Meeting Gampopa in Person

Gampopa said to encounter his teachings is equivalent to meeting him in person. In truth, this doesn’t only apply to Gampopa. We often think how wonderful it would be to meet the renowned lamas of the past, but what more could they do for us than impart their teachings and advice to us.

If we were to meet them in our current condition, it is unlikely that merely meeting them would affect an immediate and lasting change within us. We would need to receive their teachings and put them in to practise. It is their way of thinking and realisation that is special, and their teachings are the expression of that.

You often hear people speak excitedly about being invited to a meal or other social engagement with a high lama, as if that is more precious than having the opportunity to attend their teachings. Maybe that would be a case of mistaken priorities.

12th October 2021, Teaching on the Precious Garland of the Supreme Path