What can we Expect from an Authentic Guru?

Some years ago my Master Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, wrote down a verse in which he describes the qualities of a true Guru. I have not come across another writing that does this as well or with such poetic eloquence.


I may have posted this in the past, but I feel moved to share it again.

In these days of fake 'Gurus,' those who have not had the great good fortune as yet, to connect with an authentic Master, might be easily misled and then eventually, disheartened on their spiritual journey. Therefore it is very important to know what qualities to expect to in a spiritual teacher.

All manner of views and opinions abound on this particular topic, where even sports heroes are adored and venerated. It is not easy to know when a thing is true or not, but the deeply sincere will find out sooner or later.

The old saying; 'When the disciple is ready, the Master will appear,'
is as true now as ever it was.

Even in this day and age, without a doubt, we can trust that these Masters exist in flesh and bone, even if they do not always appear in a way that we might expect.  We, who are caught up in the webs of illusion, are never forsaken by the truly wise and compassionate 'Lions among Men.'

To my mind, Khyentse Rinpoche's following description is one of hope and inspiration for those few rare souls who, in their heart of hearts, know, that in essence, we are so much more than we can even imagine.

A true Guru is a 'beacon' in every sense of the word and shines a brilliant light on the most vital and essential truths known to man.

This verse is a wonderful reminder of the importance and guiding inspiration that the true Guru offers to all beings alike...

(In these days of 'political correctness' I should perhaps mention that all uses of the word 'he' are inclusive of 'she, it' or whatever. In our inmost nature, we are genderless and without boundaries or separation.)

***

"The master is like a great ship for beings to cross the perilous ocean of existence,

an unerring captain who guides them to the dry land of liberation,

a rain that extinguishes the fire of the passions,

a bright sun and moon that dispels the darkness of ignorance,

a firm ground that can bear the weight of both good and bad,

a wish-fulfilling tree that bestows temporal happiness and ultimate bliss,

a treasury of vast and deep instructions,

a wish-fulfilling jewel granting all the qualities of realization,

a father and a mother giving their love equally to all sentient beings,

a great river of compassion,

a mountain rising above worldly concerns unshaken by the winds of emotions,

and a great cloud filled with rain to soothe the torments of the passions.

In brief, he is the equal of all the Buddhas.

To make any connection with him, whether through seeing him, hearing his voice, remembering him, or being touched by his hand, will lead us toward liberation.

To have full confidence in him is the sure way to progress toward enlightenment.

The warmth of his wisdom and compassion will melt the core of our being and release the gold of the Buddha-nature within.”

Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.