Taking the Lower Seat

I just came across one of my favorite stories about Paltrul Rinpoche (1808-1887).

At one point n his life, he took on the role of attending to an elderly widow nomad. During such times, he would go by his given name and not his Dharma name of Paltrul. Paltrul Rinpoche would clean for her, cook for her, pack her things, and help her get around.

One day, upon arriving in a new city, Paltrul Rinpoche had told her that he needed to be excused for a few hours because he had some things to attend to. She agreed and let him go take care of whatever it was that he had to do.

Not long after this she heard that a great yogi had just arrived in town and would be giving teachings that afternoon at the Monastery. Quickly she got herself ready and headed to the Monastery to receive the teachings. She was excited but disappointed that Paltrul Rinpoche would not be around to go with her.

To her surprise, when she arrived at the Monastery, it was none other than her attendant that was in fact the great teacher…Paltrul Rinpoche.

Many Dharma Blessings,

Geoff