Do I need a Chan teacher?
In Asia, the concept of a teacher is widespread, so people come closer together, the wisdom is spread face to face. Here in Europe it is different, the teacher-student situation on a voluntary basis (i.e. outside of school and work) is almost non-existent.
Buddha was one of the great teachers, his charisma has survived the millennia, but his words have been forgotten. Almost every household has a Buddha statue, but what the statements of the so peacefully meditating prince were, that is more or less unknown.
In the West, Buddhist teachers are very rare, few feel called to this work. And the trainers who do exist are sometimes attracted more by the money, less by the task.
Countless variations have changed the teaching since the Buddha's passing, putting a stamp on it. Depending on local customs, dominant teachers, and language and development, completely different Buddhist lineages have developed. Chan Buddhism is a subgroup that follows the patriarchs Bodhidharma and Hui Neng. As a student of Shaolin Temple China, I follow this worldview, but it has also received its imprint through the millennia.
Buddhism in its complexity is so vast that it seems almost impossible to keep track of the various storylines, the philosophy is deep and significant, the beginner faces a wall of Buddhist doctrines, requirements, laws, views and customs. How is one to wade through this chaos? The words of the enlightened one were written down only several centuries after his death in words which are no longer in use today, which can only appeal to "die-hard" Buddhists, the layman switches off mentally.
Of course, one can also make the effort oneself and read in, to inform oneself, to research. But for the normal "feel-good" Buddhist, this is an enormous task.
Finding a teacher makes the matter much easier, but such a "mentor" is not easy to find either. In addition, many also have only half knowledge, because to make the "right" decision seems to be difficult. Those who can manage on their own are usually more advanced, they have already come a long way. But if you are at the very beginning, you should "lean" on a teacher to help you find the path.
No matter how the matter might fit for you, go by your "gut feeling", not by the ratio. For example, when you read (or listen to) my texts, what kind of emotions come up in you? If they are "good" emotions, then stay (for a while) my student, if they are "bad" emotions, then you should search some more.
The way is the goal!
An Awakened One is the teacher of celestial and human beings
- Buddha - honorary name of Siddharta Gautama - 560 to 480 before the year zero
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