a teacher within?

evolve

Hello everyone,

So often I find in Buddhism suggestions to seek a teacher or someone to guide me. and I do this often, and I seek genuine teachers who are well experienced and recommended and such. I've traveled around and for years I have been under the instruction of Buddhist teachers of many varying styles and schools. However, with respect, I find the most discoveries and opportunity to touch truth, when I can be alone and meditate. maybe everyone is different, yet I would still like to observe the advice on this delightful website. Do you suggest I continue to travel and pursue teachers? Or should I settle in my abode and allow myself to continue to grow from my own meditation style? I feel like I've been through a lot, asked teachers several questions, yet it always seems when I sit and allow myself to, I can 'guide' or discover myself the best. and I know it might sound weird, but I think theres a way to tap into the truth within. and please don't get me wrong, I've met wonderful people, very wise and compassionate, the experiences are so loving and delightful, but as far as direct and raw transformation is concerned, I can't help but notice the teachers' explaination doesn't completely settle me, until I can 'abandon' their advice and seek my own. Would you continue seeking a teachers' advice when it doesn't feel necessary? Not sure what to do at the moment and still contemplating.

ps. sorry if this type of question was already asked, I checked around and couldn't find it.

Thanks for the input.

Dakini

Welcome to NB, evolve. Good question.
This is a hot topic on Zenforuminternational. They eventually had to set up a separate discussion category for the members who insisted that it was ok to study without a teacher. you might check it out.

I think you should do what works for you. If, at some point, you run into a snag of some sort, you can seek out a teacher for guidance. None of the Buddhist teachers I've studied with have ever taught meditation. I learned to meditate from a nurse with a bio-feedback machine.

Lady_Alison

I am self taught too...I think learning from a teacher is very very helpful but you can't rely on them and need to figure out if it resonates with you in your practice.

But I think you already knew that

person

In the end real self knowledge and discovery can only come from oneself. A teacher is important to show one how to do that and then can verify ones experience as keeping on the right path. A teacher can't do anything for you, they don't give you insight or enlightenment, they only point the way and keep you on the right track. Spending time with a truly enlightened teacher is more profound as you kind of learn by osmosis. Just being in their presence transforms your mind. There aren't many of these around though.

So I think you are partly right in looking within for the real answers. I'd do that but keep in touch with a teacher.

weighted

Agree 100% with @person.

Zero

ditto on what @person said!

Keeping in touch with others will provide grounding.

praxis

Keeping in touch with others will provide grounding.

Unless of course those in touch with are not grounded, which is often the case.

evolve

thanks everyone

genkaku

Studying with others, the danger is laziness. Studying alone, the danger is pride. The only way I know to set laziness and pride aside is to keep on studying.

Patience, courage, doubt ... and smile.