In Tibetan Buddhism, how do teacher and student relate to one another?

The relationship between teacher and students is based on two things – one is the blessings or kindness of the teacher, and the other is the devotion or openness of the students.

When you talk about thug-rje or blessings of lama, mainly it is compassion or affection of teacher.  Generally, in life, there are many different kinds of affection – the affection of parents for children, the affection of friends, of family, and things like that. And this affection of the teacher towards the student, it is very important when you are practicing the Dharma.

HH, 17^th Karmapa
Ogyen Trinley Dorje

From Kamashila
Short-Ngon-dro teaching
Germany, 2014