I was surprised to see this article--How to Find a Spiritual Teacher, Mariana Caplan, Ph.D.--on Huffington Post. We'll be doing the Discovering Buddhism course on The Spiritual Teacher later this Fall (October 19 - November 16).
Rarely does a week of my life go by, without someone writing to me either looking for a spiritual teacher, confused about a spiritual teacher, or upset by a deep disillusionment by their spiritual teacher. The question of the spiritual teacher is a perennial question that in many ways is so less real and relevant among seekers as it was 500 years ago. The difference is that the stage is different. Unlike the great Buddhist hero Milarepa who transversed the Indo-Tibetan subcontinent by foot and then built nine houses before his teacher would begin to instruct him, we can simply click on google and within minutes have access to almost every prominent spiritual teacher there is, living or dead, and likely even some type of cyber-transmission.
cont. at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mariana-caplan-phd/criteria-for-spiritual-te_b_685333.html
I have to somewhat agree with this article, but somewhat disagree. Yes,It is nearly impossible to find the suited teacher in Western World. Not because they don't exist, but because we have been given an idea from birth that spiritual means cuddly and fuzzy. Reality of life is that it is not at all that simple. Spiritual teachers are still humans with all our emotions and thoughts and it takes great deal of time and work to be able to completely remove any emotions and opinions we born with to become all "lovy dovy" and fuzzy 24x7. I think part of the problem with finding "right"teacher is that people usually come into Buddhism from other conventional religion and half the time still base their Buddhist believes on Christian views.I also noticed, that in Western world people also confuse admiration toward Spiritual teacher with attachment. "Priest is all forgiving or nun has to always be happy"- are the myths. They are still humans. They very compassionate humans, but it does not mean they have to smile all day long or be available 24x7. This is one part of the problem.
ReplyDeleteAnother part is that every teacher does has a different style and way to communicate. And people often do not have a patience to get adjusted to this style, assuming that teacher is not good enough for them. As the result they trying to find someone better. Some people are lucky to find the better, but most are simply get frustrated and give up on finding one all together and sometimes give up of Dharma as a result. I believe it is wrong, but it is our reality.
Yet it is possible to find the great teachers, if you are willing to see beyond speculated and commonly expected perception of what teacher or spiritual character should be like. Many people still continue to struggle with their own insecurities, because they unwilling to see the big picture and bend their own "set in stone" views, putting too high of the expectations on the teacher vs. themselves. I think, Teacher is someone who gives you and answer to the question you stuck on, shows you possible path and gives the "homework", but it is up to you what you will do with it next. Looking forward to the class on this subject.