Oh, so interesting! I struggle with 'gurus' and always say it's because I've had way too many middle-aged men telling me what to do all my life - but I have been failing to recognise, acknowledge, be grateful for everything and everyone I have learned from.
Thank you for this wise and reflective piece, Kaspa. I read it several days ago but didn't have time or space to comment. Circling back now to do so. First of all, I appreciate learning about Pure Land practice from you and Satya. As a Theravada Buddhist, I never learned much about Amida Buddha -- what a deeply beautiful concept. I am glad I now know a bit more about Pure Land, thanks to you. Also, many blessings to you and your community as you renew your vows and your commitment to your path, sans a teacher. May the light lead you on.
The Sam Lee story is wonderful, that the tree is still there. Finding the old stories from elders is a duty now that they are often ignored in modern society. However, I am very wary of gurus. My uncle knew Ösel Tendzin when he was Tom Rich, Jr. I learned of his problematic legacy as I was learning the teachings of Zen Buddhism via Alan Watts. I am glad that I did not become one of Rich's students. I do not paint all gurus with that brush, but I am very wary of them in all disciplines (martial arts, tracking skills, etc) as the human ego is capable of terrible things when it craves worship.
I think wariness is entirely appropriate and understandable. I know many people who have received a great deal from that kind of relationship, and I know many people who have been harmed by them. The aim here is for a non-guru way forward....
Yes, I loved the tree story. And I'm so pleased Sam Lee has a project of collecting these songs, and a place where they are available. Apparently young travellers don't like to learn to old songs from their elder these days - but are perfectly happy to learn them from YouTube and TikTok!
Oh, so interesting! I struggle with 'gurus' and always say it's because I've had way too many middle-aged men telling me what to do all my life - but I have been failing to recognise, acknowledge, be grateful for everything and everyone I have learned from.
Deep bow🙏
Thank you for this wise and reflective piece, Kaspa. I read it several days ago but didn't have time or space to comment. Circling back now to do so. First of all, I appreciate learning about Pure Land practice from you and Satya. As a Theravada Buddhist, I never learned much about Amida Buddha -- what a deeply beautiful concept. I am glad I now know a bit more about Pure Land, thanks to you. Also, many blessings to you and your community as you renew your vows and your commitment to your path, sans a teacher. May the light lead you on.
Thank you, sending blessings from here to you as well.
The Sam Lee story is wonderful, that the tree is still there. Finding the old stories from elders is a duty now that they are often ignored in modern society. However, I am very wary of gurus. My uncle knew Ösel Tendzin when he was Tom Rich, Jr. I learned of his problematic legacy as I was learning the teachings of Zen Buddhism via Alan Watts. I am glad that I did not become one of Rich's students. I do not paint all gurus with that brush, but I am very wary of them in all disciplines (martial arts, tracking skills, etc) as the human ego is capable of terrible things when it craves worship.
I think wariness is entirely appropriate and understandable. I know many people who have received a great deal from that kind of relationship, and I know many people who have been harmed by them. The aim here is for a non-guru way forward....
Yes, I loved the tree story. And I'm so pleased Sam Lee has a project of collecting these songs, and a place where they are available. Apparently young travellers don't like to learn to old songs from their elder these days - but are perfectly happy to learn them from YouTube and TikTok!