Buddhist-Meditation-Systematic-and-Practical

then, it is not possible simply to come and go as one
pleases. If one truly desires the refuges, it is not correct
to think of departing again immediately after they have
been given.
Mr. Chen gave another example:
If I go to a craftsman and wish to become his apprentice,
he will not immediately teach me his art, but may hand
me a broom or assign me some other menial work.
When he sees that I do any work well and have no pride,
being completely obedient to him, then he will impart
his techniques to me slowly, over several years.
Buddhism is not merely for worldly ends, but for the
highest purpose: Full Enlightenment. How, then, can
one think of going to see a teacher for a few hours and
then going back? This attitude saddens me—as does the
fact that so few gurus are really good. Where neither
guru nor disciple are really good and their meeting even
involves monetary transactions, whatever Buddhism
there may be at such a time is quickly gone.
2. Stages of Taking Refuge
a. Outwardly
i. Find a good guru and make offerings to him.
ii. Stay with him and devotedly serve him every day.
iii. Practice under the guidance of the guru.
iv. If you get your guru's permission or if he sends you
on some mission, then you may leave him, but not
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