Guru Serum, Not Guru Syndrome
(By Tsem Rinpoche and Li Kheng)
“Why do you Tibetan Buddhists have this Guru syndrome whereby you emphasise so much on your teacher?”. I often hear this judgmental statement expressed in the form of a question whenever I confirm that I am a Buddhist of the Tibetan tradition.
“You should just take refuge in the Three Jewels as this was the path of the Buddha himself.” This is yet another generous piece of “advice” that I receive.
Well, allow me to put it this way: I don’t have a Guru syndrome. Rather, I recognise the potency of the Guru Serum for efficient and effective spiritual learning, practice and progress. Additionally, during this degenerate age as foretold by Lord Buddha, less time and effort will be spent on spirituality. Hence, less opportunity for people to collect the merits to see or learn Dharma directly from the Buddha.
I choose to be direct in my sharing because, why write another diplomatic and polite piece of work that is so sugar-coated that not only do we miss the point but also get “diabetes” as we fill ourselves with pleasantries that boost our ignorance, ego and anger. These are the three poisons that become the source of our suffering. Yes, we all suffer even if we are holding a Louis Vuitton. So, this is why we should allocate and invest resources into understanding some fundamentals to begin an empowering, engaging and fulfilling spiritual journey.
I believe a more constructive question to ask is, “Why not tap into the qualities of the mind?” The scriptures liken our mind to water and its eight qualities. If a Guru can be the bridge between you and the Three Jewels until you reach a level of spiritual awakening that enables you to reconnect directly, would it not be sensible to cross this bridge? The need to be practical is especially necessary when we are not following the footsteps of the Buddha who dedicated his life in search of the answers to alleviate suffering from sickness, old age and death.
Also, we get all caught up in this Guru conversation but should someone pose the question, “What exactly is a Guru?”, I believe most would fall silent almost immediately. Guru is short for ‘Guna Ruchi‘ which translates to ‘a collection of good qualities’. A Guru is not confined by gender, racial background or religious faith but distinguished by his or her consistent code of conduct and impact on the community and society. Who we regard as our Guru will be based on our observations and freedom of choice.
H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche offers a butterlamp to H.H. Trijang Chocktrul Rinpoche
‘Syndrome’ is a word which generally refers to a condition or disorder that “happens to you”. It is an invisible trap that limits us to a type of conduct that we believe benefits us, and then it becomes something we need and soon it is something we cannot live without. An addiction. A typical Malaysian syndrome is the “Maid Syndrome”, where we are conditioned from young to depend on maids for our meals, our laundry, our housekeeping, our groceries… and the list continues. Most interestingly, I consistently hear households with maids complain endlessly about their helpers to no avail and with no solution in the foreseeable future. Months later, they are still complaining about their helpers but they simply cannot live without them. This is a syndrome that nobody seems to challenge or question.
A Guru liberates us as he or she sheds light on the path to make the spiritual journey easier with clarity, support and encouragement. For those of us with stubborn and deeply ingrained negative habits, tough love like that of a mother may be necessary to create any mind shift and spiritual progress. Tough love is nothing new and it is what keeps the younger generations in check to become functional and sustainable adults. I draw this conclusion from the frequency in which the adult population labels their kids “spoilt”.
It is easy to see why tough love is important. The Tiger Mother phenomena was a hit in the global scene a few years back because it created successful results. Similarly, the “boss from hell” often turns out to be the leader from whom we learned the most and who helped us set our career in the right direction… in hindsight, of course. However, society seems to believe that spirituality doesn’t need such tough love.
Why is that so? Is it because society does not see the value of spirituality? Is it not worth it to suffer for spiritual awakening? Yet, if one observes the great successes that are wholesome, sustainable and remain legendary over the years and across the oceans, they have a distinct note of spirituality to them. Spirituality is like the soul food that adds depth and humanity to worldly activities and material accomplishments while the Guru is the “serum” that boosts this nourishment.
Like the Tiger Mum, a Guru “does not give us the fish but teaches us how to fish”. The ability, skills and knowledge we learn from the Guru will lead us to clarity, contentment and ultimate freedom. This in turn enriches all that we do based on the transformation in the way we perceive surrounding phenomena through understanding. This is spiritual awakening and unlike the material wealth we dedicate time, sweat and tears to accumulate, this cannot be taken away, stolen or broken against our will. Spiritual awakening is something that we can truly own without fear of losing it. It is valuable… it is worth the pain to gain.
H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche
The empowering teachings of the Guru is brought to an even higher level by H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche who makes Dharma knowledge abundantly available to the global public on his blog, www.tsemrinpoche.com. Only when students are ready (which is determined through close observation) does Rinpoche confer practices that are especially tailored to suit each student’s karma dynamics. As we have read in the Lamrim, Dharma is the medicine that will cure our spiritual illnesses. Hence, having a Guru is likened to having medicine prescribed specifically for our illnesses, living conditions and era.
I have witnessed and experienced the miracle of having a Guru and his kind and generous “prescriptions”. Rinpoche’s direct advice on spiritual practice has saved lives, kept families together, removed spirit disturbances and even provided guidance for successful business dealings. Some may prefer the view that these are the miraculous powers of the Buddha, Shiva, Jesus etc. However, for the sake of common decency and to keep the doors open to these “higher forces”, it serves everyone to practise gratitude and in this case, it is towards the Guru who showed you the door to peace, happiness and liberation. Be grateful always as that nurtures our capacity to be happy. Grateful people remember what they have, appreciate it and this becomes the power of source for more good things to come our way.
Devotion is Powerful Protection
“When Milarepa meditated in the mountains, he was alone for a long time. In spite of this, he always felt that he was inseparable from Marpa because his devotion was so powerful. Milarepa sang his vajra songs in solitude but, through devotion, was always connected to his lama. Devotion to the lama is a powerful protection from negative thoughts and nonvirtuous actions. It is also a special protection that allows us to properly practice meditation. Our awareness of enlightened beings and our knowledge of how to take care of our mind protect the mind so that it doesn’t flow in a wrong direction. Through these joyous practices we develop a feeling of appreciation of how fortunate we are, and we cease feeling lonely or depressed. When we are committed to our Guru, less negative thoughts arise. When less negative thoughts arise, then we can survive another day and become better. Therefore genuinely devote to one’s lama and forget about all the other confusions we are used to.”
~ Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen Rinpoche
The great Mahasiddha Milarepa, famed for his accomplishments through his practice of Guru devotion
The practice of Guru devotion forms the foundation of many Dharma communities and centres that remain strong today, even after the passing of the Guru. Good examples of those who practice Guru devotion and enjoy the fruits of this tradition are the lineage holders of Chogyam Trungpa who founded Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado.
Awareness of the Teacher
As a dharmic person, a practitioner, you also have awareness of the teacher and of other realized people whom you are studying with. The idea is to be without shyness and to be able to relate with your teacher, who in the hinayana tradition is an elder. You relate to the teacher as somebody who has accomplished the path already. Because you are without shyness, you can relate with the teacher and emulate him or her properly and fully. You have a sense of appreciation that you are and will be part of a certain tradition, a certain discipline. You have as an example a teacher who is behaving in a way that you should behave, and you have some sense of sacredness in studying and listening to the teacher.
~ Chögyam Trungpa
If not for my Guru, I would still be busy trying to become a better person on the basis that the current “me” is not good enough. Today, I have learned to be at peace with more aspects of myself while recognising the long road of growth and development ahead. Guru Serum has literally and metaphorically made me more comfortable in my own skin and that is the greatest gift one can ever receive. So, I end with this: Open your hearts to dare to pursue your higher potential. Spiritual awakening is not about changing but expanding yourself. If you keep adding pure water to a contaminated vessel, the contamination will be diluted with time. With more time and a larger vessel to contain more pure water, the contamination becomes non-existent.
Please support us so that we can continue to bring you more Dharma:
If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team
The guru is everything. From guru devotion, we achieve everything. Through that’s the main cause and the main source we received. The Guru’s mind is an enlightened mind which has all the wisdom. The Guru has all the Enlightenment qualities are there, guiding us all the way and show us as we learn, practice to be a better person. Our Guru help us to cross the ocean of samsara. Many of us have benefited from our Guru teachings and guidance. Nor matter what happened we go all the way. I would not be where I am if not because of our Guru. With folded hands thank you Rinpoche and Li Kheng for this wonderful post.
I have had similar remarks about this too from a friend. Said i idolize my Guru instead of Guru Devotion based on their level of spiritual mindset. Well, it all comes down to lack of understanding, thats all. Thank you Rinpoche and Li Kheng for this enlightening write up???
A Guru teaches, guilding along and show us as we learn ,pracitce to be a better person and will help us to cross the ocean of samsara. When we practice spiritually with the guidance of a Guru, we will certainly progress,allows us to actualize successfully all the steps of the path to enlightenment.We are to walk the path no matter what happens and always devoted to our Guru. Without a Guru and proper guidance will lead us to no where and no Dharma.
Well said by Li Kheng….Spiritual awakening is not about changing but expanding yourself.
Thank you Li Kheng for sharing this article.
Thank you very much Li Kheng for sharing this article. This is a good write up and I agree very much with what you wrote. Our Guru, H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche transform us to be a better person through his teachings and actions. Some people might think we are overboard for putting our Guru first rather than our parents. This is because they do not know the benefits of a Guru to them. So, we must cherish closely in hearts our Guru.
With folded palms,
Vivian
Thank you Li Kheng for the really apt sharing, that Guru’s job if you can call it a job is one that ensures that as a minimum we can get a better rebirth next life.
“Yes, a Guru truly liberates us by shedding the light on us to make our spiritual journey easier with clarity in support.” Spiritual awakening is something that we can truly own without the fear of losing it. It is valuable….. it is worth the pain. As the Guru said,”He does not give us the fish but teaches us how to fish”. One’s true spirituality is a precious crystal, as pure as like the jewel of a Guru’s serum that prescribes specially for the cure of our ilnessess, living conditions and era.” It is passed on to us by our compassionate widomised Guru who understands the word “bliss” as in blissfulness. So hanker not for this nor that, nor for the opposite! As said, “Gurus are serum that boost this nourishments, and most gurus of today are incarnations of rebirths from highly attained beings, choosing to come back again to benefit more sentient beings!” How fortunate can we be! Om Mani Padme Hung.
I like this title “Guru Serum, not Guru Syndrome.” We often treat a phenomena to have or to learn under a Guru as a Syndrome. Thus, we do not recognize the importance of Guru Devotion. As Ms. Li Kheng mentioned in the article – the connection. Guru connect us, set us right in our spiritual path.
This article got me to contemplate a lot on my attitude towards Guru Devotion. The way i think about what is spiritual path.
Seems- I have a Guru Syndrome. Which mean, my Guru devotion is set on wrong motivation and think that Guru should helps me to resolve my daily problems. Very selfish thought. This is really wrong thought. of cause Guru have helps me a lot on daily life, but most important is the dharma that our Guru give that helps in resolved my own mistake, the karma that i myself have created. Without Rinpoche, i could not even recognise the actions is harmful and wrong.
I thanks Ms. Li Kheng for this articles.
And Yes, it set my mind now thinking, Guru is an essential food for my spiritual path. And, i am lucky to have a Guru to shed light on the path and set me free from my bad unending karma.
I thanks Rinpoche for the guidance and the dharma. With Love, bowing to Rinpoche’s lotus feet. Freon.
Thank you Li Kheng for sharing! =)
Totally agreed with Li Kheng & Grace,
“Guru Serum, Not Guru Syndrome.” – Li Kheng
“We have a Guru/teacher for most of everything we have to learn from young……why not have a Guru in our Spiritual endeavours ? Seems very logical to me to have a teacher to guide us through.” – Grace
I really feel blessed to be a part of Kechara to serve and learn. I’ve yet to have the honour and merits to meet the 25th Tsem Rinpoche. May his holiness be well and good health
Hey Ming Wen, thanks for taking time to read my sharing. I am moved to see a young individual like you display courage, sincerity and ease to walk a path different than most.
Rinpoche has shared that sometimes it is better to walk down the right path alone than to join the crowd towards a destination you don’t want to be in.
I wish you continued tenacity to learn in the dynamic space of Kechara Forest Retreat and the nurturing leadership of Pastor Henry Ooi. I thank you for your display of care and diligence and also wish for you to one day have the great honor of meeting H.E the 25th Tsem Rinpoche.
Thx Li Kheng for sharing. Before I join Kechara I am just a person who pray Buddha without Guru.Now I know why Guru so important to us. After I met Tsem Rinpoche I really change a lot in my lifestyle.His teachings really awaken my spiritual. He always provide us many channels to learn dharma and ask us to share dharma with others as well.i always take Rinpoche teachings as my guideline in my daily life.Thx Rinpoche.
Hello Jason,
Thank you for your sweet message. A choice to express appreciation is not always common! 🙂 Yes, we are very lucky to have a Guru. I know Dharma students out there who do not have the patient guidance of a Guru and despite years of diligent study, their Dharma practice is limited. Dharma knowledge differ from practice in the sense that knowledge that is not transformed into action remain to be concepts.
Sometimes, too much concept can actually hinder/stop our dharma growth. Like in the case of Naropa who is the epitome example of Guru Devotion practice: he was a great scholar and was highly revered to be a top Dharma master. Yet, when Tara disguised as an elderly lady asked him if he truly understood what he was studying, he hesitated with his respond. It was only when Naropa studied under Tilopa that Naropa tapped fully into his spiritual potential and remains a legend till today.
I thought it was good. It is nice to have teachings one can just use any time, but I think it is also a good experience when people have an actual and direct relationship with a spiritual teacher outside of the self.
Thank you Miriam for your comment! Yes, having a Guru is a great support to ultimately empowering ourselves to progress spiritually. I truly appreciate my spiritual journey because Rinpoche sets us on a direction but we have the freedom to venture onto this adventure of discovery, liberation and creation ourselves.
I wish you a beautiful journey and look forward to receiving more communication from you 🙂
Have a great weekend ahead!
Thank you Li Kheng for sharing such an important topic and aspect of Tibetan Buddhism. Gurus are highly revered and respected in Tibetan Buddhism because Gurus are one who will keep dharma alive and pass it down to their students.
When we look at the Buddha’s image or read a dharma text, we definitely will get blessings for sure. However, is it possible for the buddha image to teach us dharma ? It is possible for us to fully understand and realise the contents of the dharma book? Of course not. We need a Guru to explain and to teach us the dharma. Without a Guru, our dharmic progress will be painfully slow and our life might ended before we gain any realisations. Without the Guru and Sangha community, dharma will not spread. This is how important Guru is.
CHris
Chris,
Completely agree with you. I made attempts to read the Lamrim and due to my own “monkey” mind that jumps around as well as obscurations from karma and lack of merits, I found it impossible to understand the generous teachings of Pabongka Rinpoche as recorded by Trijang Rinpoche, both of whom are lineage masters.
However, only after listening to video teachings of Rinpoche such as “No more empty words” that kindly relates some teachings in the Lamrim to us in a relatable manner, was i able to understand the teachings in the lamrim. This is just a simple illustration of how a Guru is serum to the potent knowledge contained in the Dharma text.
In Tibetan Buddhism, much emphasis is placed on Guru Devotion because with guru devotion, it becomes easier to follow the advice given by the Guru. We take refuge in The Three Jewels but it is our Guru that teaches and guides us in our spiritual journey.
If we see a Buddha statue, we feel happy and a sense of peace so when we see our Guru, we should have the same feelings and emotions because our Guru is a Living Buddha who can use skilful methods to tame our deluded minds. We should rejoice that we are fortunate to have met a Guru.
Material gifts can be bought but spiritual gifts are earned. Guru devotion is one of the quickest ways for us to collect extensive merits, to clear obstacles for our spiritual practice to grow.
Thank you, Li Kheng, for sharing this article with us and Thank you, Rinpoche, for choosing to be here with us!
谢谢 LiKheng 的分享。
从 Milarepa， Tsem Rinpoche 的故事里我可以看到 Guru devotion 如何的重要， 而不是一般人所说的盲从的跟。
Likheng 也为我们分析了如何观察一位上师， 让我对 Tsem Rinpoche 更加的有信心。
我记得有一次仁波切告诉我一些他从印度来到新加坡，马来西亚的一些经历，让我很痛心。仁波切现在的一切都得来不易的，仁波切因为上师告诉他出来弘扬佛法，坚持着一步一步学习。
我们都是个霸王，只要有人说我们不爽的东西，都会生气或离开，仁波切也为了教导我们这群霸王，学习如何用不同点方式与大家沟通。
仁波切花了许多心思去把我们带入佛法，我们没有失去什么，我们从来就给不了仁波切些什么。 只要我们好好的 changing our mind and practice 这就是给仁波切最好的礼物。
We have a Guru/teacher for most of everything we have to learn from young; in school, to learn a musical instrument, to learn dance or simply to learn a sport. In fact, in some circumstances when we choose to excel in a particular area we go far and wide and spend lots of money to engage a coach or coaches to ensure we achieve our goals.
Hence why not have a Guru in our Spiritual endeavours ? Seems very logical to me to have a teacher to guide us through. Many have learn the Dharma without a Guru, good for them. But for some having a Guru is the better way. Each its own. There is no need for others who does not have a Guru to criticise others who choose to have one.
Next common question is : Why so much devotion to your Guru ?
The answer :- What are you in search of embarking on spirituality ? To achieve longer states of calmness, peace and happiness in our minds ! These values are not available on the supermarket shelves; our parents may not have the answers; some guidelines are available in Google but they are merely words !! Exactly how can we achieve more joy and happiness in our own lives and those we love ?
We can read a book or watch a video and try to follow some of the guidelines. But honestly and truly nothing like having a Guru who specialises in this field to chart the path and give the instructions which we have to humbly follow. Most times we prefer to do what we like instead of following someone else’s advice. But it will usually not get us very far. If we need to train for the Olympics, the path cannot be easy. Hence, we would need a Guru who has the correct qualities and skills to help us achieve our goals. Doubt not the intention of the Guru. Look around him and see how much good he has done to all beings. Rejoice in our fortune to have met such a precious person, whose sole objective in life is to benefit others !!
Thank you Li Kheng for such a wonderful sharing.
Thank you Rinpoche for choosing to be here with us to guide us, to love us, to help us be better beings . With folded hands grace
It is often that Buddhists of other doctrines find Vajrayana’s “Namo Guru” quite baffling and beyond their capacity to comprehend.
Buddhism is a very profound philosophy and religion, depth of which really cannot be read and understood until experienced. Without a Guru to guide us through and see (like a mirror) the flaws of samsara and our relationship with it, it is not easy to realise the true nature of things. Which empty of inherent value.
Guru devotion is the only magnet that enables practising Buddhists to hold on to the perfectness of the Dharma, which is by nature the opposite of what is norm and being indoctrinated in this world.
I agree with LiKheng, our Guru is the serum that enhances our practise and shower us with the ability to have an open and vast mind.
DEAR LI Kheng,
很感谢您发表了这篇文章，您说出了现代的人对于物质的执着，小孩对佣人的依赖， 三毒：贪·嗔·痴的烦恼，对于上师的疑问 ！
在还没进入KECHARA认识仁波切之前,我对“佛教”只是抱着别人拜拜我也跟着拜拜的心态，还有一直抱着为自己祈求的心态，完全执着着“我” ！
自从成为上师詹仁波切弟子后，我对于佛教和佛法看法完全改观 ！仁波切时常提醒我们，心识转化是那么的重要，因为在面对着现在的人·事·物， 往往都会让我们烦恼生起，心事转化就是一把“珍贵的钥匙”，把所有所谓的“问题”以宽容的心消化掉 ！而且，上师运用各种不同的管道，如克切拉13个不同部门，如香积厨KSK,KECHARA PARADISE,KSA,KO等等部门，让大众参与，为了让大家参与佛法事业，累积功德！
还有上师一直的在用心和不间断的提醒与鼓励我们，多参与佛法活动和开始“四加行前行”，让我们在修行的路上得到成就！上师依止心对修行者极为的重要，就如密拉日巴尊者对祂上师的依止心而证得佛果！
上师就是一把“珍贵的钥匙”，让修行的人以正确和快速的途径，在修行的道路得到成就 ！
Before I join Kechara…
I totally know nothing about guru….
why Guru so important…
Thanks for ur sharing…
The concept of guru devotion is not one that is easy to grasp and yet makes a lot of sense. That is one of the reason why Tibetan Buddhism is so appealing to some.
I have heard people gave many of their own definition what is guru devotion to them. Everyone has their own versions of what guru devotion entails. For me the most comprehensive guide to guru devotion that I have read is Ashvagosha’s Fifty Stanzas of Guru Devotion. Someone once told me when they read the 50 stanzas of guru devotion, it scared them but there are others who found these verses beautiful.
Serum vs syndrome, a matter of perspective. Our perception is what determines something to be negative or positive. So what is the truth? I think no matter what is being said about what is the truth, for most of us we only have the capacity to grasp what our mind and awareness can comprehend at the time. Hence truth for us is merely based on our perception which is ever-changing.
I think we often ask ourselves the wrong questions hence we often give ourselves the wrong answer. Whatever the guru ask you to do, stop focusing on what you like or doesn’t like, what offends you or pleases you, what you have to gain or lose, instead focus on does it harm you or those around you. I think if we can sincerely ask this question and answer it, we will know what is the right thing to do.
Thank you Pastor Moh Mei for your comment!
I know what you mean about some people being scared by the 50 stanzas of Guru Devotion. Many people come up with the excuse that they are not ready to practice Guru devotion … that they are not capable of it … etc.
Actually, each and everyone of us are already practicing Guru Devotion. In fact, we have even mastered it. The good question is WHICH GURU DID WE TAKE REFUGE IN? Have we not been so devoted to a particular object that despite the pain it caused us, we remain loyal and committed? For example, is our ego, not a “guru” we devoted ourselves to almost all our lives? We are willing to do anything to protect and serve our ego despite the lack of long-term contentment we derive from it.
We are all capable of practicing Guru Devotion here and now. It is a matter willingness.
This is good news 🙂
Thank You Li Kheng for the great article which I learnt more in depth about Guru Devotion (at least I am better of now to explain to others about the crucial of Guru Devotion).
I like your statement: “Spirituality is like the soul food that adds depth and humanity to worldly activities and material accomplishments while the Guru is the “serum” that boosts this nourishment.” I have received question such as why not rely on Buddha instead of Guru as it is dangerous. A lot of us always do not see thing in bigger picture or we always focus or see the spot on leopard instead of seeing full leopard body. We thought we understand Dharma but a lot of us have wrong understanding on Dharma without realizing it, that is dangerous. We will end up practice on wrong view and drifting away from Dharma. Hence, as stated in Lamrim that we should observe and choose our Guru carefully, once we have made up our mind, then we should follow His instruction and teaching all the way without any doubt or being selective.
Thank You again Li Kheng.
Dear Soon Huat,
I agree with you that we should study a Guru carefully before taking the crucial step of establishing a Guru-Disciple relationship. This is one relationship that can last over several lifetimes and lead us to peace and liberation from the vicious and uncontrolled cycle of samsaric life.
We have secular relationships that we would invest a lot of time and effort in. Including relationships that has made us miserable, more angry and defensive. So, why not put effort in finding the “perfect” Guru for our spiritual relationship and growth?!?
In this era where Cyber Lamas like Tsem Rinpoche manifest, everyone in search of a spiritual guide has access at the click of a finger. This potent serum is made available to all at no cost except a commitment to enrich oneself spiritually.
This is the power of the information age 🙂
“If a Guru can be the bridge between you and the Three Jewels until you reach a level of spiritual awakening that enables you to reconnect directly, would it not be sensible to cross this bridge?”
OR Would it not be sensible to have that bridge and then use it to help us get across?! Yes that is exactly what Rinpoche has always mentioned that a real Guru will always use himself to help the students change their perspective and transform their mind.
The Guru will always help us in our spiritual growth and improvements, creating awareness on our bad habits in thoughts and actions that we may otherwise previously without even realising, is the cause for all our suffering. For instance a Guru is the only one who dares to challenge us, to point out our misconceptions, bad habituations, ugly behaviours which no one else dares. “Tough love” as Li Kheng mentioned in the post! Only a genuine Guru who truly cares for our enlightenment would love us enough to take the ‘risk’ of being ‘hated’ because He only wishes for us to have less suffering due to our negative habituations which got us no where or in trouble in the first place. A Guru who is genuine would even allow sinners, thieves and psychopaths a chance to redeem themselves, if only they were sincere and request for the chance, and the Guru will still give equal love and opportunity to them to become better albeit a different method!
If we are truly “happy” and everything is “perfect” then why do we need a “Guru” for or even bother to seek for one? It is obviously because we know we need some guidance. The Guru is the doctor and we the patient, hence there must be something we’re not happy about in ourselves or situation that has led us to seek spiritual help.
On the other hand a fake or superficial Guru who has ulterior motives besides our “enlightenment” may very well shower us with compliments so that you are happy and keep the donations flowing in. That is very easy for any Guru to do, they just do not point out the ugly truth about us and keep on saying we’re good. Therefore we have to ask ourselves, most importantly is why do we want a Guru for? And Li Kheng pointed it out… the Guru is the bridge that connects us back to our true nature, to our inner Guru… until we’ve achieved that stage, we rely on a spiritual friend ~ The Guru.
Yes I do agree the word “syndrome” has a negative connotation and if we are relying on the Guru in this manner, we have certainly got the concept wrong, however Li Kheng perspective of Guru serum is definitely the right attitude we should have towards one’s Guru. And to know and appreciate this one must remember all the kindness the Guru has shown us and done for us, even the scoldings for our bad behaviours which helps us stop creating ugly memories and negative karmas for ourselves.
Spirituality is like the soul food that adds depth and humanity to worldly activities and material accomplishments while the Guru is the “serum” that boosts this nourishment.
Thank you Li Kheng for this great down to earth article on Guru Devotion and the best part is you walk the talk 🙂 Thank you, I really enjoyed reading it and your sincere devotion.
Li Kheng, thanks for your article.
It is simple to understand and most importantly help me understand the meaning of Guru. You provide good examples and quotes.
Some of the points I learned :
1) A Guru liberates and guide us to make the spiritual journey easier with clarity, support and encouragement.
2) Guru is the one who love and cares for us unconditionally and he is willing to put so much effort just so that we are on the right spiritual path.
3) Though the method of ‘tough love’ is not easy to be accepted by many especially on spiritual path but it is effective. There is no easy way out for things and especially when our mind are so polluted.
I hope more people would understand Guru Devotion after readding this article and follow the “prescription” given by our Guru.
Thanks.
I can relate to Li Kheng’s article because I was asked similar question by friends and families when they found out I practice Tibetan Buddhism; “Why do you Tibetan Buddhists have this Guru syndrome whereby you emphasise so much on your teacher?”. Therefore it is resounding for me to read that “Spirituality is like the soul food that adds depth and humanity to worldly activities and material accomplishments while the Guru is the “serum” that boosts this nourishment.” The Guru is the one who liberates us, gives us clarity and leads us on the path of spirituality. The Guru’s love for his student is akin to the love of parents to their children; unconditional. And just like any parents, firm and strict teaching is necessary to ensure the children grow in the right way. I like how Li Kheng put it; “tough love”.
Some of us may not agree to the “tough love” approach. But I’d like to think that the Guru can choose the easy way out. Does the Guru get anything when we are successful in our spiritual path? It is something worth pondering about.
Thank you Rinpoche and Li Kheng for this article that provide us with a deeper perspective towards the meaning of Guru Devotion.
Humbly, bowing down,
Stella Cheang
Dear Li Kheng,
Thank you for the wonderful article and your insights on Guru Devotion. I love the examples and quotes you mentioned in the article.
What you wrote is clearly what most of us are searching for and not understanding it. We have a Living Buddha to guide us, teach us, scold us, love us, bringing us 1 step closer to enlightenment.. yet we often do not cherish the knowledge, the wisdom and words of love of our Guru.
Thank you for opening my mind to think deeper, and also to explain to others why I need my Guru 🙂
Thank you for this article. I like the quotes on guru devotion from Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen Rinpoche and Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Here is a quote from H.E. Tsem Rinpoche which I like very much: “I have been scolded by my Gurus many times, sometimes in public and very fiercely. I never justified or tried to explain or try to look good. I never tried to explain myself to recover ‘face’. I folded my hands, apologized and prostrated if space allowed. I looked deeper into my teacher’s scoldings and there was no need to fb it or tell others, but just internalize it. When you can do that, then you deserve a guru, otherwise we are just parrots parroting the Buddha’s teachings. Going through the motions and fooling ourselves to think we are doing dharma when we are even using dharma to enhance our neurosis. When you have a guru, there will be real progress as statues and thangkas at our levels can never correct or teach us. It’s what we really want deep down inside which determines our conviction and guru devotion.” Tsem Rinpoche (2014)