Although Tibetan Buddhism continues to grow in popularity, the crucial relationship between teacher and student remains largely misunderstood. In Dangerous Friend, the author-an experienced Western practitioner and teacher-offers an in-depth exploration of that mysterious and complex bond, a relationship of paramount importance in Vajrayana Buddhist practice.

According to the Vajrayana tradition, the student must have complete trust in the teacher (the "dangerous friend" ) if he or she is to achieve any understanding. It is the teacher's responsibility to uphold the integrity of the tradition, the basis of which is compassion for all beings, by transmitting it properly to an appropriate student. Likewise, it is the student's responsibility to meet the challenge of carrying on the lineage of teachings. By entering such a relationship, both teacher and student accept the burden of protecting those teachings by understanding them completely and correctly, by practicing them fully and faultlessly, and by transmitting them without omission or corruption.

RIG'DZIN DORJE   is a practitioner and teacher in the Nyingma School of Vajarayana Buddhism. He is currently spiritual director, in the lineage of the Aro gTer, of Buddhist centers throughout Europe, and he spends much of his time traveling and teaching. He lives in London with his wife and son.

1. Opening
2. Approaching the Tiger
3. The heart of Vajrayana
4. A Time of Transition
5. The Ultimate Adventure
6. Common Questions about Vajrayana