Something that I’ve been struggling with: what do you make of gurus who seem to have genuinely life-changing insights into the dharma but behave in ways that truly hurt their students? (Sexual abuse scandals, for example?)
Very good question, Stephen. By the time we become fully enlightened, our minds are no longer driven by delusions and karma. Gurus like the ones you mention are, by definition, not fully enlightened. They may be evolved enough to have a massive, positive impact on many beings, as well as a negative impact on some.
Thank you for the link to Buddhanet, David. I found a listing for a Vajrayana Buddhist group in Hobart which may be worth following up. I shall be looking for at least three of the qualities in the teacher.
I'm 72 and it's taken this long to become more proactive in my studies, so there is scope to be quite patient.
Your blog on shunyata was very helpful. I've been confused and wondered if I was starting to understand. I also went to the attached video. I loved it all. I now feel that I'm still confused, just on a higher level.
I will be reading and listening many more times.
I have be hoping to find a teacher/guru. I'll access some of the sources you shared and be doing more chanting and praying. 🙏
Many thanks Penelope. Shunyata is sometimes described as being like 'a slippery fish' - now you have it, now you don't. By familiarity and acquaintance the idea begins to stabilize, and the more familiar we become with it, the more mind-blowing its implications!
Hi David, Thank you so much for this latest volume about HHC. There seems to be much more teaching in this one and less story, but that is fine with me. The story is delightful and I’m learning so much! If you are considering that one day HHC has to leave us, I hope you will find a successor for her. I DO NOT EVER tire of reading about HHC or any of your books. You are truly a FAVORITE author. And like all your other followers, I appreciate all the charitable opportunities you give us. I support a few things in Africa myself. Thank you so much for being YOU!!!!
You are very generous Joyce - thank you so much for your very kind message. HHC is certainly getting on, but I have a sense that she will be around with us for a while longer ..!
Thank you David for both this advice and lasts week's 6 words of Tilopa which arrived at an incredibly opportune time. I have often wondered where to find a guru. They seem to be in incredibly short supply in New Zealand but now I know they're there somewhere I just have to work a bit harder to find them.
Thanks most specially for the video on shunyata ! Helpful summary and good reminder.
Your finding a guru was really helpful, too. ‘Twas consoling to hear you say there may be more than one. That has been my experience with a vague discomfort that maybe I was lacking in perseverance.
Grateful for the words of wisdom. Looking forward to next week’s guidance from HHC!
On chapter six of the Claw! So much fun. So much wisdom. Thanks.
I am so glad that you are finding these little snippets of Dharma helpful, Jeanne. And also that you found that video on shunyata helpful. I think I'll do one on bodhichitta soon, given that its central importance. Many thanks indeed for your message.
Hello David! The part of your video on Shunyata, regarding the poor man's velvet, made me think of buying clothing on sale. Somehow when it's full price, I view it as having more value. This is definitely something I need to shift my thinking on. Thank you again for sharing your insight!
I appreciate your insights and guidance always. 💜🙏🧘♀️
Many thanks indeed, Deborah!
Something that I’ve been struggling with: what do you make of gurus who seem to have genuinely life-changing insights into the dharma but behave in ways that truly hurt their students? (Sexual abuse scandals, for example?)
Very good question, Stephen. By the time we become fully enlightened, our minds are no longer driven by delusions and karma. Gurus like the ones you mention are, by definition, not fully enlightened. They may be evolved enough to have a massive, positive impact on many beings, as well as a negative impact on some.
Thank you for sharing 🙏
I'm very open to having my mind blown. Thanks again. ❤️
LOL! Thanks Penelope!
Excellent tips David. Thank you. Tom
My pleasure, Tom! Nice to hear from you.
Thank you for the link to Buddhanet, David. I found a listing for a Vajrayana Buddhist group in Hobart which may be worth following up. I shall be looking for at least three of the qualities in the teacher.
I'm 72 and it's taken this long to become more proactive in my studies, so there is scope to be quite patient.
I really hope you find someone you resonate with, thanks Prue!
Your blog on shunyata was very helpful. I've been confused and wondered if I was starting to understand. I also went to the attached video. I loved it all. I now feel that I'm still confused, just on a higher level.
I will be reading and listening many more times.
I have be hoping to find a teacher/guru. I'll access some of the sources you shared and be doing more chanting and praying. 🙏
Thank you so very much.
Penelope Thomas
Many thanks Penelope. Shunyata is sometimes described as being like 'a slippery fish' - now you have it, now you don't. By familiarity and acquaintance the idea begins to stabilize, and the more familiar we become with it, the more mind-blowing its implications!
Hi David, Thank you so much for this latest volume about HHC. There seems to be much more teaching in this one and less story, but that is fine with me. The story is delightful and I’m learning so much! If you are considering that one day HHC has to leave us, I hope you will find a successor for her. I DO NOT EVER tire of reading about HHC or any of your books. You are truly a FAVORITE author. And like all your other followers, I appreciate all the charitable opportunities you give us. I support a few things in Africa myself. Thank you so much for being YOU!!!!
You are very generous Joyce - thank you so much for your very kind message. HHC is certainly getting on, but I have a sense that she will be around with us for a while longer ..!
Thank you David for both this advice and lasts week's 6 words of Tilopa which arrived at an incredibly opportune time. I have often wondered where to find a guru. They seem to be in incredibly short supply in New Zealand but now I know they're there somewhere I just have to work a bit harder to find them.
All the very best with your search, Anne. I do know there are vajrayana centres in NZ, and hope you are able to find a teacher with whom you resonate!
Thank you for your guide to finding a guru, David.
My pleasure, Wendy!
Thanks most specially for the video on shunyata ! Helpful summary and good reminder.
Your finding a guru was really helpful, too. ‘Twas consoling to hear you say there may be more than one. That has been my experience with a vague discomfort that maybe I was lacking in perseverance.
Grateful for the words of wisdom. Looking forward to next week’s guidance from HHC!
On chapter six of the Claw! So much fun. So much wisdom. Thanks.
I am so glad that you are finding these little snippets of Dharma helpful, Jeanne. And also that you found that video on shunyata helpful. I think I'll do one on bodhichitta soon, given that its central importance. Many thanks indeed for your message.
David roughly how much should a guru cost? I have no idea. Thanks
Hello David! The part of your video on Shunyata, regarding the poor man's velvet, made me think of buying clothing on sale. Somehow when it's full price, I view it as having more value. This is definitely something I need to shift my thinking on. Thank you again for sharing your insight!