The guru is essential.

16 unfavourable conditions.

8 of these are based on present circumstances:
1. strong negative emotions disturb us too much;
2. we are under the influence of corrupting companions;
3. we hold false views and practice;
4. we are subject to extreme laziness;
5. due to previous bad deeds a flood of obstacles advances;
6. we are under the control of other people;
7. we enter the dharma because we need food or clothing;
8. we may seemingly be in dharma but it is for profit or renown.

8 conditions are based on the mind:
1. we have too much attachment to the body or wealth;
2. our character is extremely coarse and all our acts are very mean;
3. no matter how much the teacher explains, we have no fear of the lower realms;
4. we have no faith in the blessing of liberation;
5. we enjoy doing unwholesome things;
6. we don’t want to practice dharma like a dog is disinclined to eat grass;
7. we violate the roots of bodhisattva and other vows;
8. we break the sacred commitments to guru and vajra brothers and sisters.