The Importance of Continuous Learning Even for Advanced Masters

A Journey to the West L75 The Importance of Continuous Learning Even for Advanced Masters

In the final segment of this teaching sequence, Khenpo Sodargye unpacks His Holiness Jigme Phuntsok’s "Heartfelt Wish to the Great Master"—a profound, yet incredibly tactful, set of advice directed at Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo. Acknowledging her immense potential and her status as a female tulku recognized by the supreme Penor Rinpoche, His Holiness urged her not to rely solely on her title or her innate meditative experiences. He stressed that a true Dharma leader capable of managing a sangha must engage deeply in continuous study and contemplation. Using the ultimate examples of Buddha Shakyamuni, Guru Padmasambhava, and Atisha, he pointed out that even the most supreme beings relied extensively on teachers to navigate the path and clear natal obscurations. Khenpo underscores the vital takeaway for all practitioners, regardless of rank or title: one must never become complacent. Just as a doctor needs a wide array of medicines to cure different diseases, a teacher needs vast Dharma knowledge to tame different minds. Even if someone reaches the stage of enlightenment, they must still humbly manifest the appearance of a lifelong learner.