning, the ultimate union.DRUB CHEN THANG TONG GYAL PO KHYEN NOGreat Siddha, Thangton Gyalpo, thinks of us.TSOL ME THUK JEY LONG NE ZIK SHIKBehold us from the expanse of effortless compassion.DEN ME TOK PAY TUL ZHUK DRUB NEEnable us to attain the discipline that brings realization ofLUNG SEM RANG WANG DU WAR DZO CHIKUltimate non-existence, and to master prana and mind.PHA CHIK DAM PA SANG GYE KHYEN NOOnly father, Dampa Sangya, thinks of us.LE RAB DRUB PAY YING NE ZIK SHIKBehold us from the space of the accomplishing supreme activity.GYU PAY CHIN LAB NYING LA ZHUK NEBring into our heart the blessing of the lineage,TEN DREL CHOK ME CHAR WAR DZO CHIKAnd make auspicious signs arise in all directions.MA CHIK LAB KYI DRON MA KHYEN NOOnly mother, Labkyi Dronma, thinks of us.SHE RAB PHAR CHIN LONG NE SIK ZHIKBehold us from the space of prajnaparamita.DAK DZIN NYEM CHE TSE NE CHO CHINGEnable us to uproot ego-clinging, the source of pride,DAK ME TRO DRAL DEN THONG DZO CHIKAnd see the truth of egolessness, beyond conception.KUN KHYEN DOL PO SANG GYE KHYEN NOOmniscient Dolpa Sangya, thinks of us.NAM KUN CHOK DEN YING NE ZIK SHIK Behold us from the space endowed with all supreme aspects.PHO WAY UG NAM U MAR GAK NE Help us to bring into the central channel, the prana of transferencePHO DRAL DOR JEI KU THOB DZO CHIKAnd to train the immovable vajra body.JE TSUN TA RA NA THA KHYEN NOJetsun Taranatha, thinks of us.NAM SUM PO NYAY YING NE ZIK SHIKBehold us from the space of the three mudras.DOR JEY SANG LAM GEK ME DRO NEHelp us to travel without obstacle, the secret vajra path,JA LU KHA CHO DRUB PAR DZO CHIKAnd bring us to the attainment of a rainbow body, the enjoyment of all spaceJAM YANG KHYEN TSE WANG PO KHYEN NOJamyang Khyentse Wangpo, thinks of us.KHYEN NYI YE SHE YING NE ZIK SHIKBehold us from the space of primordial wisdom that knowsMI SHE LO YI MUN PA SANG NEClear away the mental darkness of ignorance;KHYEN RAB NANG WA GYE PAR DZO CHIKIncrease the luminosity of our supreme intelligence.O SAL TRUL PEI DOR JE KHYEN NOOsel Tulpay Dorje, thinks of us.JA ZER O NGEI LONG NE ZIK SHIKBehold us from the expanse of the five rainbow lightsTHIK LUNG SEM KYI DRI ME DAK NEPurify the stains from bindu, prana, and mind.ZHON NU BUM KUR CHANG CHUB DZO CHIKAnd bring to the enlightenment of youthful vase body.PE MA DO NGAK LING PA KHYEN NO Pema Do Ngak Lingpa, thinks of us.DE TONG GYUR ME LONG NE ZIK SHIKBehold us from the expanse of unchanging bliss and emptiness inseparable.GYEL DANG GYEL SE GONG PA THA DAKEnable us to fulfill perfectlyDAK GI YONG SU KONG NU DZO CHIKThe intentions of all the Buddha and bodhisattvas.NGAK WANG YON TEN GYA TSO KHYEN NONgakwang Yonten Gyamtso, thinks of us.YING YE ZUNG JUK LONG NE SIK SHIKBehold us from the expanse of space and primordial wisdom in union.NANG WAY DEN DZIN HRUL GYI ZHIK NEMay we stop taking appearances to be real;GANG JUNG LAM DU KHYER NU DZO CHIKDevelop our ability to carry onto the path whatever arises.GYEL SE LO DRO THA YE KHYEN NO Bodhisattva Lodro Thaye, thinks of us.JAM DANG NYING JEI NGANG NE ZIK SHIKBehold us from your state of loving-kindness and compassion.DRO KUN DRIN CHEN PHA MA SHE NEEnable us recognize all beings as our kind parents;ZHEN PHEN NYING NE DRUB NU DZO CHIKDevelop our ability to benefit others from the depth of our hearts.PE MA GAR GYI WANG CHUK KYEN NOPema Garyi Wangchuk, thinks of us.DE CHEN O SEL YING NE ZIK SHIKBehold us from the expanse of great bliss and luminosity.DUK NGA YE SHE NGA RU DROL NELiberate the five poisons into five wisdom;PANG THOB NYI DZIN ZHIK PAR DZO CHIKMay our dualistic clinging to loss and gain disappear.TEN NYI YUNG DRUNG LING PA KHYEN NO Tenyi Yungdrung Lingpa, thinks of us.SID ZHI NYAM NYI YING NE ZIK SHIKBehold us from the space where samsara and nirvana are equal.MO GU NAL MA GYU LA KYE NEEngender genuine devotion in our mind;TOK DROL DU NYAM CHEN POR DZO CHIKBring us to simultaneous realization and liberation.DRIN CHEN TSA WEI LAMA KHYEN NOKing root lama, thinks of us.CHI TSUK DE CHEN NE NE ZIK SHIKBehold us from the place of great bliss on the crown of our head.RANG RIK CHO KUE RANG ZHAL JAL NEBring us to meet the very face of the dharmakaya, the awareness of our true nature,TSE CHIK SANG GYE DRUB DZO CHIKAnd in this very life, bring us to complete enlightenment.KYE MA DAK DREI SEM CHEN LE NGEN DIK TO CHEAlas, sentient beings like ourselves, who have committed negative actions,THOK ME DU NE KHOR WAR YUN RING KHYAMWander in samsara from beginningless time.DA RUNG DUK NGAL THA ME NYONG GYUR WAYStill experiencing endless suffering,KYO SHE YE CHIK TSAM YANG MA KYE PAYWe do not feel even an instant of repentance.LAMA KHYEN NO THUK JEY NYUR DU ZIK Lama, thinks of us, beholds us swiftly with compassion.NGE JUNG TING NE KYE WAR CHIN GYI LOBBless us that renunciation arise from the depth of our heart.DAL JOR THOB KYANG MI TSE TONG ZE KHENAlthough we have attained a precious human birth with leisure and resources, we waste it in vain,DON ME TSE DIR JHA WAY TAK TU YENGConstantly distracted by the activities of this hollow life.DON CHEN THAR PA DRUB LA LE LO KHYERWhen it comes to accomplishing the great goal of liberation, we are overcome by lazinessNOR BUY LING NE LAK TONG LOK GYUR PAYAnd return empty-handed from a land filled with jewels.LAMA KHYEN NO THUK JEY NYUR DU ZIKLama, thinks of us, beholds us swiftly with compassion.MI LU DON DEN DRUB PAR JIN GYI LOBBless us that we make this life meaningful.MI SHI SA TENG LU PA CHIK KYANG METhere is no one on this earth that will not die.DA TA CHIK JE NYI THU PHA ROL DROEven now, people are passing away, one after the other.RANG YANG NYUR WA NYI DU CHI GO KYANGWe also soon must die,YUN RING DO DRAB CHE PAY NYING RUL POBut like a fool, we plan to livelong.LAMA KHYEN NO THUK JEY NYUK DU ZIKLama, thinks of us, beholds us swiftly with compassion.LONG ME LO NA THUNG WAR JIN GYI LOBBless us that we curtail all our scheming.NYING DU DUK PAY DZA SHE SO SOR DRALWe will be separated from our closest friends.SER NAY SAK PAY NOR DZE ZHEN GYI CHOOthers will enjoy the wealth we as misers kept.CHE PAY LU KYANG SHUL DU BOR NE SUEven our body we hold so dear would be left behind,NAM SHE BAR DO TOL ME KHOR WAR KHYAMAnd our consciousness will wander without direction in the bardo of samsara.LAMA KHYEN NO THUK JEY NYUR DU ZIKLama, thinks of us, beholds us swiftly with compassion.CHI KYANG GO ME TOK PAR JIN GYI LOPBless us that we realize the futility of this life.JIK PAY MUN PA NAK POE NGON NE SUIn front, the black darkness of fear waits to take us in;LE GYI LUNG MAR DRAK PO GYAB NE DEFrom behind, we are chased by the fierce red wind of karma.MI DUK SHIN JE PHO NAY DEK CHING TSOKThe hideous messengers of the lord of death beat and stab us,ZO KA NGEN DROY DUK NGAL NYONG GO NAAnd so we must experience the unbearable sufferings of the lower realms.LAMA KHYEN NO THUK JEY NYUR DU ZIKLama, thinks of us, beholds us swiftly with compassion.NGEN SONG YANG LE THAR WAR JHIN GYI LOBBless us that we are liberated from chasms of lower realms.RANG KYON RO WO TSAM YANG KHONG DU BEWe conceal within ourselves a mountain of faults;ZHEN KYON TIL DRU TSAM YANG DROK CHING MOYet, we put down others and broadcast their shortcomings, though they be minute as a sesame seed.YON TEN CHUNG ZE ME KYANG ZANG POR LOMThough we have not the slightest good qualities, we boast saying how great we are.CHO PAY MING TAK CHO MIN KHO NA CHOWe have the label of Dharma practitioners, but practice only non-Dharma.LAMA KHYEN NO THUK JE NYUR DU ZIKLama, thinks of us, beholds us swiftly with compassion.RANG DO NGA GYAL ZHI WAR CHIN GYI LOBBless us that we loose our pride and self-centredness.TEN PHUNG DAK DZIN GONG PO KHONG DU CHUKWe conceal within the demon of ego-clinging that always brings us to ruin.SAM TSE THAM CHE NYON MONG PHEL WAY GYUAll our thoughts cause kleshas to increase.JHE TSE THAM CHE MI GEY DRE BU CHENAll our actions have non-virtuous results.THAR PAY LAM DU CHOK TSAM MA CHIN PAYWe have not even turned towards the path of liberation.LAMA KHYEN NO THUK JE NYUR DU ZIKLama, thinks of us, beholds us swiftly with compassion.NGAR DZIN TSE NE CHO PAR JIN GYI LOBBless us that grasping onto a self be uprooted.TO ME TSAM LA GA DANG MA GA KYEA little praise makes us happy; a little blame makes us sad.TSIK NGEN TSAM LA ZO PAY GO CHA SHORWith a few harsh words, we loose the armor of our patience.NYAM TAK THONG YANG NYING JEY SEM MI KYEEven if we see those who are destitute, no compassion arises.JIN YUL JUNG DU SER NAY DU PAY CHINGWhen there is an opportunity to be generous, we are tied in knots by greed.LAMA KHYEN NO THUK JEY NYUR DU ZIKLama, thinks of us, beholds us swiftly with compassion.SEM GYU CHO DANG DRE PA JIN GYI LOBBless us that our mind be one with the Dharma.KHOR WA NYING PO ME LA NYING POR ZUNGWe think samsara is worthwhile, when it is not.TO GO CHIR DU TEN DUN LING GI BORWe give up our higher vision for the sake of food and clothes.KHO GU TSANG YANG GO GO CHI CHIR MANGAlthough we have all that is needed, we constantly want more.MI DEN GYU MAY CHO GYI RANG SEM LUOur minds are deceived by unreal, illusory phenomena.LAMA KHYEN NO THUK JEY NYUR DU ZIKLama, thinks of us, beholds us swiftly with compassion.TSE DI LO YI THONG WAR JIN GYI LOBBless us that we let go of the attachment to this life.LU SEM DUK NGAL TRA MOANG MI ZO KYANGNot able to endure the merest physical or mental pain.NGEN DROR DRO LA MI TSER NYING DOL CHENWith blind courage, we do not hesitate to fall into lower realms.GYU DRE LU ME NGON SUM THONG ZHIN DUAlthough we see directly the unfailing law of cause and effect,GE WA MI DRUB DIK PAY YO LANG PHELWe do not act virtuously, but increase our wholesome activity.LAMA KHYEN NO THUK JE NYUR DU ZIKLama, thinks of us, beholds us swiftly with compassion.LE LA YI CHE KYE WAR CHIN GYI LOBBless us that we come to trust completely in the law of karma.DRA LA DANG SEM NYEN LA CHAK SEM KYEWe hate our enemies and cling to friends.LANG DOR NE LA TI MUK MUN TAR THOMLost in the darkness of ignorance, we do not know what to accept of reject.CHO ZHIN CHO TSE JHING MUK NYI WANG SHORWhen practicing Dharma, we fall into dullness, drowsiness, and sleep.CHO MIN CHO TSE WANG PO SAL CHING DRUNGWhen not practicing Dharma, we are clever and our senses are clear.LAMA KHYEN NO THUK JE NYUR DU ZIKLama, thinks of us, beholds us swiftly with compassion.NYON MONG DRA WO CHOM PAR JING GYI LOBBless us that we overcome our enemy, the kleshas.CHI NE TE NA YANG DAK CHO PAY ZUKFrom the outside, we appear to be genuine Dharma practitioners;NANG DU RANG SEM CHO DANG MA DRE PAYOn the inside, our minds have not blended with the Dharma.DRUL DUK ZHIN DU NYON MONG KONG NA BEWe conceal our kleshas inside like a poisonous snake,KYEN NGEN TRE TSE CHO PAY TSANG TAK TONYet when difficult situations arise, the hidden faults of a poor practitioner come to light.LAMA KHYEN NO THUK JEY NYUR DU ZIKLama, thinks of us, beholds us swiftly with compassion.RANG GYU RANG GI THUL WAR JIN GYI LOBBless us that we ourselves are able to tame our mind.RANG KYON NGEN PA RANG GI MA TOK PAYNot recognizing our own faults,CHO PAY ZUK ZUNG CHO MIN NA TSOK CHOWe take the form of a Dharma practitioner, while engaging in non-Dharmic pursuits.NYO MONG MI GEY LE LA SHUK KYI GOMWe are habituated to kleshas and non-virtuous activity.GE LO YANG YANG KYE KYANG YANG YANG CHEAgain and again virtuous intentions arise; again and again they are cut off.LAMA KHYEN NO THUK JEY NYUR DU ZIKLama, thinks of us, beholds us swiftly with compassion.RANG KYON RANG GI THONG WAR JING GYI LOBBless us that we see our own faults.ZHAK RE SONG ZHIN CHI LA PHAR PHAR NYEWith the passing of each day, we come closer and closer to death.NYIN RE LONG ZHIN RANG GYU CHI CHIR GYONGAs each day arrives, our mind gets more and more rigid.LAMA TEN ZHIN MO GU RIM GYI DRIBThough we serve the lama. Our devotion is gradually obscured.CHE LA TSE DUNG DAK NANG JE CHUNG SONGOur love, affection, and pure outlook, towards our Dharma friends diminish.LAMA KHYEN NO THUK JE NYUR DU ZIKLama, thinks of us, beholds us swiftly with compassion.MU GO RANG GYU THUL WAR JIN GYI LOBBless us that we tame our obstinate mind.KHYAB DRO SEM KYE SOL DEB CHE NA YANGAlthough we have take refuge, engendered bodhicitta, and made prayers,MO GU NYING JE TING NE MA KYE PAYDevotion and compassion have not arisen in the depth of our being.TSIK TSAM WANG GYUR CHO CHO GE JOR NAMDharma activity and the practice of virtue have turned into hollow words.JED LO TSAM LE GYU THOK MA KHEL WAYOur empty achievements are many, but none more have moved our mind.LAMA KHYEN NO THUK JEY NYUR DU ZIKLama, thinks of us, beholds us swiftly with compassion.CHI CHE CHO SU DRO WAR JIN GYI LOBBless us that whatever we do is harmony with Dharma.DAK DE DO LE DUG NGAL THAM CHE JUNGAll suffering arises from wanting our own happiness;ZHEN PEN SEM GYI SANG GYE DRUB SUNG KYANGAlthough it is taught that enlightenment is attained through benefiting others,SEM CHOK KYE CHING RANG DO PHUK TU CHUKWe engender bodhicitta, while secretly cherishing our own desires.ZHEN PEN TA CHI ZHEN NO ZHOR LA BRUBWe do not benefit others, and further, we even unconsciously harm them.LAMA KYEN NO THUK JEY NYUR DU ZIKLama, thinks of us, beholds us swiftly with compassion.DAK ZHEN JE PAR NU PAR JIN GYI LOBBless us that we are able to exchange self for others.SANG GYE NGO NANG LAMA MI RU ZUNGOur lama is actually the appearance of the Buddha himself,But we take him to be an ordinary human being.DAM ZAB TON PAY KA DRIN NGANG GI JEWe come to forget the lama's kindness in giving us profound instructions.RANG DO MA JUNG TSE NA YI CHE GOMWe are upset if we do not get what we want.DZE CHO NAM LA THE TSOM LOK TA DRIBWe see the lama's activity and behaviour through the veil of doubts and wrong views.LAMA KHYEN NO THUK JEY NYUR DU ZIKLama, thinks of us, beholds us swiftly with compassion.MO GU DRIB ME PHEL WAR JIN GYI LOBBless us that free of obscurations, our devotion increase.RANG SEM SANG GYE YIN KYANG NGO MA SHEOur own mind is the Buddha, but we do not recognize it.NAM TOK CHO KU YIN KYANG DON MA TOKAll concepts are the dhamakaya, but we do not realize it.MA CHO NYUK MA YIN KYANG KYONG MA NUThis is the uncontrived natural state, but we cannot sustain it.RANG BAB NE LUK YIN KYANG YI MA CHEThis is the true nature of the mind, settled into itself, but we are unable to believe it.LAMA KHYEN NO THUK JE NYUR DU ZIKLama, thinks of us, beholds us swiftly with compassion.RANG RIK RANG SAR DROL WAR JIN GYI LOBBless us that self-awareness be liberated into its ground.YONG NGE CHI WA NYING NE DREN MA THUBDeath is certain to come, but we are unable to take this to heart.PHEN NGE DAM CHO TSUL ZHIN DRUB MA NUGenuine Dharma is certain to benefit, but we are unable to practice correctly.DEN NGE LE DRE LANG DOR TSUL ZHIN METhe truth of karma, is certain, but we do not decide correctly what to give up and accept.GO NGE DREN SHE MA TEN YENG WAY KHYERIt is certainly necessary to be mindful and alert, but these qualities are not stable in us, and we are carried away by distraction.LAMA KHYEN NO THUK JEY NYUR DU ZIKLama, thinks of us, beholds us swiftly with compassion.YENG ME DREN PAY ZIN PAR JIN GYI LOBBless us that we stay mindful with no distractions.NGON LE NGEN PAY NYIK MAY DU THAR KYEOut of previous negative karma, we are born at the end this degenerate time.NGAR JE THAM CHE DUK NGAL GYU RU SONGAl our previous actions have become the cause of suffering.DROK NGEN NAM KYI DIK PAY DRIB MAY YOKBad friends cast over us, the shadow of their negative actions.DON ME LENG MO GE JOR YENG WAY KHYEROur practice of virtue is corrupted by meaningless gossip.LAMA KHYEN NO THUK JE NYUR DU ZIKLama, thinks of us, beholds us swiftly with compassion.CHO LA NYING RU NU PAR JIN GYI LOBBless us that we take the Dharma deep to heart.DANG POR SAM GYU CHO LE ME PA LAAt first there is nothing but Dharma on our mind.THA MA DRUB DRE KHOR WA NGEN SONG GYUBut at the end, the result is the cause of samsara and lower realms.THAR PAY LO TOK MI GEY SE KYI CHOMThe harvest of liberation is destroyed by the frost of unwholesome activity.TEN DUN NYE PAY MU GO DAK DRA NAMWe, like wild savages, have lost our ultimate vision.LAMA KHYEN NO THUK JEY NYUR DU ZIKLama, thinks of us, beholds us swiftly with compassion.DAM CHO THA RU CHIN PAR JIN GYI LOBBless us that within we bring the genuine Dharma to perfection.KYO SHE TING NE KYE WAR JIN GYI LOBBless us that repentance arise deep from within.LONG ME LO NA THUNG WAR JIN GYI LOBBless us that we curtail all our scheming.CHI WA NYING NE DREN PAR JIN GYI LOBBless us that from the depth of our heart, we remember death.LE LA YI CHE KYE WAR JIN GYI LOBBless us that we develop certainty in the law of karma.LAM LA BAR CHE ME PAR JIN GYI LOBBless us that our path is free of obstacles.DRUB LA TSON DRU NU PAR JIN GYI LOBBless us that we are able to exert ourselves in practice.KHYEN NGEN LAM DU LONG WAR JIN GYI LOBBless us that we bring difficult situations into the path.NYEN PO RANG TSUK THUB PAR JIN GYI LOBBless us that antidotes, through their own power, are completely effective.CHO MIN MO GU KYE WAR CHIN GYI LOBBless us that genuine devotion arise.NE LUK RANG ZHEL JEL WAR JIN GYI LOBBless us that we see the very face of the mind's true nature.RANG RIK NYING U SE PAR JIN GYI LOBBless us that self-awareness awaken in the center of our heart.TRUL NANG ZHI TSA CHO PAR JIN GYI LOBBless us that delusive appearances are completely eliminated.TSE CHIK SANG GYE DRUB PAR JIN GYI LOBBless us that we achieve enlightenment in one lifetime.SOL WA DEB SO LA MA RIN PO CHEWe pray to you, precious lama.DUNG WAY BO DO DRIN CHEN CHO KYI JEKind lama, lord of Dharma, we call out to you with longing.KAL ME DAK LA RE SA KHYO LE MEFor us, unworthy ones, you are the only hope.THUK YI YER ME DRE PAR CHIN GYI LOBBless us that your mind blends with ours.
Spiny also suggests that for some, working without a teacher or in a formal setting may be preferable.
Quote from: Spiny O'Norman on September 18, 2010, 02:38:38 amYes. In a way it's a more courageous approach to take.Courageous? If there is a good teacher available then going it alone is not courageous, it just plain foolish!
Yes. In a way it's a more courageous approach to take.
I'm not sure, but IS there a tradition that does NOT put emphasis on a guide for the dharma or that advocates going at it solo?If not, then I'd think after a few millennia, there might be a reason why...?The answer would not necessarily lie in the tradition if you don't have a tradition. But the answer would lie with whichever guide you chose?Dunno, not tryin' to split hairs, just seems like a distinction that's important to know about. First question (above) being the most important. Is there a tradition that does not advocate or advise a teacher?
I meant it's more courageous to tread a path without access to a teacher.
There are of course related questions about what a "teacher" is, how dependent to be on a teacher, whether there is a "right" way to practice, whether we acknowledge diversity or cling to orthodoxy, etc etc.
Also from Dhamma Wiki:"Teacher and Disciple"http://www.dhammawiki.com/index.php?title=Teacher_and_discipleA teacher (garu, Sanskrit guru) is a person who imparts skills or knowledge and a disciple (sà vaka) is one who learns from a teacher.In some religions, and even within the Vajrayana branch of Buddhism, the disciple is expected to dedicate him or her self totally to the teacher and obey him unquestioningly.
This is very much at odds with what the Buddha both taught to and required from his disciples.
He advised that before learning under a teacher, and even while receiving instruction, the disciple should maintain a respectful but questioning and discriminating attitude. First, the disciple should investigate (vãmaüseyya) the teacher by watching and listening to see if his or her behaviour is consistent with what they teach. Continuing to investigate over a period of time, the disciple should try to see if the good qualities the teacher appears to have are internalized or only the result of making an effort or trying to impress