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How important is it to have a mentor?

NiosNios Veteran
edited February 2010 in Buddhism Basics
Found this interesting video; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUyr1teL27s&feature=sub

Subject: How important is it to have a mentor?

Nios :lol:

Comments

  • JeffreyJeffrey Veteran
    edited January 2010
    Very nice message
  • AnyaAnya
    edited January 2010
    From what I understand, it's key in Buddhism to have a person that can teach you, guide you and answer all those tough questions. It's comparable to a Pastor and his congregation. While it's possibly for a person to draw their own conclusions by reading from the bible and other Christian literature, there's still the correct interpretation and teachings done by someone more versed in those things.
  • FoibleFullFoibleFull Canada Veteran
    edited January 2010
    Yes, absolutely true. The teacher helps us understand the teachings, and they do not have to be your mentor in order for us to learn from them.

    I think the MOST important teaching is non-verbal ... the mentor/teacher models the results of the practice you are doing. They show you were you are heading.

    It's their little actions that you observe ... the way the teacher goes out of his way to notice and attend to the needs of others ... his sweet kindness in the face of rudeness ... his patient gentleness with annoying people.

    If a picture is worth a thousand words, a real-life model is priceless, because you just can't get that understanding out of a book. And, once seen, you just can't get those images out of your head. I think that this is how you know when you have found a worthy teacher.
  • NiosNios Veteran
    edited February 2010
    The Lohicca sutta illustrates nicely how, not only is it important to have a montor, but also to be careful who you choose as a montor.

    http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/dn/dn.12.0.than.html

    The Samannaphala is a nice addition to that. (or is it the other way round? :p)

    http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/dn/dn.02.0.than.html

    Nios.
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