ALLISON CHOYING ZANGMO is Anyen Rinpoche's personal translator and
a longtime student of both Rinpoche and his root lama, Kyabje Tsara
Dharmakirti. She has either translated or collaborated with
Rinpoche on all of his books. She lives in Denver, Colorado.
CAROLYN KANJURO was a writer and creative collaborator. She served
as creative director for Secrets of the World, an award-winning
audio series for children featuring global storytellers, and taught
meditation, theater, and contemplative archery to kids throughout
North America.
“Filled with vivid reflections on their personal experiences as
followers and teachers of Buddhism, this guidebook offers modern
students valuable advice and models on how to orient themselves
towards the Dharma, the Teacher, and the Sangha to fulfill their
highest aspirations.”—Tulku Thondup, author of The Heart of
Unconditional Love
“This is a helpful book written by two American women, both married
to their teachers, who offer guidance on the traditional approach
of the guru in Vajrayana—a heart connection based on total trust
and devotion. This willingness to surrender should leave us
open to receive the guru’s blessings like an empty vessel ready to
be filled, unlike any ordinary relationship. Although this
imbalance of power could be a sad cause for abuse and exploitation,
here the authors discuss the ideal association with a fully
qualified guru who embodies bodhichitta and is worthy of
trust.”—Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, author of Reflections on a Mountain
Lake
“For a student on the Vajrayana path, nothing is more important
than choosing and committing to a guru. This little book, clearly
written by two Western Vajrayana students in language Westerners
can understand, offers simple and straightforward advice on how to
prepare well for a devoted lifetime relationship with a vajra
master. These writers should know—both were married to realized
masters.”—Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse, author of The Guru Drinks
Bourbon?
“It is a joy to endorse this important book compiled with great
care by Allison Choying Zangmo on behalf of her dharma sister,
Carolyn Kanjuro. Together they offer advice and guidelines on the
subject of devotion to the spiritual master based on their personal
experiences. Since my life has taken a similar course, I have long
known that the most important relationship that one can cultivate
in life is with one’s spiritual guide. I also know that this
remains one of the most misunderstood areas of spiritual
development for western seekers. Once becoming a Buddhist, one of
the first texts that I was fortunate to receive teachings on was
the Fifty Verses of Guru Devotion by the Indian Acharya Tayang.
It is crucial for disciples of dharma, and in particular Vajrayana,
to receive instructions on the qualifications of a true spiritual
master and the qualifications of the disciple. Given that this is
the backbone for the timeless process of lineage blessings and
transmissions, this book and the insight, inspiration, and truth
that it reveals are especially timely at this juncture.”—Sangye
Khandro, cotranslator of Essence of Clear Light
“Painful revelations in many sanghas, especially over the past few
years, have left some wondering what a guru is good for these days.
The authors highlight the essential role that student-teacher
relationships have held throughout history and provide personal
stories to help readers find the right teacher and navigate this
complex connection.”—Tricycle: The Buddhist Review
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