The pivotal role of Vajra Masters in transmitting the Dharma
Adele Tomlin transcribed the teachings of the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa on the Fifty Verses on the Guru, which emphasize the importance of vajra masters and the reverence shown to them by Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
The text elucidates how these enlightened beings prostrate to qualified vajra masters, emphasizing their pivotal role in transmitting the Dharma and benefiting sentient beings.
Despite being ordinary individuals, vajra masters are revered for their ability to carry out the work of enlightenment.
However, the Karmapa cautions against blindly following anyone labeled as a guru, stressing the importance of discernment and thorough examination to determine a teacher’s qualifications.
Through anecdotes and explanations drawn from Tibetan commentaries, this teaching underscores the essence of respecting and honoring authentic spiritual guides while navigating the complexities of spiritual discernment.
