The relationship of teacher and student

In terms of guru yoga, the relationship between teacher and student – or lama and disciple – is important in the practice of the Dharma. Understanding how to engage in this profound relationship is an important point. It is an internal connection of the mind, not just an outer or physical connection, nor merely a matter of seeing one another or speaking together. It is an absolute connection, and a noble and wholesome one. I believe that it is very important to make this profound connection meaningful. There are two main factors that come together to create a relationship between lama and disciple: the lama’s compassion and the disciple’s devotion.

- 17th Karmapa

source: Nurturing Compassion: Teachings from the First Visit to Europe