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Getting a teacher/mentor?

JayjayJayjay Veteran
edited June 2012 in Buddhism Basics
I recently decided that I need to find myself a mentor in Buddhism. I'm ok learning on my own but I need someone to push me, keep my on my feet, and teach what myself and the internet cannot teach.
As they say:
I take refuge in the Buddha
I take refuge in the Dhamma
I take refuge in the Sangha
I feel I am completing the second as I am learning of the teachings of Buddhism and involving myself. I am to begin attending temple so I believe I fill the third. But I am missing the first. I lack someone to guide and teach me, as the Buddha did some 2575 years ago (wow it has been a while)
Does anyone have any information on how I could go about getting a mentor? What I am looking for? Tips? Advice? Anything? All information would be greatly obliged.
Thank you all and lots of love!! :D

Comments

  • ToshTosh Veteran
    I have a Christian mentor in A.A.; he wears the title of 'sponsor'. He's a real gimp; he's made me do all sorts of things I don't want to, like paying money back to people and organisations that I owed, make amends to people I've harmed, and he's really forced me to help other alkies recover; things of that nature.

    It's not much fun sometimes; I wouldn't advise one to be honest. But if you do get one, don't get a strict rigid one. Mines from the Victorian era. :D

    I keep him as my sponsor though, I love the guy, he's a real enigma - he lives 'love 'n' compassion' - to be honest.

    I've probably not been a lot of help, but agreeing to be mentored should mean our mentors help us to come right out of our comfort zones; it's not easy.
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    edited June 2012
    Yes.
    A mentor is not always a cosy blanket, fluffy slippers and cup of cocoa.
    sometimes they're the sadistic red-faced thick-necked drill-sergeant with a voice like a fog-horn.

    Bless..... :D
  • genkakugenkaku Northampton, Mass. U.S.A. Veteran
    @Jayjay -- If you start attending a center and practicing there, it is highly likely you will run into someone you will consent to call a "teacher." Maybe not right away and maybe you will choose unwisely, but bit by bit things will fall into place. Take your time and exercise your own good patience, courage and doubt.
  • JayjayJayjay Veteran
    @Tosh and @federica thanks. It does help knowing I won't absolutely be a happy camper just because I have a mentor. But I am looking for someone to push me, maybe be that crude person I don't always agree with or like, but who teaches me. I need instruction and guidance. @genkaku thank you. I hope that frequenting my temple will help me run into a good teacher for my studies. Thanks to all(:
  • ZeroZero Veteran
    When you're open for a mentor / teacher, it will find you.

    Just as everyday events can serve as lessons and a nudge in the right direction when considered as such, so your material teacher will materialise in hosts of forms when you're ready to recognise it.
  • howhow Veteran Veteran
    When you're open for a mentor / teacher, it will find you.

    Just as everyday events can serve as lessons and a nudge in the right direction when considered as such, so your material teacher will materialise in hosts of forms when you're ready to recognise it.
    Yes, over and over again, the only obstruction I've found to truth, was me.
  • ZeroZero Veteran
    @how - where is the like button when you need it!!
  • DairyLamaDairyLama Veteran Veteran
    Does anyone have any information on how I could go about getting a mentor?
    Basically just try to spend some time with other Buddhists.
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