Practical Q&A| The Necessity of Having a Dharma Teacher |
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Hey Dathan, I have practiced meditation for several years. In the beginning, it felt great and so cool, and I made a lot of progress. Yet these days I think I am stuck. It seems that I’m not making any progress. I don’t know what to do. I understand Cindy. That's why we need a dharma teacher who can guide us and pinpoint our weaknesses. Just as a tree sometimes needs pruning, so should our practice be guided so that we can always walk on the proper path. Why don’t you join a meditation group and find a teacher? Reference from The Scripture of the Founding Master49. The Founding Master said, "One studying a technique needs an evaluation of one's technique from the teacher. Likewise, one practicing the Way must have a master who can appraise right and wrong in one's actions. Without the evaluation by a teacher the technique of a trainee cannot be expected to be correct, and one practicing morality cannot be expected to acquire the essentials of practice. Thus, the reason I constantly evaluate the quality of your practice in both human affairs and universal principles is because I wish to help you avoid the convoluted path and walk the straight path. If you are uncomfortable about receiving evaluations from me or are discontented with being told about the quality of your practice, then what was your original intent in coming to me to learn and how do you expect to proceed with your practice? And not only from me－but appropriate advice and criticism from anyone are precious guidelines for the road ahead. If there are some who complain about those people who help open up the road ahead for them, they would be committing ingratitude. You disciples, therefore, must be grateful to those who give you opinions, whether it is me or any other person, and make more effort to discover the real essentials of your study." from The Scripture of the Founding Master, Chapter 3, v. 49 24. Song To-Sung asked, "I often used to read the scriptures and had someone interpret them for me. At that time I simply learned the scriptures by heart and could not comprehend the true meaning of morality. But since I became your disciple, I have found myself gradually following the Truth formed in the scriptures even though they are described in just the same phrases and teachings as before I met you. I ask you to explain this new understanding of the meanings of scriptures which I had already read." The Founding Master answered, saying; "An old scripture can be compared to a ready‐made dress which cannot be the right size for everyone. On the other hand, however, the learning method through direct explanation or through mind to mind may be compared to a dress made to order. It is needless to say that this learning method of cultivating our mind through dharma, suitable for the fundamental spiritual ability and situation of each person, is superior to the method of study which merely depends on unfolding scriptures." from The Scripture of the Founding Master, Chapter 2, v. 24 |
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