ATIKOPA


Relying on the Guru

Follow the teachings

The order of choosing a guru is: first observe the guru, then decide to rely on the guru, and finally study the guru's intentions. Studying the guru's intentions is the purpose of relying on a guru.
（一）The Importance of Relying on a Guru
From the preliminary practices, we deeply realize that samsara is suffering, and liberation from samsara is the only option. However, the path to liberation requires the guidance of a virtuous teacher to achieve success.
（二）The basic virtues of a guru
The requirements for spiritual teachers differ between the exoteric and esoteric schools, and between Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism. The minimum standards for a Mahayana spiritual teacher are as follows:
1、Bodhicitta
A guru with "Bodhi mind" is a Bodhisattva. Their spiritual attainment is dedicated to benefiting all sentient beings, and they will do everything in their power to guide those with affinity onto the right path. Therefore, "Bodhi mind" is an indispensable quality for a guru.
2、Wisdom
"Wisdom" refers to being well-versed in scriptures and treatises, having extensive knowledge, and being able to clearly impart the content of study and practice. Only such a person can be relied upon.
3、Purity of precepts
The meaning of pure precepts is that monks must adhere to the precepts of monks; laypeople must adhere to the precepts of laypeople; and those in Vajrayana Buddhism must have pure Vajrayana precepts. If one's precepts are not pure, one is not qualified to guide others; this is extremely important.

（三）Methods of Observing the Guru
Tantric Buddhism places particular emphasis on the fact that a guru must observe the disciple's aptitude before transmitting secret teachings and bestowing empowerments; and the disciple must also carefully observe the guru before receiving secret teachings and empowerments.
If you wish to receive formal Tantric practices or initiations, you must first ascertain whether the transmitter is specifically qualified to transmit the teachings. For general teachings, or practices such as taking refuge, generating bodhicitta, or preliminary practices, the requirements are not particularly strict.

There are three steps to observing a guru in Tantric Buddhism:
The first step is to inquire from afar with people who know him well, including whether this master is pure in his precepts, and whether he has compassion, meditation, and wisdom.
The second step is to go to his vicinity and personally inspect all actions.
The third is through direct contact, that is, living together, traveling together, and doing things together, so as to observe carefully through getting along.
If no problems are found during these processes, and the person has the qualifications of a Tantric guru, then one can rely on them and regard them as one's root guru.
In particular, one must be extremely cautious when receiving tantric practices or empowerments. It is absolutely forbidden to accept tantric empowerments or receive tantric practices from a guru who is unfamiliar with the one bestowing the empowerment.
Tantric initiation is the transmission of tantric vows, and also the transmission of vows to disciples. Since it is the transmission of tantric vows, it is necessary to know the content of the vows received during the initiation. Because each initiation has corresponding vows, it is easy to break tantric vows if one does not know what is permissible and what is not after receiving tantric initiation.

（四）Methods of relying on a guru
There are many ways to rely on a guru, but the most supreme way is through diligent practice. If one practices the teachings of the guru well, all true spiritual teachers will be pleased. All Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the ten directions will also rejoice. Therefore, the best way to rely on a guru is through the offering of the Dharma—practicing according to the teachings—this is the most supreme offering.

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