CHOOSING SPIRITUAL MENTORS AND BECOMING A QUALIFIED DISCIPLE

Question 1

What is the indispensable root of the Vajrayana path?

Answer 1

The guru, as the living embodiment of the lineage and conduit of blessings

Question 2

According to the Fifty Verses, on what does Buddhahood depend?

Answer 2

On devotion and reliance on a qualified guru

Question 3

In Guru Yoga, what union is aimed for?

Answer 3

The union of the disciple’s mind with the guru’s enlightened mind (bliss and emptiness)

Question 4

What are the four main purposes of Guru Yoga?

Answer 4

Receiving blessings, overcoming obstacles, realizing Buddha-nature, dismantling ego-clinging

Question 5

What is ‘adhisthana’ in the context of Guru Yoga?

Answer 5

Blessings that ripen the disciple’s mind continuum through guru’s realization and disciple’s openness

Question 6

Why must empowerments be received from a living guru?

Answer 6

Because tantric commitments and permission for deity practices require lineage transmission

Question 7

Name three essential qualities of a Fundamental-Vehicle teacher.

Answer 7

Pure ethical conduct, knowledge of Vinaya, compassion for students

Question 8

What distinguishes a Mahayana mentor from a Fundamental-Vehicle teacher?

Answer 8

Mastery of bodhicitta and the six paramitas

Question 9

List two additional qualities needed in a Vajra-Vehicle guru.

Answer 9

Profound tantric realization and impeccable samaya

Question 10

What practical step does Lion’s Roar recommend for investigating a teacher?

Answer 10

Watch their conduct over time and ask questions of current students

Question 11

How does Berzin advise dealing with cultural differences in teacher-student relationships?

Answer 11

Recognize and adapt to differing expectations to prevent misunderstandings

Question 12

What are two ‘red flags’ when investigating a guru?

Answer 12

Financial impropriety and abuse of power

Question 13

What is the significance of ‘see the guru as Buddha’?

Answer 13

It transforms the disciple’s perception to receive blessings and realize potential

Question 14

Describe the ‘flow of nectars and lights’ in Guru Yoga.

Answer 14

Visualizing blessings from the guru purifying body, speech, and mind

Question 15

Which prayer is central to Lama Tsongkhapa Guru Yoga as per The Union of Bliss and Emptiness?

Answer 15

The Migtsema prayer invoking Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, and Vajrapani

Question 16

What does the disciple visualize dissolving into themselves?

Answer 16

The guru dissolving as light into the crown and heart centers

Question 17

How many limbs are in the traditional Guru Yoga offering practice?

Answer 17

Seven limbs

Question 18

What additional practice complements prostrations in guru devotion?

Answer 18

Mandala offerings and seven-limb prayer

Question 19

What attitude should a disciple have when making offerings?

Answer 19

Pure motivation without expectation of personal gain

Question 20

What is ‘samaya’ in the context of guru devotion?

Answer 20

Sacred commitments between guru and disciple

Question 21

Name one consequence of breaking tantric samaya.

Answer 21

Serious hindrance to progress and loss of blessings

Question 22

How does the Fifty Verses suggest serving the guru?

Answer 22

With body, speech, and mind through respectful actions, words, and devotion

Question 23

What role does intelligence (prajna) play in choosing a guru?

Answer 23

Discernment to distinguish authentic teachings and teachers

Question 24

Why is humility important for a disciple?

Answer 24

Prevents arrogance and keeps the mind open to guidance

Question 25

What is 'sraddha' as a disciple quality?

Answer 25

Investigated trust based on reason and observation, not blind faith

Question 26

How long does an old adage suggest observing a teacher before commitment?

Answer 26

Three years, symbolizing patience and thorough investigation

Question 27

What does the guru represent in Vajrayana beyond a person?

Answer 27

The principle of enlightenment and Dharmakaya

Question 28

Why is emotional stability listed as a guru quality?

Answer 28

Ensures reliable guidance and avoids projecting personal issues onto disciples

Question 29

What practical advice does Berzin give for upper-level guru relationships?

Answer 29

Maintain transparency and address concerns openly

Question 30

How are deity yoga practices related to guru empowerment?

Answer 30

Empowerments grant permission and blessings needed to practice specific deity yogas

Question 31

What does 'dedication' involve at the end of Guru Yoga practice?

Answer 31

Dedicating accumulated merit for the enlightenment of all beings

Question 32

Why is consistency in teaching and behavior important in a guru?

Answer 32

Aligns personal conduct with Dharma, building trust and authenticity

Question 33

What is the 'Supreme Field of Merit'?

Answer 33

The visualization of the refuge tree or lineage with guru at the center

Question 34

Define 'bodhicitta' as a disciple quality.

Answer 34

Altruistic intention to become a Buddha for the benefit of all beings

Question 35

What is the 'generation stage' in tantric practice?

Answer 35

Visualizing oneself as the deity in guru yoga

Question 36

What is the 'completion stage'?

Answer 36

Dissolution of form into emptiness and realization of Dharmakaya

Question 37

How should a disciple respond to unclear instructions?

Answer 37

Politely ask for clarification until the teaching is understood

Question 38

Name two practices to maintain samaya.

Answer 38

Regular confession of transgressions and reaffirming commitments

Question 39

What benefit does mandala offering provide?

Answer 39

Accumulates merit and purifies attachment to material forms

Question 40

How does guru devotion help realize Buddha-nature?

Answer 40

Reveals the disciple's innate potential by reflecting guru's enlightened qualities

Question 41

What psychological pitfall can projections cause in guru relationships?

Answer 41

Idealizing the guru or projecting personal issues, leading to disillusionment

Question 42

Why is critical thinking necessary even after receiving empowerments?

Answer 42

To ensure practice remains aligned with genuine Dharma and avoid misuse

Question 43

What is the goal of seeing the guru's activities as compassionate?

Answer 43

Cultivate gratitude and dissolve ego-centered interpretations

Question 44

How does guru yoga integrate upaya and prajna?

Answer 44

By using devotional methods (upaya) grounded in insight into emptiness (prajna)

Question 45

What is the metaphor for guru in the Guhyasamaja tantra?

Answer 45

The guru is the oar guiding the disciple across samsara

Question 46

Why should offerings be made according to one's capacity?

Answer 46

Ensures sincerity and prevents financial or emotional burden

Question 47

What is the disciple's responsibility when witnessing guru misconduct?

Answer 47

Use discernment and, if necessary, consult other qualified masters or sangha

Question 48

What is the final aspiration in guru yoga practice?

Answer 48

To actualize inseparable guru-deity mind and benefit all beings