When Your Guru Goes Bad by Brad Warner

[Ishin]

During my first dokusan with Taigu, he requested not to be put on a pedestal like some Tibetan denominations do. He very adamantly stated that he was human and very much prone to mistakes. None of us are Buddha's, we all have Buddha inside. Teachers are here to teach and guide and assist us on our journey. But I think it is a fall off the Middle Path to blindly believe in a teacher, or to project perfections onto a human walking this earth with us. It's just not fair- they are all on the journey as well. Also, I might point out that you can love the teachings but not the teacher. There were scandals in the past with Buddhist teachers having addictions problems- but those were their demons to struggle with. Osho was a very sketchy character, and yet a lot of his words can really strike home with people. It's a case of doing what the Buddha requested- listening to teachings, then proving them true to yourself, and then holding the teachings to your heart. Not the teacher. (Though we should love all openly and equally.)

Just my opinion,
Gassho,
Seizan

My opinion is that your opinion is a valid opinion.

C

[RichardH]

Teachers are present in many different ways. Maybe it is a close master/disciple relationship, or maybe it doesn't look like a relationship at all. The student maybe isn't a “student” but living life and having these remarkable/challenging people who have connected in some way with his ignorance and wisdom. I remember meeting a teacher I hadn't seen in years and having nothing to say. Just a moment with an open heart and walking away with tears. Nothing more needed to be said. Maybe we'll connect again maybe not, but that teacher is my teacher. The same with the awkward teacher relationships, the fuzzy ones.
As far as putting a teacher on a pedestal goes. I don't think you can personally elevate someone after a real meeting of minds. Bowing to the wisdom in a teacher is one thing, but fawning requires some distance. It requires the teacher who doesn't put a stop to it, which is easy enough to do. It also seems to require a feel good group vibe that is addictive and inspires a strong loyalty ethic... WE this group of ..rebels.. heroes.. Bodhisattvas.. and our amazing teacher... or whatever.

I am grateful for all the teachers who have given this stubborn ass a kick, and the grandmotherly ones who have recognized wounds. The ones who have seen wisdom in here, and the ones who have seen a dunce. I hope if I encounter someone who engages in sleazy conduct, he/she can be my teacher too.

Gassho Daizan