Choosing a Teacher

Kabir: “When the mind decides to let go of the mind, it always holds on to one thing.”

When a person thinks, strongly enough, that they want to change/be enlightened, the neurosis cooperates – but in a way that will not threaten its existence too much. We don’t like being uncomfortable. So when a teacher is chosen, it is usually the neurosis that does the choosing.

Example: If the person is not comfortable with sex, they will almost certainly choose a teacher who does not support being sexual. Better still, one that divides men and woman. Or even better, for a man, going to an ashram that does not allow women to enter.

The teacher is chosen by projection – who the chooser thinks the teacher is. The disciple chooses depending on what they think are the suitable attributes of the teacher. Then, if the teacher does not live up to the projected attributes, they can be rejected. This way, there is no major threat to the neurosis. If the teacher suggests something that is a major threat to the neurosis, the teacher is obviously wrong, and not seeing clearly, and thus can be rejected.

In most cases, in the guru/disciple relationship, it is the mind of the disciple who is the Master. If this was not so, how is it that out of the thousands of disciples, hardly any wake up!

When we we really want to wake up to the reality of ourselves, unconditionally, we realise we are awake already. Always have been. A key: honesty. Absolute, unconditional honesty – first to ourselves, then, others. And a sense of humour.

This article was written by Paul Lowe. Almost daily Paul sends emails to his Inspirational Mailing List with information on a wide range of topical subjects as well as comments and reminders about staying aware. If you would like to subscribe to PaulsList please visit his web site www.paullowe.org »