
“The three wisdoms of (1) listening, (2) contemplation, and (3) meditation are very important, particularly in these degenerate times. The great master Longchenpa said that in ancient times when the time was perfect, students would instantly achieve realization the moment they received teachings. Why did this happen? The teachers were highly enlightened beings, the students were full of devotion, enthusiasm, and joy, and without any doubt or hesitation, and the timing and circumstances were perfect. Yet according to the teachings of the Buddha, in these degenerate times, we generally don’t have as great of teachers and students as in ancient times. Everything is a little dim. Therefore we need these three wisdoms to usher our realization and understanding. We should not see them as insignificant—instead we should take them to heart and apply them in practice.”
“. . . Chronologically between Longchenpa and the great master Jigme Lingpa there was about a 300-year span of time. However, Longchenpa achieved total enlightenment through Dzogchen and merged with the dharmakaya. When we reach the dharmakaya state, birth, old age, sickness, and death are just conceptions— they’re like jokes, in a way. Because of this, the wisdom body of Longchenpa was able to appear to Jigme Lingpa and give these teachings and blessings. Jigme Lingpa was like the second Longchenpa, and Yeshe Lama is his teaching.
Of course, many of you already know this lineage history, but it is very important to explain it in Buddhism, particularly in Dzogchen. This teaching did not just happen, and it is not insignificant or just talk. This is a very precious teaching with a long history. It is a nugget of gold and the treasure of all the enlightened beings.”
Venerable Khenpo Rinpoches
Supreme Wisdom: Commentary on Yeshe Lama (pgs 393 and 195)
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