In our Algorithm for Spiritual Growth, the first step after establishing a wholesome aspiration is to receive the teaching. This may happen through reading, listening, discussion, contemplation, or direct instruction. The quality of the sources we rely upon matters greatly, because teachings shape how we understand ourselves, others, and the path ahead.

Buddhist Texts

The Lam Rim tradition is deeply rooted in classical Buddhist sources. Among the foundational texts are several concise root teachings used throughout this course:

• The Three Principles of the Path
• The Foundation of all Perfections
• The 7-Point Mind Training
• 8 Verses for Training the Mind

Other important resources include Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life, a classic presentation of the Bodhisattva path emphasizing compassion, wisdom, and disciplined practice.

For access to the early Buddhist scriptures and reliable commentaries, I especially recommend dhammatalks.org and Access to Insight. These sites contain translations and explanations of the Tipitaka, or Pali Canon. Citations throughout this website will be linked to one of these sources whenever possible.

A good introductory Lam Rim text can also provide helpful guidance and orientation. Two works I especially recommend are Refining Gold by the Dalai Lama and Odyssey to Freedom by Gelek Rimpoche. I consider the teachings of these two great lamas to be highly authoritative and reliable guides to the Lam Rim tradition.

For deeper study and reference, Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand by Pabongka Rinpoche presents a detailed traditional exposition of the Lam Rim as taught in Tibet in 1921.

Christian Texts

Christian spiritual traditions likewise depend upon reliable textual foundations. Careful study of scripture, historical context, and commentary helps prevent misunderstanding and shallow interpretation. I recommend:

• A well-annotated study Bible such as The New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha
• A good Biblical reference work such as the Oxford Companion to the Bible
• The Revised Common Lectionary, to which Biblical citations on this website will be linked whenever possible.

The Guru Business

In the Lam Rim teachings, the relationship with a spiritual guide is considered extremely important. A teacher can help clarify difficult teachings, encourage steady practice, and embody the principles being taught. But this importance also creates the possibility of misuse and abuse.

As quoted by the Dalai Lama in Refining Gold, the Third Dalai Lama in Essence of Refined Gold lists four principal ways that a well-qualified and well-motivated spiritual guide (Tibetan lama, Sanskrit guru) benefits students by:

• providing supportive generosity;
• inspiring through gentleness and cheerfulness;
• providing teaching and encouragement;
• providing a living example of the teachings.

At the same time, the traditions themselves repeatedly warn students not to surrender discernment. History contains many examples of spiritual authority being misused for power, wealth, control, or exploitation. For this reason, the Lam Rim advises us to observe a teacher carefully, examine qualifications, and pay close attention to underlying motivation.

1. Observe the teacher's behavior. Is it consistent with the qualities listed above?
2. Check whether the teacher is qualified. Here is the Lam Rim "job description" from the Third Dalai Lama; these criteria may also be applied, mutatis mutandis, to teachers in other traditions:
   • The teacher's mindstream is:
     • tamed with realization of the higher training in ethical discipline;
     • stilled with realization of the higher training in meditation;
     • completely tempered with realization of the higher training in wisdom.
   • The teacher has authoritative scriptural learning.
   • The teacher possesses an awareness capable of perceiving emptiness.
   • The teacher has more learning and realization than the disciples.
3. Check the teacher's attitude:
   • skill and creativity in helping students make progress;
   • a pure motivation free from grasping for wealth, fame, or power;
   • enthusiasm and joy in teaching;
   • diligence and perseverance;
   • patience with students who struggle in practice.

As I said previously, I have found the Dalai Lama and Gelek Rimpoche to be highly qualified spiritual guides by these criteria. I am sure there are many more, but the evaluation and choice should always belong to the student, not the teacher.

Gelek Rimpoche often summarized this principle with characteristic humor and clarity:

Authentic teachers do not demand unquestioning devotion. Rather, they encourage understanding, reflection, and gradual confidence grounded in experience.