Precious Tutor

"In 1951, when we were staying in Dromo, there were conflicting opinions in the Tibetan government on whether we should proceed to India or return to Lhasa. A divination was performed to see which course of action was better. The divination came out for returning to Lhasa. Nevertheless, some still voiced their opinion strongly that returning to Lhasa would be too dangerous.

The precious tutor gave me the following advice, “The unfailing guru is the Three Jewels, and in a divination request made to the Three Jewels, the answer has come out for returning to Lhasa, and so that is what we should do. If His Holiness finds this difficult to do, then it is perfectly fine to ignore what I say.” This decisive advice was given without a trace of hesitation. Later, when I reflected on this, I marveled at how decisive and resolute the precious tutor was...

I never heard the precious tutor find fault with others, make sarcastic remarks, or grumble about his personal situation. He was always content and reserved, a happy person.

Having the responsibility of the Tibetan people resting on my shoulders, I would sometimes share my troubles with Rinpoché. Whatever the problem, he would always discuss it with me. Sometimes he would make me laugh. He would make the problem seem smaller and was skillful in comforting and reassuring me. This greatly benefited my mind. Sometimes he told me in an easygoing manner and with great joy that in this day and age, I was like “specially ordered brocade,” in that I was perfectly suited for both the religious and secular world, and that there was no need to worry, whatever the situation. These words would reassure me greatly."

-- H. H. Dalai Lama

-- Yongdzin Ling Rinpoche Thupten Lungtok Namgyal Trinlé (1903-1983) - the 97th Ganden Tripa and senior tutor to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His reincarnation Tenzin Lungtok Thinley Choephak was born in Bir, India in 1985.