Thanks for another thought provoking post, David. But I do enjoy the good news story at the end! We are so fortunate. And as important as your message on gurus is, your work with the charities you support is a joy to read about.
Dear David, how lovely it is to read your words, and especially about a subject so close to my heart.
My first encounter with my teacher begun rather un-prosaically on a website that I had been guided to quite unexpectedly, though I was ‘ on the search’; It was one of those moments, after listening for a while, It felt like my life wasn’t going to be the same again. I did more research, tried to find out as much as I could, questioned the whole thing, listened some more and it’s been a journey of such depth and deep wisdom ever since. Even more amazing, confounding, transmission happens in meetings with one’s teacher even online! I feel such gratitude and love, it is the most sacred thing.
Thank you David for your words of wisdom and grace…Either I read it or someone very wise said “We can’t find our way back home without a guide…”I took this to mean through out our lives there are many teachers ,if our hearts are open , but only ONE true Guide in this life journey we signed up for to show us the way back home . When he or she arrives we will know it because we will be ready to be able to recognize our best teacher and the guide for us ,and to this end at age 20 to this day I was and am very blessed.💗
you really do have an uncanny knack for saying just what I needed to hear!
We recently had a teaching about guru yoga which forced me to look at my own feelings about it.
I realize that I had been feeling sort of guilty about placing my guru in such a position of reverence, as a human not as a bhodichitta, ( I think a throw back from my Christian upbringing).
It makes absolute sense now and I feel a great relief.
It is amazing how often your words add another layer to my guru's and deepens my understanding. Heartfelt Thanks
David, I have tried several times to subscribe to your Substack, but for some reason, none of my credit cards will go through. I wonder if it's because I'm in the US? I really would love to support your efforts, but don't know how.
So sorry to hear this Cindy. Most subscribers are US based, so it isn't that. May I suggest you email support@substack.com to ask them to help? They are usually very responsive. My sincere thanks for your support!
Hello David, Thank you so much. It was a very interesting teaching. I was taught by one teacher who I thought was fantastic with all the knowledge and background. But I never felt some sort of link with him.
The center I attended used me to collect Akong Rinpoche and Llama Yeshe from the airport and to take them back to the airport. I realized it was because I was more mature (older) than the others and I possessed a nice new vehicle. It wasn’t because I was the chosen one but rather that I had the means required. I also found out that after spending attendance at a 6 month course on Buddhism and because I became mesmerized by the Dharma, that I was used for various other purposes. I then witnessed by “teacher” partake in a very embarrassing and un Buddhist behavior and decided that it was not for me. I then left the center and decided to practice privately.
I then believed that Lama Yeshe was my Guru but have since realized that this can’t be true. He has moved on to a
much higher status and I will never see or hear from him again. However when I do pray, I keep him for most in my mind. Now that I can’t walk or travel I realize that I still haven’t found my Guru.
Is this going to be a problem?
The only person I hear from now, is your good self.
I read a lot and take in everything I read. Will this be enough or should I keep on searching and if so how?
Very good questions, Peter. I wouldn't say it's 'a problem,' but rather that finding a lama may really help your practice flower. You may find it a helpful starting point to explore the options for South Africa listed in this global directory: https://www.buddhanet.info/wbd/
The list is by no means comprehensive or completely up to date, but it is a place to start, along with online searches. When the time is right, the guru will appear ...
Thanks for another thought provoking post, David. But I do enjoy the good news story at the end! We are so fortunate. And as important as your message on gurus is, your work with the charities you support is a joy to read about.
Thank you for both!
I always enjoy hearing from you, thanks Chris!
Dear David, how lovely it is to read your words, and especially about a subject so close to my heart.
My first encounter with my teacher begun rather un-prosaically on a website that I had been guided to quite unexpectedly, though I was ‘ on the search’; It was one of those moments, after listening for a while, It felt like my life wasn’t going to be the same again. I did more research, tried to find out as much as I could, questioned the whole thing, listened some more and it’s been a journey of such depth and deep wisdom ever since. Even more amazing, confounding, transmission happens in meetings with one’s teacher even online! I feel such gratitude and love, it is the most sacred thing.
Thank you for this teaching, Lorraine xxx
What a wonderful story - thank you so much for sharing this digital experience, Lorraine!
“Winning the celestial lottery”—what a lovely way to put it. Thank you!
My heartfelt thanks for your comment and ongoing support, Tiah!
Thank you for this teaching. There is so much wisdom here and you’ve shared it so clearly, with a light touch.
I am honoured that you feel this way, thank you Cyndi.
Thank you David for your words of wisdom and grace…Either I read it or someone very wise said “We can’t find our way back home without a guide…”I took this to mean through out our lives there are many teachers ,if our hearts are open , but only ONE true Guide in this life journey we signed up for to show us the way back home . When he or she arrives we will know it because we will be ready to be able to recognize our best teacher and the guide for us ,and to this end at age 20 to this day I was and am very blessed.💗
Thank you so much for sharing this, Adrienne!
Thank you David,
you really do have an uncanny knack for saying just what I needed to hear!
We recently had a teaching about guru yoga which forced me to look at my own feelings about it.
I realize that I had been feeling sort of guilty about placing my guru in such a position of reverence, as a human not as a bhodichitta, ( I think a throw back from my Christian upbringing).
It makes absolute sense now and I feel a great relief.
It is amazing how often your words add another layer to my guru's and deepens my understanding. Heartfelt Thanks
Sarah
I am so glad to hear this, thank you Sarah! Guilt really isn't helpful and so much better to have a more evolved understanding.
David, I have tried several times to subscribe to your Substack, but for some reason, none of my credit cards will go through. I wonder if it's because I'm in the US? I really would love to support your efforts, but don't know how.
So sorry to hear this Cindy. Most subscribers are US based, so it isn't that. May I suggest you email support@substack.com to ask them to help? They are usually very responsive. My sincere thanks for your support!
Hello David, Thank you so much. It was a very interesting teaching. I was taught by one teacher who I thought was fantastic with all the knowledge and background. But I never felt some sort of link with him.
The center I attended used me to collect Akong Rinpoche and Llama Yeshe from the airport and to take them back to the airport. I realized it was because I was more mature (older) than the others and I possessed a nice new vehicle. It wasn’t because I was the chosen one but rather that I had the means required. I also found out that after spending attendance at a 6 month course on Buddhism and because I became mesmerized by the Dharma, that I was used for various other purposes. I then witnessed by “teacher” partake in a very embarrassing and un Buddhist behavior and decided that it was not for me. I then left the center and decided to practice privately.
I then believed that Lama Yeshe was my Guru but have since realized that this can’t be true. He has moved on to a
much higher status and I will never see or hear from him again. However when I do pray, I keep him for most in my mind. Now that I can’t walk or travel I realize that I still haven’t found my Guru.
Is this going to be a problem?
The only person I hear from now, is your good self.
I read a lot and take in everything I read. Will this be enough or should I keep on searching and if so how?
Very good questions, Peter. I wouldn't say it's 'a problem,' but rather that finding a lama may really help your practice flower. You may find it a helpful starting point to explore the options for South Africa listed in this global directory: https://www.buddhanet.info/wbd/
The list is by no means comprehensive or completely up to date, but it is a place to start, along with online searches. When the time is right, the guru will appear ...