Question asked by Jacqueline
Greetings from Idaho! I've been studying the teachings of His Excellency on YouTube and this
Blog.I've also bought the books and videos that are available on Amazon. I've been doing the daily purification practices and several others that I found on the blog. I've seen real positive changes in my life and believe in H.E. as my guru.
My question is this. Should I continue as I am or travel to the only Tibetan centre in my vicinity which is two hours away which is a Dzochen centre. They say on their site that they have a teacher but the Lama comes rarely. Much gratitude for the knowledge I've received!
Dear Jacqueline,
Thank you for your question. I am happy to read that you have experienced positive changes in your life through daily practice. The practices on this blog can have a very positive effect in one’s life if practiced with sincerity, which it seems that you have. I am very happy that this blog has made a positive imprint in your life.
It is entirely up to you if you would like to carry on as you are or join the Dzogchen centre. However you may want to keep some points in mind. If, in your heart, you have accepted His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche as your Guru, then you should carry on as you are. You can always contact the Kechara pastors if you have any questions or need guidance in your spiritual path.
Secondly, the Dzogchen centre most likely follows the Nyingma tradition while Kechara belongs to the Gelug tradition. While each Buddhist tradition leads to enlightenment, they follow slightly different paths and methods to reach this enlightened state. Therefore the methods and practices taught at the centre will be different from those presented on this blog. As such this may lead to confusion on your spiritual path if you are practicing both.
Generally speaking, practitioners follow one specific tradition and one Guru. This way there is no confusion and one is able to concentrate whole heartedly in one’s practice. Even though all Buddhist paths are valid as long as they can be traced back to Buddha Shakyamuni and other enlightened beings, it is always recommended to follow one path.
Whatever you decide, please follow all the way with the decision you make and progress on your spiritual path until you reach enlightenment. I hope this helps. Please do post again if you have any further questions regarding this.
Thank you.