When the student is ready, the teacher will appear….
In perhaps one of those quotes ascribed to the Buddha but perhaps was said in a Budweiser commercial, the phrase “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear” has been rolling through my head quite a bit these days.
I’ve never really had that connection with anyone and I’m not sure if it’s a failing on my behalf or the teachers around me. Mind you, in Montreal, I don’t really have a wealth of Buddhist teachers to select from, but my path has predominantly been one of a patchwork of book study groups, practice weekends and distance learning from several different sanghas and a failure to connect with any in a truly meaningful and long-lasting way.
Maybe it’s sangha politics that gets in the way. Maybe it’s that I’m on the fringes and that my framework for understanding the dharma relates more to using a photo of Yoda to express the teacher rather than a more serious photo of a beloved guru. I like to maintain a middle way approach to the dharma. Not too tight, not too loose.I think I’m one of those ‘goofball’ students that likes a bit of levity in my practice, but I do know when to be serious. I take study very seriously and sadly berate myself for slipping in my on the cushion practice.
I’m not in competition with anyone for student of the year. I’m not gunning for the gold star of enlightenment. I’m just trying to find a workable way to relate to my world and lessen suffering for both myself and others.
Do I need a teacher for this? If I wasn’t ready, I wouldn’t be asking this question right?
I think so at some point. A teacher can help you relate to “your stuff” within the context of the dharma. I think we have too many blind spots and confusions to do it all ourselves. A good teacher will call you on your stuff and then if you’re really serious you can get on with what you need to do. Now, pass the bud, eh.
“Mind you, in Montreal, I don’t really have a wealth of Buddhist teachers”
Are you kidding? Albert Low is perhaps getting old but he remains one of the most insightful and authentic teacher that North America has to offer. Of course, you may prefer something less authentic, a more pleasant kind of Buddhism, more simplistic, and commercial, in which case you may prefer the most popular and well-known teachers in the States … popularity does not imply true insights … rather, I would say quite the opposite. Anyway, take my judgments for what they are worth …
Ouch.
Are you a regular reader of my blog or was this the first post you’ve read of mine?
The second post (punk rock was the first one: wish you the best btw). I threw this observation in almost complete ignorance of who you are. That is why I wrote “for what they are worth”, which is may be nothing. It is perfectly possible that my post is quite inadequate with respect to your actual situation.
No worries.. Your comment is appreciated though and made me realize how little I know about Buddhist teachers and centres in my adopted home of Montreal.
Your point to the popular Western teachers is totally valid, and I’d add onto that the lack of profile of amazing Canadian teachers and authors via the major Buddhist publications, blogs and media. I hope to interview Albert Low if he’s interested in being featured on my blog.
Thanks for stirring the pot - in a good way!
Strangely moved by this exchange. Thank you, Ordinary Mind and Tanya.