Factors Affecting a Relation with a Spiritual Teacher

Introductory Remarks

All Buddhist traditions emphasize the importance of a spiritual teacher on the path. Spiritual teachers do not just:

  • Give information
  • Answer questions
  • Check the student's understanding
  • Check the student's intellectual, emotional, and meditation development.

Spiritual teachers also:

  • Give vows and empowerments
  • Serve as role models
  • Provide inspiration through their personal examples
  • Serve as links to a tradition going back to Buddha.

There are many different levels of teachers and of students, and thus different ways to relate along the path.

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