One of the unique and precious aspects of Tibetan Buddhism is the authentic transmission of teaching and realization in an unbroken lineage from master to disciple that extends directly back to the Buddha. Sogyal Rinpoche expresses his appreciation and devotion for his masters in the Tibetan Book of Living and Dying in this way:

“ All that I have realized I have realized through devotion to my masters. Increasingly, as I go on teaching, I become aware, humbly and with real awe, of how their blessings are beginning to work through me. I am nothing without their blessing, and if there is anything I feel I can do, it is acting as a bridge between you and them. Again and again, I notice that when I speak of my masters in my teaching, my devotion to them inspires a vision of devotion in those listening, and in those marvelous moments I feel my masters are present, blessing and opening the hearts of my students to the truth.”

“ It is my devotion to my masters that gives me the strength to teach, and the openness and receptivity to learn and go on learning. Dilgo Khysentse Rinpoche himself never stopped humbly receiving teachings from other masters, and often those who were his own disciples. The devotion that gives the inspiraton to teach, then, is also the devotion that gives the humility to go on learning.”