About a system for becoming a Lama or Lopon

Many people want to become a Lama or give teachings but do not first engage in the proper practices to really make themselves a qualified teacher. First you need to enter an authentic lineage and receive many transmissions and empowerments from a teacher. Then you must finish your Ngondro and Yidam accumulations before becoming a Lama. Also with your teacher, you should become very close with him/her every day for about three to five years.

So if you were looking for a system, it would be to finish your Ngondro accumulations and then finish the Three Roots accumulations (Guru, Yidam, Dakini). His Holiness Penor Rinpoche in India used to give a Lama hat (basically saying you’re a Lama) to people who completed a solitary retreat for three years, three months, three days puja on the Three Roots. Everyone has different Three Roots sadhanas based on their lineage. Within the Longchen Nyingtik lineage, that is: Guru: Rigdzin Dupa, Yidam: Palchen Dupa, Dakini: Yumka Dechen Gyalmo.

So again, it is most important to put a lot of effort into your practice and study if you wanted to become a Lama. To receive many transmissions and empowerments, to study a lot and to do a lot of practice. After a lot of meditation and practice you will naturally become a Lama. It is not easy, it takes a lot of effort. To remember the story of Milarepa is important and how much suffering and trials he had to undergo before he could even receive the teachings. Also, once he received them how much diligence and effort he put into his practice.

So, to be really called a Lama, you should have received many transmissions from an authentic Lama and lineage, should have done solitary retreat and much practice, and should be very well studied. Then it is appropriate for yourself to give transmissions and to teach the Dharma.