Knowledge from past lives

[hope rainbow]

One theory I have heard about why some Lamas "go away" from the path (or so it seems) is that their students have created a break in samaya and therefore create the cause for themselves to be away from their Lamas and not receive the teachings.

This shows that a teacher only makes sense if:
1. there are students to teach to,
2. that these students practice the teachings.

It is all wonderful to listen to teachings, but if nobody practices the teachings, there is no purpose for the teacher.
A Dharma teaching is not another form of entertainment.

[Big Uncle]

One theory I have heard about why some Lamas "go away" from the path (or so it seems) is that their students have created a break in samaya and therefore create the cause for themselves to be away from their Lamas and not receive the teachings.

This shows that a teacher only makes sense if:
1. there are students to teach to,
2. that these students practice the teachings.

It is all wonderful to listen to teachings, but if nobody practices the teachings, there is no purpose for the teacher.
A Dharma teaching is not another form of entertainment.

The Lama goes away or does not manifest his previous lives' activities because it is a last great teaching to the students of his previous lives to change now. The students would have countless warnings and teachings beforehand to understand the significance of this move. This drastic move is because all other methods had failed in the past and I think the Lama has to compassionately let his students realize things before it is too late. Every teaching and action by the Lama is motivated by compassion... Even the very act of separation.

[DSFriend]

It is all wonderful to listen to teachings, but if nobody practices the teachings, there is no purpose for the teacher.
A Dharma teaching is not another form of entertainment.

Well said. And should be taken as a reminder always.

[Helena]

Such an interesting discussion here.

I think we can see a real life example of this happening - when the students do not practice the teachings or have gone against the teacher's wishes or instructions, the teacher's great work cannot manifest.

Hence, if the teacher's great work cannot manifest, the teacher will not see any point in staying.

More than going away, the teacher may even leave and disrobe.

Case in point, Lama Yeshe's current incarnation, Lama Osel.

It is beyond sad. It is a tragedy!

A teacher's great compassionate work will benefit so so many beings. Hundreds and possibly even thousands. Not just this lifetime, but even consider how much Dharma seeds he or she could have planted as well.

Without the teacher, no student can come into his or her full potential.

Not only does our path to Enlightenment ends, we have also destroyed the precious chance for others to gain any sort of Enlightenment and Dharma.

That is a HUGE LOSS.

Immeasurable.

[DSFriend]

Case in point, Lama Yeshe's current incarnation, Lama Osel.

It is beyond sad. It is a tragedy!

What will happen to FPMT in the near future when Lama Zopa manifests impermanence?