Guru Devotion in the Four Tibetan Traditions

Student's letter

As I mentioned to you in person, I could never feel any connection with Tsongkhapa, although I tried. To be one hundred percent honest with you, in the Gelug tradition, my only connection was with you, the Kadampa precious masters, or anything related to the Chakrasamvara tantra. 

You are my lama, I have learned so much from you and your spiritual son. When I think of you, bodhicitta is what comes to mind. I am indebted to you for your incredible kindness and how you took care of me in every way, spiritually and materially.

But I have to go back home to my dear and precious practices. Without them and the lineage I am like a wandering dog, searching but not finding, not able to rest and feel at home, with something not quite right, and, therefore, not so useful to others. 

Rinpoche's Response

Dear Jim,
Thank you very much for your letter. I do remember those discussions we had.

Continue guru devotion meditation; it is the same in the four traditions. Then, a very important meditation is on the three principles of the path, as this is the most important for all four traditions.

• The Four Transformations of the Mind [Four Thoughts That Turn the Mind to the Dharma; Tib: lodok namshyi] is from the Kagyu and Nyingma.
• Parting from the Four Attachments [Tib: zhen pa zhi drel] is from the Sakya. Meditate on those and try to have realizations on the basis of guru devotion.

When you have a realization of bodhicitta, then spend more time on tantra. You will meet Drikung Rinpoche when the karma ripens, if you cannot travel now.

Thank you. Enjoy life with bodhicitta,