With transmission, the Teacher gives the permission and empowers the student to engage in the practice. The day you receive transmission, the Teacher gives you his entire unbroken lineage. In Vajrayana Buddhism, the unbroken lineage is extremely important. The benefit of doing the practice after having received the transmission is akin to doing it a hundred times without the transmission.
Written by Khenpo Karten Rinpoche in the book Precious Teachings, the chapter entitled “The Importance of Oral Transmissions and How to Receive Oral Transmissions in the Modern Age” page 212 in the paper copy, and page 222 of the PDF version.
Photo from 2025 New Year Retreat. The ritual torma represents all the lineage gurus, as well as all the yidams, and protectors.
