My very dear James,Thank you very much for your kind email. Regarding your question, first you have to decide if you can devote to the lama as your virtuous friend.

My very, very, very dear Tony,Thank you very, very, very, very much for your kind letter, expressing what you feel.In regards to your question about teachers, it is very good to remember those who you have made a Dharma connection with; that is the o

Student's letterAs I mentioned to you in person, I could never feel any connection with Tsongkhapa, although I tried.

Student's letterDear Lama Zopa Rinpoche,I am from Finland, but I have been living in Dharamsala since last summer. I am writing to you because I would like to have a meeting with you to receive some guidance and advice for my practice.

My very dear Charlotte,Of course you know this, but I wanted to mention to you to be careful meeting other lamas (gurus) and receiving teachings and initiations.

There is another important piece of advice that I thought of telling you some weeks ago, in regards to taking teachings and initiations from a lama in a guru and disciple relationship.

My very dear one,

My most dear Celia,Billions of thanks for your kind letter, explaining and giving me all your information.

Rinpoche gave the following advice to a student at Lawudo Retreat Centre about the merit of working for the guru.

A student wrote to Rinpoche offering the recitations she had completed after he manifested a stroke in April 2011. The recitations were dedicated to Rinpoche’s good health, long life and happiness. She thanked Rinpoche for his continuing inspiration and asked for advice regarding her own practice.