Explaining how to identify good teachers would take a whole top-level post, but I can give you a few general heuristics.
Anyone who says they have special insight and that there aren’t lots of equally-qualified teachers is (intentionally or unintentionally) a cult leader. Some of these people really are awakened, but you should avoid them because they’re cult leaders.
Avoid anyone who charges money in a formal economic transation, even if they have a money-back guarantee. I have never met a person like this who is the real deal. (A voluntary donation system is fine. Selling books is fine too. A teacher getting paid to travel is kosher because travel is expensive. However, anyone paid to travel is famous, and famous people have too many people vying for their time. It’s better to have Zuiko for a teacher than Thích Nhất Hạnh, because Zuiko has time for you whereas Thích Nhất Hạnh does not.)
Pay attention to how calm the person is, how happy they are, and so on. Is that what you want to be in 20 years? If a teacher is dying of disease, but has so much equanimity they’re more curious how your day is going, that’s a good sign.
Try their instructions for a few weeks. Did your life get better? If so, then continue. If not, then look for another teacher.
This guy is legit and you can meet with him online.
When awakened teachers talk about politics, it tends to be non-sectarian. A Vietnamese peace activist in Vietnam fighting for peace in Vietnam during the Vietnam War? Probably the real thing, because from the perspective of Vietnam, that’s a nonsectarian act. An American peace activist in America fighting for peace in the Israel-Palestine conflict? Look for another teacher, because in America that’s a sectarian act.
Good teachers may use the Three Noble Truths (and other standard phrasings) because these words are concise and correct. But good teachers don’t resort to sutras as a source of authority. Think about how a good weightlifting coach thinks. He might be a big fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger, but he doesn’t do exactly what Arnold Schwarzenegger says to do. The wise weightlifting instructor works from a mix of science, general wisdom, and years of personal experience.
I have never observed an awakened teacher express the slightest anger or hatred toward anything or anyone whatsoever, including themselves.
I’m glad to be of help!
Explaining how to identify good teachers would take a whole top-level post, but I can give you a few general heuristics.
Anyone who says they have special insight and that there aren’t lots of equally-qualified teachers is (intentionally or unintentionally) a cult leader. Some of these people really are awakened, but you should avoid them because they’re cult leaders.
Avoid anyone who charges money in a formal economic transation, even if they have a money-back guarantee. I have never met a person like this who is the real deal. (A voluntary donation system is fine. Selling books is fine too. A teacher getting paid to travel is kosher because travel is expensive. However, anyone paid to travel is famous, and famous people have too many people vying for their time. It’s better to have Zuiko for a teacher than Thích Nhất Hạnh, because Zuiko has time for you whereas Thích Nhất Hạnh does not.)
Pay attention to how calm the person is, how happy they are, and so on. Is that what you want to be in 20 years? If a teacher is dying of disease, but has so much equanimity they’re more curious how your day is going, that’s a good sign.
Try their instructions for a few weeks. Did your life get better? If so, then continue. If not, then look for another teacher.
This guy is legit and you can meet with him online.
When awakened teachers talk about politics, it tends to be non-sectarian. A Vietnamese peace activist in Vietnam fighting for peace in Vietnam during the Vietnam War? Probably the real thing, because from the perspective of Vietnam, that’s a nonsectarian act. An American peace activist in America fighting for peace in the Israel-Palestine conflict? Look for another teacher, because in America that’s a sectarian act.
Good teachers may use the Three Noble Truths (and other standard phrasings) because these words are concise and correct. But good teachers don’t resort to sutras as a source of authority. Think about how a good weightlifting coach thinks. He might be a big fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger, but he doesn’t do exactly what Arnold Schwarzenegger says to do. The wise weightlifting instructor works from a mix of science, general wisdom, and years of personal experience.
I have never observed an awakened teacher express the slightest anger or hatred toward anything or anyone whatsoever, including themselves.