Be they senior teachers or junior ones, renowned teachers or unknowns , so long as we received dharma from them, they are our Gurus.
For this, we ought to remain eternally grateful.
During the time of Shakyamuni Buddha, one venerable Bodhisattva has renounced Samsara under the guidance of Bhikshu Mahanaman, who was one of the five earliest disciples of Buddha.
Later when this Bodhisattva saw Buddha and Bhikshu Mahanaman together, he first prostrated to Bhikshu Mahanaman, his direct teacher and then to Shakyamuni Buddha.
Upon seeing this, Buddha praised him profusely: ‘Your conduct is correct! You should always pay homage to the teacher whose kindness you have received’.
Bhikshu Mahanaman’s wisdom and virtue certainly cannot be compared to those of Buddha, but Buddha said this to remind everyone to never to forget the kindness of his or her Guru.
– Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche