Buddhist practitioners, the gurus or teachers you rely on or take refuge in, are they ordinary people or enlightened beings? Are they highly respected monks or individuals with evil views and knowledge? You must observe them with your heart. Because life is precious and encountering Buddhism is rare, now that you have encountered Buddhism in this lifetime, do not walk the wrong path again. If we mistakenly rely on a guru with wrong views, we will fall into the three evil realms, suffer endless pain, and never have a period of happiness and blessings.
You ask how many types of evil gurus there are. This cannot be explained in one sentence because there are too many types of evil. For now, I will divide them into two types to inform you: one type is inherently evil and infiltrates Buddhism, distorting the teachings and harming sentient beings. The other type is the reincarnation of a true saint who has not yet attained the state of non-retrogression as a bodhisattva. Due to occasional deviation in knowledge and views, evil spirits take advantage and possess them. In such cases, practitioners often cannot perceive that their guru has become evil. For example, some teachers even ask their disciples to place their photos alongside the Buddha images of the Third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche and Shakyamuni Buddha, not realizing that this is a wicked and sinful act! If one does not understand the laws and principles, it is difficult for ordinary people to perceive such phenomena.
The Third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche said, "My image is plain and ordinary, it can be placed anywhere, in the shrine room, on an ordinary table, in the kitchen or dormitory, or on the ground. As long as you refrain from evil deeds, practice virtuous actions, and follow the teachings, it is fine." However, practitioners must understand clearly that the Third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, for the benefit of sentient beings, places himself on an equal level with ordinary people, but the reality is completely different. The Third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche is the embodiment of an ancient Buddha, chosen by the Vajra Dharma Assembly. How can one disrespect him? Of course, for those who do not study Buddhism, it is innocent to place the image anywhere. But for a Buddhist disciple, especially someone who has become a guru, they must know that the image of the Buddha must be placed on a high platform for worship, while their own image can only be placed at the feet of the Buddha. Otherwise, they will definitely be wicked and evil beings. Furthermore, for the benefit of sentient beings, one should give the Buddha image of the Third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche to others. This is a great merit, as it may plant good roots for others, increase their blessings and wisdom, and bring them happiness and blessings! As for others who are not Buddhists and do not understand the teachings, how they treat Buddha images depends on their own karma. There is no sin in this, as the reason is that they are outsiders. In short, giving a Buddha image to others is definitely beneficial and harmless.
It must be understood that no matter how accomplished a living Buddha, master, venerable, or dharma king is, they are not qualified to place themselves on the same level as the Buddha image for worship. Only bodhisattvas who have attained the state of non-retrogression, such as Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, and Maitreya Bodhisattva, can be placed alongside Buddha images for worship. However, the head of these bodhisattvas must be lower than the shoulders of the Buddha image and all other Buddha images. Wangdor Rinpoche said, "You ask if my image can be placed on the same level as the Buddha image of the Third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche for worship. I must solemnly tell you: even if I diligently practice for another ten thousand years, I am still not qualified to be placed on the same level as the Buddha image of the Third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche. As for your guru, if they have not attained the state of non-retrogression as a bodhisattva with the five-fold vajra seal, they are fundamentally not qualified to be placed alongside the Buddha image of the Third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche for worship. Moreover, for gurus with the three-fold vajra seal or below, their own image can only be placed at the feet of the Buddha. If they violate this, they are extremely wicked beings, no different from animals or demons. They are not true representatives of Buddhism!!! Do not rely on such individuals!!!!"
World Buddhist Headquarters of the United Nations
March 29, 2016
Source: https://www.wbahq.org/ch/hq-announcements/a20160103/