Though essentially unnecessary, the rank of a lama does serve a purpose. Institutions and titles can provide a measure of safety. Just like it might be safer to go to a popular restaurant because it has been written up in guidebooks, popular lamas come with many personal endorsements.
Then again, the system is not foolproof; reputations can be bought. You can always go to a restaurant and check for yourself, but in the spiritual world, it’s much more difficult to come to a conclusion.
This is all just to say that those who are seeking a guru should not look in only one direction; they should look beyond titles and hats. They should also look beyond their romantic ideal of a guru, whether it be an ascetic or a crazy wise man.
Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche
from the book The Guru Drinks Bourbon?
Read a random quote or see all quotes by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche.
Further quotes from the book The Guru Drinks Bourbon?:
- Dharma without devotion
- Guru
- The path is practical
- You and only you will decide
- Pure perception
- The whole purpose of the outer guru
- A different interpretation of austerity
- Dismantling the puzzle of dualism
- The Worst Forms of Abuse Award
- No one can please everyone
- Beginning to subdue and outshine appearance and existence
- The quest for a guru
- Spiritual wealth
- Your decision is now taking the lead
- Good gurus are on the verge of extinction
- Devotion is supreme
- Abundance and variety in the teachings is so important
- Open-minded guru
- Outer display of guru devotion