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You maybe surprise, the religion of that teacher could be anything inclusive Buddhism … I think I am going to be “killed†soon, most of the time, I am rising up non-so nice comments!
This is real story. I have come across a teacher who is Buddhist but not practicing what the religion taught! Even went to the extend to conduct the Buddhism theory (greed, ignorance and anger) in mainstream class – but unknowing behaving in that way and the people in contact was affected.
It took me a long time trying to figure what is going on and not been affected by the actions. That person is suffering and need helps and can’t find the correct help in the right way that can at least relieve some of the sufferings … I am so afraid, this person will go burst …
And the person is attending Buddhism class on a regular basis, attending Buddhism talks, involving in many Buddhism activities etc many years already …
I think many people who suffered or suffering is going to Buddhism to get some sort of help, but how to help these people is not as simple as 1+1=2. Just like helping those people suffering depression is a combination of Buddhism + Modern Medicine …
I really hope something can be done for these people and also for the world (as everything is independence!) …
I think the readers of moonpointer are very compassionate people. If in other forum, most likely, I already have been “murder†long long ago …
To be fair, I did meet good Buddhists. There is a hair dresser at my neighbourhood salon, she belongs to Pureland Practice. For many years, I didn’t know she was a Buddhist and a Cancer patients and a Vegetarian too plus volunteering in Buddhist activities.
She is always that cheerful and her openness on her cancer and going Vegetarian because she didn’t see the need to take away a life really impressed me.
Another one, is someone I don’t know but she volunteer at KMSPKS more than a decade ago. She is very timid, extremely quiet and not well dressed at all. I think she went for Pureland Chanting. What impressed me was her attitude while volunteering, she went the extra mile and putting so much efforts in doing something not within assigned – the floor was dirty after volunteers unpacking the lotus candle, she picked up the broom and started sweeping all by herself and the rest were sitting and waiting for the next batch to come (me inclusive in the rest).
These are the people who indirectly taught me …
Yes, unfortunately, there are egoistic teachers who might be Buddhist too – even though ‘Buddhism teaches the truth of the ego being an illusion.’
Sometimes, we need to share with, or ‘teach’ the teachers too, when they are not mindful of their faults. If not, who will help them to realise their problems? A kind chat to them in person, or even a frank but reasonable letter or email might do – even if anonymously sent. :straight:
Errmmm…I have a customer who is a Dharma teacher in one of the temples here who is also a vegetarian and I am honestly surprised and embarrassed when he told me that he is a Dharma teacher. I honestly didn’t think that a Buddhist will behave that way, let alone a Dharma teacher. Not humble at all!
hmmm… i think ‘complaining’ won’t help much. this is a good idea i think – ‘Sometimes, we need to share with, or ‘teach’ the teachers too, when they are not mindful of their faults. If not, who will help them to realise their problems?’ If Buddhists don’t help Buddhists, Buddhists are not helpful enough 🙁
Who am I? I am a non-buddhist who never go thru any Basic Buddhism course (can’t even remember the history of Buddhism), or a Dharma Teacher, or a Nun or psychologist or with any status or …
Even simple sharing info on certain on-going Dharma Talks with the Person, already arouse ‘jealousy’ (maybe) – I know and he/she not aware yet. The answer I got was – “already attended many of such talks, leave the place for other’ … The communication channel had been preset at one way direction not two ways …
Currently, there is just no way on my side … but I think the person is seeking answer in Buddhism but haven’t find it yet, if not won’t be so involved in Buddhism stuff …
So, I guess, it is only Buddhism can help … in what ways or means, I don’t know. Maybe, more talks/books (different from the past) from prominent Buddhist bodies or Monks and hopefully can reach that person or people having the same kind of difficulties …
I was teaching Dharma to kids for about 6~7 yrs, until the need for more time with family & work took me away. Also, I realised the more I teach, the more I recognised how little myself knew & how my actual daily conducts deviate from the Path. I felt embarrassed with myself for leading a sort of Jekyll & Hyde life, and sometimes felt that I did’t had the moral authority in class to teach something which I did’t fully practice (though the kids may not realise).
On the other hand, I think we shouldn’t hold a fixated view of what a Dharma teacher should or shouldn’t be. For e.g. sometimes a kid in my class taught me Dharma or provided me insights, through his intentional/unintentional actions/speech/questions. I think, most of us are L-platers on the Path, even Dharma teachers. 😉 So be kind and give others a chance. See the defilements shown as a mirror and reminder for ourselves. 🙂
Hi Han Ghee, thank you for sharing so frankly. I think it was great that you realised the gap between the Dharma taught and the Dharma practised while teaching. (Don’t we all!) It’s always good for us to become aware of this, without which we might not be spurred to improve.
I think it’s neat too, to challenge ourselves to meet Dharma standards while sharing them. It keeps us on our toes, reminding us to practise what we preach. Indeed, who is teacher and who is student can be vague at times. It’s good to be in a learning mode, even while we are sharing the Dharma. If not, golden opportunities to grow would be wasted. 😮
Honest and humble views about himself from Han Ghee. I share his views too. I too am something like that, a sort of a Jekyll and Hyde person. As such, I dare not think about becoming a Dharma teacher as yet. So I am glad he is willing to become one despite the realisation about his practice.
However, if everyone waits till they are accomplished or established in virtues before becoming a Dharma teacher, then I wonder how many will really even think of becoming one.
For me, the teacher need not be perfect. However, he or she does need to be above others in humility, equality in treatment towards the weak and strong, the stubborn and the hardworking and obedient ones, and in showing through conduct (as close as possible – ie. a life-long goal) what Buddha taught about realising true compassion and wisdom.
May all Dharma teachers and those aspiring to be one, be guided by their wisdom, compassion, sincerity and determination and the blessing of the Triple Gems. ^_^
With what Han Ghee posted, I feel that he is/can be an excellent Dharma Teacher.
People with lots of knowledge on Dharma, don’t waste them, and carry on working harder.
Add in more passion and compassionate into it, as you go along, you will able to teach better, you will soon be a wonderful Dharma Teacher and helping this world to see the light … :love: