The Importance of Teacher-Student Relationship

In this episode I am once again joined by Joe Evans, founder of the Rangdröl Foundation and teacher of Dzogchen under the name Jigme Rangdröl. Joe explains the significance of the guru-disciple relationship in Dzogchen, details the various forms it may take, and reveals his own special relationship with Dzogchen master teacher Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. Joe considers the power of devotion, describes the practice of guru yoga, advises on how to assess a Dzogchen teacher’s authenticity and motivation. Joe also discusses his own journey as a Dzogchen teacher, reflects on the significance of the endorsements he has received from his gurus Dungse Rigdzin Dorje Rinpoche and Acharya Malcolm Smith, and offers his heart advice to those who wish to practice Dzogchen. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep232-dzogchen-devotion-joe-evans-2 Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:57 - A significant evolution in Joe’s practice 05:39 - Establishing a relationship with Namkhai Norbu 05:55 - Guru-disciple relationship in Dzogchen 11:15 - Does your teacher need to know who you are? 13:03 - A common Dzogchen confusion 14:35 - Sudden or gradual? 16:27 - 1-1 time with Namkhai Norbu 18:20 - Namkhai Norbu’s powers of knowing 20:21 - The role of bodhicitta 22:18 - The practice of guru yoga 27:35 - How to assess a Dzogchen teacher 32:27 - The power of following instructions 33:47 - The most significant teaching Joe has received 36:31 - Being a hidden yogi 37:28 - Insufficient practice 39:38 - Simple advice for the Dzogchen aspirant 41:24 - Namkhai Norbu’s three pieces of advice 44:00 - Facing difficulty and mistakes on the path 46:51 - The power of devotion 50:39 - Meeting Dungse Rigdzin Dorje Rinpoche 56:38 - Meeting Acharya Malcolm Smith 01:01:53 - The period of internet message boards about Buddhism 01:04:52 - Flame wars and schisms 01:05:51 - Joe’s unusual endorsements to teach Dzogchen 01:13:20 - Joe’s reason for teaching 01:16:06 - Joe examines his own motivation 01:19:16 - What does an endorsement to teach Dzogchen mean? 01:24:03 - Why Joe uses the title ‘Lama’ 01:26:31 - Demystifying the experience of teaching the Dharma 01:29:26 - Joe’s heart advice to those interested in practicing Dzogchen 01:31:34 - Where does Joe’s confidence in Dzogchen come from? … Previous episode with Joe Evans: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep224-american-dzogchenpa-joe-evans To find out more about Joe Evans, visit: - https://www.rangdrolfoundation.org/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James