Advice to a Dharma student: If you don’t stick to a proper practice group with continual learning and guidance, these problems (which you just faced) of encountering deviated teachings via your random exploration are likely to recur. This is a reason why the Buddha clearly taught that...

When the teacher gives up on a student, the student usually gives up on the teacher, and possibly the teaching (learning) itself. This is why teachers should never give up on their students, or even give the impression that they are beyond hope, or that they are not welcomed as...

The below are common questions that some Dharma students might have, based on hypothetical scenarios: Q: What if a family member dislikes me attending a Dharma class? A: You should do your best to share with them on the value of learning the Dharma. Q: What if the person still does not...

Note: In case any reader is in the category of (1) and/or (2) below, please note that this article does not apply to any one person, even if it seems applicable to your good self in part or whole. It is but a general observation based on limited perception, and not an accurate analysis of...

Heard of a Dharma student thinking of giving up attending one of his teachers’ classes due to embarrassment over some miscommunication on his own side. He even thought of forgetting whatever worthy Dharma learnt from her. This is what happens, unfortunately, when even the pure Dharma...

It is sad, but true, that some teachers (monastics or laity), having gathered some fame and status, become less active in participating in Dharma retreats, talks and classes, especially those conducted by others (monastics or laity) with less fame and status than them, even if the Dharma they...

P: Teachers are actually leaders. Some people say that ‘those who can’t do, teach’. Well, mentoring and coaching is a way of ‘doing’, yes? S: The best teachers, like the Buddhas, don’t just teach; they ‘do’ too, and did it. They attained...

A good student is always learning. A good teacher is always learning too, more in fact, to keep ahead of good students, so that one can offer more to one’s students. A master is one who has mastered both learning and...

Question: Someone claims to be a student of a certain teacher. This student claims to have some great attainment. What do you think? Answer: If you are doubtful, you can ask that student to verify with that teacher his attainment. Question: That person refuses to do so. Answer: If the teacher...

S: Sometimes, the most agreeable teacher is the worst [or least appropriate] – because you learn nothing new from him or her, that challenges your delusions, that spurs growth in your compassion and wisdom. (If everybody thinks alike, many might not be thinking enough. Groupthink!) C: I...

Unfortunately, due to unskilfulness in reconciling or separating the two, increase in worldly proximity between Dharma friends, including teachers and students, sometimes leads to spiritual distancing. Sometimes, there is disappointment, that someone is less inspiring or more unenlightened...

A reply given when invited to teach Dharma classes for Sunday School: Hmmm… on and off, I’ve been thinking of helping to teach in Sunday School, but am more comfortable teaching young adults, because teenage trends change very rapidly, which makes teens harder to relate to skilfully! As...

A Tit for a Tat (197) Tit: I wonder if I should teach more teachers or more students. Tat: Why? Tit: Because teachers can be harder to teach than students! Tat: But these teachers can better teach more students! Tit: Only if these teachers are good students! Next...

A Tit for a Tat (196) Tit: I wonder if I should teach some teachers. Tat: When they teach some stuff wrongly? Tit: Yes. Tat: Why not try? Tit: Because some are so attached to being teachers that they are no longer students! Next...

It is heartening to see Dharma teachers attending talks and classes of other teachers, instead of just attending to their own. Because the best teachers, other than those already enlightened, are still students, with more to learn, even if they think they already know...