Expert: Laurie McLauglin - 12/24/2010

Question
Dear Laurie, What can a lama see when he looks into the mind of another? A lama did this to me, once, I think.  I was immobile for a minute, with only my eyelids flutterng. My thinking was suspended.  I don't know what  happened, but it changed our relationship. I have been bothered for a while, not knowing what happened. I don't know him well enough to broach the subject. Can you help me understand?  Thanks, Adele

Answer
Hello Adele -

Thank you for letting me answer your question. Your question is a bit like asking "What can a doctor see". Well, it depends on if it is an intern or an accomplished doctor, it depends on what his/her field of expertise is. It depends on if they call themselves a doctor but really have phony credentials.

Lama simply means teacher. It does not mean that just because someone goes by the title of lama that they can do what you said happened to you.

If this person did that to you and has that power, and if they are a true teacher of Buddhism, there should be a good and presumably compassionate reason for what they did.

If that is so, then the best thing to do is to ask them why they did that. If they cannot give you a compassionate or logical answer then perhaps they are not really a true lama but just calling themselves that.

But if I were in your shoes, and if I believed the person that did that is a true lama, that being a person who is very wise and learned, then I would not hesitate to ask them why they did it and I would just say point blank that it felt like you were looking into my mind and while you were doing that, I was unable to move.  Can you tell me what you were doing and why as it made me feel uncomfortable.

If it is a true compassionate and wise lama, then they should give you a compassionate and wise answer.

I hope you get this resolved.

If I can clarify anything or answer any other questions, please let me know.

Namaste - Laurie