A Fool-proof Way To Find a Lama

If you want to practise the dharma, your first thought should not be to obtain a particular teaching or practice.

The first step is to find a lama.

The ideal lama is someone who is humble, who has let go of everything concerning the world and is endowed with the qualities explained in the texts. But since we don’t have clairvoyance and are not learned it’s difficult to judge who has these attributes.

Nonetheless, there is a fool-proof way to find a suitable lama. You only need to find a lama who has these two traits.

First, they teach everyday or at least almost everyday. This means that however long you stay with them, you will receive that much dharma.

Second, they prioritise your progress. They encourage you to study and practice and not to get involved in worldly work. They also provide the conditions that make this possible. They don’t let you lie around, take it easy and be lazy. They scold you if you don’t work hard on your study and practice, and do what is best for you.

With a lama like this, you won’t suffer any loss but will only benefit. Any knowledge you acquire will be yours to take away with you. No one can take it from you. The lama will not be particularly benefited by your study and practice.

In brief, the person thinks not about themselves but only the students and the lama does not require the students to do anything for the lama. If a lama has these two qualities, you are sorted.

23rd February 2023, Thrangu Sekhar Retreat Centre, Nepal