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Book description

In this intimate collection of personal stories and advice, Allison Choying Zangmo and Carolyn Kanjuro team up to reflect on their experiences as lifelong practitioners of Buddhism, their own relationships with their partners who are also their spiritual guides, and the transformative power of the student-teacher relationship. As both students and leaders in their Buddhist communities, Allison and Carolyn possess clear insights into how we can successfully interpret traditional Buddhist understandings of spiritual mentorship for today’s world.
Carolyn Kanjuro

Carolyn Kanjuro

Author Bio

CAROLYN KANJURO was a director, playwright, tutor for children, celebrated author of children's books, and life-long Buddhist practitioner. She is the author of Sit with Me and The Monkey Mind Meditation Deck.

Allison Choying Zangmo

Allison Choying Zangmo

Author Bio

Allison Choying Zangmo is Anyen Rinpoche’s longtime student, personal translator, and collaborator. She has received extensive Buddhist training, including empowerments and teachings from various prominent Tibetan masters such as Khenchen Tsara Dharmakirti Rinpoche and Lama Damphel. With Anyen Rinpoche’s encouragement, she began teaching through the Orgyen Khamdroling Dharma Center in Denver, Colorado, in 2017, and now plays a vital role in bringing the Dharma to a Western audience. She is coauthor, with Anyen Rinpoche, of Stop Biting the Tail You’re Chasing, and The Tibetan Yoga of Breath, and has assisted him with many other titles.

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Praise for the book

Sangye Khandro

cotranslator of Essence of Clear Light

“I have long known that the most important relationship one can cultivate in life is with one’s spiritual guide. I also know that this remains one of the most misunderstood areas of spiritual development for Western seekers. It is crucial for disciples of dharma, and in particular Vajrayana, to receive instructions on the qualifications of a true spiritual master and the qualifications of the disciple. Given that this is the backbone for the timeless process of lineage blessings and transmissions, this book and the insight, inspiration, and truth that it reveals are especially timely at this juncture.”

Tricycle: The Buddhist Review

“Painful revelations in many sanghas, especially over the past few years, have left some wondering what a guru is good for these days. The authors highlight the essential role that student-teacher relationships have held throughout history and provide personal stories to help readers find the right teacher and navigate this complex connection.”

Author: Carolyn Kanjuro, Allison Choying Zangmo

The Guide to Enlightenment: Why the Teacher Still Matters in Buddhism Today

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