1. Fifty Stanzas on the Spiritual Teacher

2. 2 Fifty Stanzas on the Spiritual Teacher 上师五十法颂 Homage to the Bhagavan Vajrasattva. 敬 礼 如 来 金 刚 心 jing li ru lai jin gang xin Bowing in the proper way to the lotus feet of my spiritual teacher who is the cause for me to atta in the state of a glorious Vajrasattva, I shall condense and explain in brief what has been said in many stainless tantric texts about whole - hearted commitment to a spiritual teacher. Listen with respect. 能 得 吉 祥 金 刚 心 地 因 ， neng de ji xi ang jin gang xin di yin 次 第 顶 礼 上 师 莲 座 下 ； ci di ding li shang shi lian zuo xia 拜 师 无 数 根 本 清 经 内， pai shi wu shu gen ben qing jin nei 重 点 少 集 说 此 应 礼 听。 zhong dian shao ji shuo ci ying li ting All the Buddhas residing in every land in the ten directions have prostrated three times (each day) to the tantric masters from whom they have received the highest empowerments. Is there need to mention that you should too?) 所 有 十 方 世 界 中， 佛 及 菩 萨 三 时 时； suo you shi fang shi jie zhong fo ji pu sa san shi shi 礼 拜 金 刚 阿 阇 黎， 灌 顶 大 上 金 刚 师。 li pai jin gang ah she li kuan ding da shang jin gang shi

14. 14 After a disciple has taken refuge in the Triple Gem and developed a pure (Enlightened Motive), he should be given this (text) to recite daily (how to abandon his own arrogant self - will and) follow in his teacher’s footsteps (along the graded path to Enlightenment). 弟 子 清 净 有 信 心，皈 依 稀 有 三 宝 后； di zi qing jing you xin xin gui yi xi you san bao hou 能 后 随 师 咕 噜 法，传 子 日 夜 为 常 诵。 neng hou sui shi gu lu fa chuan zi ri ye wei cha ng song (By studying the prerequisite training in a whole - hearted commitment to a teacher and the graded path, common to both sutra and tantra), you will become a (suitable) vessel (to hold) the pure Dharma. You may then be given such teachings as tan tra. After receiving the proper empowerments, read out loud the fourteen root vows and take them sincerely to heart. 及 授 金 刚 密 咒 等，令 作 弟 子 正 法 盆； ji shou jin gang mi zhou deng ling zuo di zi zheng fa pen 堕 落 根 本 十 四 戒，应 当 观 背 诵 持 严。 duo luo gen ben shi si jie ying dang guan bei song chi yan As I have not made the mistake when writing this work (of adding my personal interpretations), may this be of infinite b enefit to all disciples who would follow their teachers. By the limitless positive potential I have built up in this way, may all sentient beings quickly attain to the state of Buddha. 依 教 随 顺 上 师 行 学 子， yi jiao sui shun shang shi xing xue zi 一 切 得 成 无 缺 上 师 法； yi qie de cheng wu que shang shi fa 我 作 所 集 无 边 善 德 缘， wo zuo suo ji wu bian shan de yuan 愿 与 众 生 万 速 胜 利 成。 yuan yu zhong sheng wan su sheng li cheng

12. 12 If you are (requested) to perform a consecration, (an initiation into) a mandala or a fire offering ceremony or to gather disciples and deliver a discou rse, you may not do so if your spiritual teacher resides in that area, unless you receive his prior permission. 开 光 坛 城 火 供 等，说 法 集 子 度 弟 子； kai guang tan cheng huo gong deng shuo fa ji zi du di zi 同 城 金 刚 上 师 居，一 切 无 旨 不 应 作。 tong cheng jin gang shang shi ju yi qie wu zhi bu ying zuo Whatever offerings you receive from performing such rites as (the consecration known as) Opening the Eyes, you should present all th ese to your spiritual teacher. Once he has taken a token portion, you may use the rest for whatever you like. 开 光 说 法 等 所 得，净 施 悉 以 奉 其 师； kai guang shuo fa deng suo de jing shi xi yi feng qi shi 师 纳 受 后 留 让 财，随 得 可 用 自 所 需。 shi na shou hou liu rang cai sui de ke yong zi suo xu In the presence of his teacher a disciple should not act (as a spiritual teacher) to his own disciples and they should not ac t towards him as their spiritual teacher. Therefore (before your own teacher) stop (your disciples) from showing you respect such as rising (when you come) and making prostrations. 师 子 金 兄 不 为 徒，自 徒 说 法 受 礼 拜； shi zi jin xiong bu wei tu zi tu shuo fa shou li bai 接 受 承 事 礼 敬 等，应 止 金 刚 上 师 前。 jie shou cheng shi li jing deng ying zhi jing gang shang shi qian Whenever you make an offering to your teacher or wheneve r your teacher presents your with something, a disciple with sense will (present and) receive this using both hands and his head slightly bent. 若 物 供 养 上 师 时，或 有 上 师 所 施 时； ruo wu gong yang shang shi shi huo you shang shi s uo shi shi

11. 11 After doing (what your teacher has told you), report (what has happened) in polite, gentle words. Should you laugh or cough, (clear your throat or yawn in his presence), cover your mouth with y our hand. 有 笑 嗽 时 上 师 前，应 当 则 以 手 遮 口； you xiao sou shi shang shi qian ying dang ze yi shou zhe kou 若 有 完 事 白 上 师，当 无 得 意 软 语 明。 ruo you wan shi bai shang shi dang wu de yi r uan yu ming If you wish to receive a certain teaching, request three times with your palms pressed together while kneeling before him on your (right ) knee. (Then at his discourse) sit humbly with respect, wearing appropriate that is neat (and clean, without ornaments, jewellery or cosmetics). 净 心 前 来 欲 听 法，上 师 前 坐 具 威 仪； jing xin qian lai yu ting fa shang shi qian zuo ju wei yi 心 身 衣 等 规 律 正，合 掌 前 跪 应 三 请。 xin shen yi deng gui lu zheng he zhang qian gui ying san qing Whatever you do to serve (your teacher) or show him respect should never be done with an arr ogant mind. Instead, you should ever be like a newly - web bride, timid, bashful and very subdued. 供 养 上 师 与 时 时，舍 离 野 心 憍 慢 心 ； gong yang shang shi yu shi shi she li ye xin jiao man xin 三 门 当 如 初 适 嫁，摄 心 低 颜 甚 惭 赧。 san men dang ru chu shi jia she xin di yan shen can nan In the presence of (the spiritual master) who teaches you (the path), stop acting in a conceited, coquettish manner. As for all other (improper) actions like these, examine them yourself and discard (what is wrong). 严 身 具 等 生 爱 乐，不 得 现 於 上 师 前； yan shen ju deng sheng ai le bu de xian yu shang shi qian 余 事 一 切 自 思 惟，切 勿 自 作 当 远 离 。 yu shi yi qie zi si wei qie wu zi zuo dang yuan li

7. 7 Those who wish (to attain) the inexhaustible (state of Buddha’s Wisdom Body) should gi ve to their teacher whatever they themselves find pleasing, from the most trifling objects to those of best quality. 有 心 要 得 无 尽 成，所 有 最 上 诸 珍 玩； you xin yao de wu jin cheng suo you zui shang zhu zhen wan 上 师 心 中 欢 喜 物，长 时 诚 心 而 奉 献。 shang shi xin zhong huan xi wu zhang shi cheng xin er feng xian Giving (to your teacher) is the same as making continual offerings to all the Buddhas. From such generosity much positive potential is gathered. From such collection comes the supreme actual attainment (of Buddhahood). 施 供 金 刚 阿 阇 黎，永 施 所 有 布 达 等； shi gong jin gang ah she li yong shi suo you bu da deng 所 以 此 事 福 德 德，福 德 能 得 金 刚 成。 suo yi ci shi fu de de fu de neng de jin gang cheng Therefore, a disciple with the good qualities of compassion, generosity, moral self - control and patience should never regard as different his spiritu al teacher and the Buddha Vajradhara. 所 以 想 学 求 法 者，有 了 具 戒 忍 功 德； suo yi xiang xue qiu fa zhe you le ju jie ren gong de 慈 心 圆 满 优 越 子，咕 噜 无 二 金 刚 持。 ci xin yuan man you yue zi gu lu wu er jin gang chi If you should never tread on even (your teacher’s) shadow, because the fearsome consequences are the same as destroying a stupa, is there need to mention never stepping on or over his shoes or seat , (sitting in his place or riding) his mount? 若 足 踏 过 上 师 影，获 罪 恐 怖 如 破 塔； ruo zu ta guo shang shi ying huo zui kong bu ru po ta 於 床 坐 鞋 等 资 具，蓦 过 获 罪 何 况 说 ? yu chuang zuo xie deng zi ju mo guo huo zui he ku ang shuo

8. 8 (A disciple) having great sense should obey the words of his teacher joyfully and with enthusiasm. If you lack the knowledge or ability (to do what he says), explain in (polite) words why you cannot (comply) 大 慧 弟 子 欢 喜 心，上 师 指 导 当 听 受； da hui di zi huan xi xin shang shi zhi dao dang ting shou 真 是 超 力 不 能 为，则 善 言 恭 请 禀 白。 zhen shi chao li bu neng wei ze shan yan gong qing bing bai It is from your spiritu al teacher that actual attainments, higher rebirth and happiness come. Therefore make a whole - hearted effort never to transgress your teacher’s advice. 依 止 咕 噜 阿 阇 黎，成 就 生 天 现 乐 成； yi zhi gu lu ah she li cheng jiu sheng tian xian le cheng 所 以 一 切 力 所 为，当 受 师 命 不 违 背。 suo yi yi qie li suo wei dang shou shi ming bu wei bei (Guard) your teacher’s belongings as your would your own life. Treat even yo ur teacher’s beloved (family) with the same (respect you show) for him. (Have affectionate regard for) those closely around him as if they were your own dearest kin. Single - mindedly think (in this way) at all times. 咕 噜 财 物 犹 如 命，上 师 心 爱 如 师 敬； gu lu cai wu you ru ming shang shi xin ai ru shi jing 於 彼 上 师 执 侍 人，如 亲 常 时 恭 敬 心。 yu bi shang shi zhi shi ren ru qing chang shi gong jing xin Never sit on the (sam e) bed or seat (as your teacher), nor walk ahead of him. (At teachings do not) wear your hair in a top - knot, (a hat, shoes or any weapons. Never) touch a seat (before he sits down or if he happens to sit on the ground. Do not) place your hands (proudly) on your hips or wring them (before him). 不 应 金 刚 上 师 前，包 头 顶 高 坐 前 去； bu ying jin gang shang shi qian bao tou ding gao zuo qian qu 翘 足 踏 坐 手 叉 腰，安 然 按 腰 上 师 前。 qiao zu ta zuo shou cha yao an ran an yao shang sh i qian

9. 9 Never sit or recline while your teacher is standing (nor lie while he is sitting). Always be ready to stand up and serve him skillfully in an excellent manner. 金 刚 咕 噜 站 起 时，应 当 勿 坐 或 勿 卧； jin gang gu lu zhan qi shi ying dang wu zuo huo wu wo 常 具 敬 供 诸 威 仪，站 会 全 事 欢 喜 事。 chang ju jing gong zhu wei yi zhan hui quan shi huan xi shi In the presence of your teacher never do such things as spit, (cough or snee ze without covering your head. Never) stretch out your legs when at your seat, nor walk back and forth (without reason before him. And never) argue. 无 弃 涕 唾 上 师 前，坐 时 勿 舒 於 双 足； wu qi ti tuo shang shi qian zuo shi wu shu yu shuang zu 师 处 举 步 随 口 诤，应 当 不 作 上 师 前。 shi chu ju bu sui kou zheng ying dang bu zuo shang shi qian Never massage or rub your limbs. Do not sing, dance or play musical instruments (for other than religious purposes). And never chatter idly or speak in excess (or too loudly) within the range of (your teacher’s) hearing. 上 师 行 处 邻 近 傍，语 笑 歌 舞 言 作 唱； shang shi xing chu lin jin bang yu xiao ge wu yan zuo chang 亦 勿 金 刚 上 师 前，手 足 揉 等 无 敬 行。 yi wu jin gang shang shi qian shou zu rou deng wu jing xing (When your spiritual teacher enters the room) stand up from your seat and bow your head slightly. Sit (in his presence) respectfully. At night or at rivers or on dangerous paths, with (your teacher’s) permission you may walk before him. 常 时 咕 噜 坐 或 起，各 按 坐 起 徐 礼 敬； chang shi gu lu zuo huo qi ge an zuo qi xu li jing 夜 水 危 险 路 行 中，许 准 后 自 作 前 导。 ye shui wei xian lu xing chong xu zhun hou zi zuo qian d ao

10. 10 In the direct sight of his teacher, (a disciple) with sense should not (sit) with his body twisted around, nor leaning (casually) against pillars and such. Never crack your knuckles, (play with your fingers or clean your nails). 阿 阇 黎 前 或 见 处，有 智 不 应 现 疲 身； ah she li qian huo jian chu you zhi bu ying xian pi shen 不 倚 柱 及 墙 壁 等，亦 不 屈 指 节 作 声。 bu yi zhu ji qiang bi deng yi bu qu zhi jie zuo sheng When washing (your teacher’s) feet or his body, drying, massaging or (shaving) him, precede such actions with (three) prostrations and at their conclusion do the same. Then attend (to yourself) as much as you like). 若 须 替 师 浴 身 足，濯 足 身 等 奉 侍 时； ruo xu ti shi yu shen zu shuo zu shen deng feng shi shi 先 白 顶 礼 师 令 知，完 后 顶 礼 自 作 事。 xian bai ding li shi ling zhi wan hou ding li zhi zuo shi Should you need to address (your spiritual teacher) by his name, add the title “Your Presence” after it. To generate respect for him in others, further ho norifics may also be used. 弟 子 名 称 上 师 前，不 称 只 名 下 有 礼； di zi ming cheng shang shi qian bu cheng zhi ming xia you li 为 得 恭 敬 余 人 前，上 师 名 前 特 点 称。 wei de gong jing yu ren qian shang shi ming qian te dian cheng When asking for your teacher’s advice, (first announce why you have come). With palms pressed together at your heart, listen to what tells you without (letting your mind) wander about. Then (when he has spoken) you shou ld reply, “I shall do exactly as you have said.” 先 请 何 作 上 师 令，说 全 尊 照 上 师 令， xian qing he zuo shang shi ling shuo qian zun zhao shang shi ling 双 手 合 掌 心 耳 一，乐 心 忆 持 咕 噜 令。 suang shou he zhang xin er yi le xin yi chi gu lu ling

4. 4 A disciple with sense should not accept as his spiritual teacher someone who lacks compassion or who is angersome, vicious or arrogant, possessive, undisciplined or boasts of his knowledge. 真 慈 放 弃 黑 心 怒，无 戒 慠 心 贪 心 心， zhen ci fang qi hei xin nu wu jie ao xin tan xin xin 多 散 心 乱 此 族 等，有 智 弟 子 以 慧 拣。 duo san xin luan ci zu deng you zhi di zi yi hui jian (A spiritual teacher should be) stable (i n his actions), cultivated (in his speech), wise, patient and honest. He should neither conceal his short - comings nor pretend to possess qualities he lacks. He should be an expert in the meanings (of the tantra) and in its ritual procedures (of medicine and turning back obstacles). Also he should have loving compassion and a complete knowledge of the scriptures. 稳 定 具 戒 忍 悲 智， 心 直 尊 重 无 谄 曲； wen ding ju jie ren bei zhi xin zhi zun zhong wu chan qu 明 了 仪 范 密 根 经， 博 闲 经 理 诸 论 议。 ming liao yi fan mi gen jing bo xian jing li zhu lun yi He should have full expertise in both (sets of) ten fields, skill in the drawing of mandalas, full knowledge of how to explain the tantra, supreme pure faith and his senses fully under control. 契 证 圆 满 十 真 如， 善 达 事 业 曼 达 拉； qi zheng yuan man shi zhen ru shan da shi ye man da la 能 明 密 咒 相 论 议， 满 清 诸 根 悉 净 安。 neng ming mi zhou xiang lun yi man qing zhu gen xi jing an Having become the disciple of s uch a protecting (teacher), should you then despise him from your heart, you will reap continual suffering as if you had disparaged all the Buddhas. 若 彼 求 法 学 法 者， 登 坛 后 谤 阿 阇 黎； ruo bi qiu fa xue fa zhe deng tan hou bang ah she li 则 谤 一 切 如 来 佛， 彼 子 常 得 诸 苦 恼。 ze bang yi qie ru lai fo bi zi chang de zhu ku nao

3. 3 Three times each day with supreme faith you must show the respect you have for your spiritual teacher who teaches you (the tantric path), by pressing your palms together, offering a mandala as well as flowers and prostrating (touc hing) your head to his feet. 最 胜 意 乐 三 时 时，合 掌 持 花 曼 达 拉； zui sheng yi le san shi shi he zhang chi hua man da la 供 养 世 尊 咕 噜 师，顶 礼 恭 敬 接 足 礼。 gong yang shi zun gu lu shi ding li gong jing jie zu li Those who hold ordination vows, if (your spiritual teacher) is a layman or your junior, prostrate (in public) while facing such things as his scriptural texts in order to avoid worldly scorn. But in your mind (prostrate to your teacher). 在 家 或 者 初 学 释， 法 经 佛 像 前 供 养； zai jia huo zhe chu xue shi fa jing fo xiang qian gong yang 学 密 弟 子 真 心 礼， 有 时 则 息 诸 疑 谤。 xue mi di zi zhen xin li you shi ze x i zhu yi bang As for serving (your teacher) and showing him respect, such as obeying what he says, standing up (when he comes) and showing him to his seat - these should be done even by those with ordination vows (whose teachers are layman or the ir juniors). But (in public) avoid prostrating and unorthodox actions (such as washing his feet). 供 坐 站 礼 有 意 事， 供 养 等 事 作 一 切； gong zuo zhan li you yi shi gong yang deng shi zuo yi qie 金 刚 弟 子 力 事 全， 能 放 大 礼 无 上 师。 jin gang di zi li shi quan neng fang da li wu shang shi In order for the words of honor of neither the spiritual teacher nor the disciple to degenerate, there must be a mutual examination beforehand (to determine if each can) brave a teacher – disciple relationship. 金 刚 师 及 其 弟 子，同 样 会 得 越 法 罪； jin gang shi ji qi di zi tong yang hui de yue fa zui 所 以 一 勇 阿 阇 黎， 弟 子 当 互 审 其 器。 suo yi yi yong ah she li di zi dang hu shen qi q i

13. 13 二 手 奉 献 后 顶 受，有 智 弟 子 大 礼 师。 er shou feng xian hou ding shou you zhi di zi da li shi Be diligent in all your actions, (alert and) mindful never to forget (your word to honor). If f ellow - disciples transgress, correct each other in a friendly manner. 自 专 常 忆 持 不 忘，专 修 正 行 当 全 力； zi zhuan chang yi chi bu wang zhuan xiu zheng xing dang quan li 金 刚 兄 弟 非 律 时，爱 语 相 教 指 导 他。 jin gang xiong d i fei lu shi ai yu xiang jiao zhi dao ta If you because of sickness you are physically (unable) to bow to your teacher and must do what normally would be prohibited, even without (his explicit) permission, there will be no unfortunate consequences if you have a virtuous mind. 若 自 病 缘 无 能 力，顶 礼 站 等 上 师 戒； ruo zi bing yuan wu neng li ding li zhan deng shang shi jie 上 师 所 教 勅 无 作，有 德 心 子 无 其 咎。 shang shi suo jiao chi wu zuo you de xin zi wu qi jiu What need is there to say much more. Do whatever pleases your teacher and avoid doing anything he would not like. Be diligent in both of these. 此 处 多 说 无 意 义，当 令 一 切 师 欢 喜 ； ci chu duo shuo wu yi yi dang jin yi qie shi huan xi 离 诸 上 师 烦 恼 事，一 切 当 勤 而 行 之。 li zhu shang shi fan nao shi yi qie dang qin er xing zhi “Actual attainments follow from (doing what) your teacher (likes).” This has been said by (the Buddha) Vajradhara himself. Knowing this, try to please your spiritual teacher fully with all the actions (of your body, speech and mind). 金 刚 如 来 亲 此 说，成 就 跟 随 阿 阇 黎； jin gang ru lai qing ci shuo cheng jiu gen sui ah she li 此 明 全 物 一 切 事，圆 满 欢 喜 咕 噜 师。 ci ming quan wu yi qie shi yuan man huan xi gu lu shi

6. 6 是 故 一 切 当 全 力， 永 时 辄 莫 生 轻 毁。 shi gu yi qie dang quan li yong shi zhe mo sheng qing hui If (from a lack of awareness) you have shown disrespect to your spiritual teacher, reverently present an offering to him and seek his forgiveness. Then in the future such harm as plagues will not befall you. 发 生 恭 敬 尊 重 心， 供 养 咕 噜 金 刚 师； fa sheng gong jing zun zhong xin gong yang gu lu jin gang shi 则 除 苦 恼 病 乱 害， 消 后 无 复 苦 恼 难。 ze chu ku nao bing luan hai xiao hou wu fu ku nao nan It has been taught that for the teacher to whom you have pledged your word of honor (to visualize as one with your meditat ional deity), you should willingly sacrifice your wife, children and even your life, although these are not (easy) to give away. Is there need to mention your fleeting wealth? 自 戒 金 刚 阿 阇 黎， 难 施 妻 儿 及 自 身； zi jie jin gang ah she li nan shi qi er ji zi shen 自 命 亦 舍 为 拜 师， 何 况 富 贵 与 财 物。 zi ming yi she wei bai shi he kuang fu gui yu cai wu (Such practice of offering) can confer even Buddhahood on a zealous (disciple) in his very lifetime, which otherwise might be difficult to attain even in countless millions of aeons. 为 此 无 量 亿 劫 时， 极 为 稀 有 难 得 之 ， wei ci wu liang yi jie shi ji wei xi you nan de zhi 无 上 成 就 证 布 达， 勇 猛 修 习 此 身 得。 wu shang chen jiu zheng bu da yong meng xiu xi ci shen de Always keep your w ord of honor. Always make offerings to the Enlightened Ones. Always make offerings to also to your spiritual teacher, for he is the same as all the Buddhas. 永 久 善 护 其 深 誓，永 久 供 养 诸 如 来； yong jiu shan fu qi shen shi yong j iu gong yang zhu ru lai 永 久 供 养 阿 阇 黎，咕 噜 等 同 一 切 佛。 yong jiu gong yang ah she li gu lu deng tong yi qie fo

5. 5 If you are so foolish as to despise your teacher, you will contract contagiou s diseases and those caused by harmful spirits. You will die (a horrible death) caused by demons, plagues or poison. 若 谤 金 刚 阿 阇 黎， 现 得 恶 报 无 安 时； ruo bang jin gang ah she li xian de e bao wu an shi 中 毒 得 病 著 魔 乱， 愚 痴 此 人 会 断 命。 zhong du de bing zhu mo luan yu chi zi ren hui duan ming You will be killed by (wicked) kings or fire, by poisonous snakes, water, witches or bandits, by harmful spirits or sav ages, and then be reborn in the hell. 王 法 火 灾 恶 毒 蛇， 冤 贼 水 难 空 行 怒； wang fa huo zai e du she yuan zei shui nan kong xing nu 妖 魔 鬼 与 邪 怪 等， 毁 人 定 进 金 刚 狱。 yao mo gui yu xie guai de ng hui ren ding jin jin gang yu Never disturb your teacher’s mind. Should you be foolish and happen to do this, you will surely boil in a hell. 金 刚 上 师 阿 阇 黎， 永 久 不 作 障 碍 事； jin gang shang shi ah she li yong jiu bu zuo zhang ai shi 愚 痴 常 作 诸 障 碍， 命 终 一 进 恶 地 狱。 yu chi chang zuo zhu zhang ai ming zhong yi jin e di yu Whatever fearful hells have been taught, such as Avichi, the Hell of U ninterrupted Pain, it is clearly explained that those who disparage their teachers will have to remain there (a very long time). 毁 谤 金 刚 阿 阇 黎， 无 间 地 狱 等 怖 畏， hui bang jin gang ah she li wu jian di yu deng bu wei 所 说 所 有 畏 地 狱， 废 子 定 入 进 住 狱。 suo shuo suo you wei di yu fei zi ding ru jin zhu yu Therefore exert yourself whole - heartedly, never to belittle you tantric master who makes no display of h is great wisdom and virtues. 大 智 金 刚 阿 阇 黎， 发 扬 无 降 广 大 德； da zhi jin gang ah she li fa yang wu jiang guang da de