A discussion that started some years ago but continues up to this year.
In the discussion thread a number of people describe having left Rigpa.
[www.thenakedmonk.com]
Often, Vajrayana loyalists (including the Dalai Lama) tell us
to observe a teacher for many years, 10 to 12 years, before deciding
whether the teacher has the character and wisdom needed to be one's
yoga/tantra guru.
The problem with this seeming reasonable advice is -- one must immerse oneself
in the ongoing life at dharma centers in order to conduct this years long
examination of one's prospective teacher.
During that time, you will most likely lose your objectivity, peer influence
and participation in rituals, classes and meditations will blunt your
critical thinking.
Other factors: Suppose this teacher is living a hidden life of debauchery?
Suppose that teacher is surrounded by a cadre of senior students who
stage manage appearances and hide the teacher's tantrums? This is
exactly the thing that goes on in families which hide the behavior
of someone who is alcoholic or addicted -- family secret stuff. Dharma
centers in which senior students cover for a tottering teacher, exert
peer pressure on the students to keep mum; this is devotional
codependance. Just like a secret ridden dysfunctional family.
Blech.
Unless you know the teacher's native language, you will be unable to
make sense of what the teacher actually says. Time spent learning that
language will immerse you further in the culture surrounding the teacher
and compromise your objectivity.
Many Tibetan teachers travel, and they often return to their native countries
in Asia. You have no way to learn how they behave when back home unless you
have the time and resources to travel there.
This advice to watch your teacher for several years before deciding
he is a true guru is, IMO, misleading at best, disingenuous at worst.
You'll spend those 12 years in the cultural and social milieu surrounding
your teacher.
You'll have to be polite and bow to the teacher, perhaps prostrate yourself.
Do enough prostrations, do enough chanting, while the teacher is high up on
a throne and while you are surrounded by scores of people doing the same
thing; you'll most likely lose your objectivity and lose ability
to assess your teacher with a discerning eye.
In the discussion thread a number of people describe having left Rigpa.
[www.thenakedmonk.com]
Often, Vajrayana loyalists (including the Dalai Lama) tell us
to observe a teacher for many years, 10 to 12 years, before deciding
whether the teacher has the character and wisdom needed to be one's
yoga/tantra guru.
The problem with this seeming reasonable advice is -- one must immerse oneself
in the ongoing life at dharma centers in order to conduct this years long
examination of one's prospective teacher.
During that time, you will most likely lose your objectivity, peer influence
and participation in rituals, classes and meditations will blunt your
critical thinking.
Other factors: Suppose this teacher is living a hidden life of debauchery?
Suppose that teacher is surrounded by a cadre of senior students who
stage manage appearances and hide the teacher's tantrums? This is
exactly the thing that goes on in families which hide the behavior
of someone who is alcoholic or addicted -- family secret stuff. Dharma
centers in which senior students cover for a tottering teacher, exert
peer pressure on the students to keep mum; this is devotional
codependance. Just like a secret ridden dysfunctional family.
Blech.
Unless you know the teacher's native language, you will be unable to
make sense of what the teacher actually says. Time spent learning that
language will immerse you further in the culture surrounding the teacher
and compromise your objectivity.
Many Tibetan teachers travel, and they often return to their native countries
in Asia. You have no way to learn how they behave when back home unless you
have the time and resources to travel there.
This advice to watch your teacher for several years before deciding
he is a true guru is, IMO, misleading at best, disingenuous at worst.
You'll spend those 12 years in the cultural and social milieu surrounding
your teacher.
You'll have to be polite and bow to the teacher, perhaps prostrate yourself.
Do enough prostrations, do enough chanting, while the teacher is high up on
a throne and while you are surrounded by scores of people doing the same
thing; you'll most likely lose your objectivity and lose ability
to assess your teacher with a discerning eye.