Wednesday, November 23, 2011

T.D.D. --- Re-examining the Student-Teacher Relationship ~ Alexander Berzin

Tricycle Daily Dharma November 23, 2011

Re-examining the Student-Teacher Relationship



The student-teacher relationship as understood and developed in the West needs reexamination. However, any approach at restructuring needs to avoid two extremes. The first is justifying the deification of the teacher to the point that it encourages a cult mentality and whitewashes abuse. The second is justifying the demonization of the teacher to the point that paranoia and distrust prevent the benefits to be gained from a healthy disciple-mentor relationship. In trying to prevent the first extreme, we need great care not to fall to the second.
 
– Alexander Berzin, "Practical Advice Regarding Spiritual Teachers"

No comments:

Post a Comment