Recognize Teachers

Reading from Wednesday, June 26, 2013 yoga class

Had 6 people in class today, 2 of whom had never been to class.  Used every blanket, every bolster... it was WONDERFUL to see those 6 people, covered up with blankets, supported by bolsters...hearts of love in their hands and ihearts over the eyes...all the props scattered all over the room.  GLORIOUS.  What follows is from Zen Commandment #4 which is "Recognize Teachers."

"There is no perfect teacher... the point is to make a sincere effort to become a perfect student of an imperfect teacher.  Do teachers have the answers?  Yes and No.   Are our teachers easy to recognize?  Yes and No

Not all teachers have formal status as coaches, professors, priests, rabbis or zen masters.  They may be friends, enemies, lovers, animals, rocks, trees, jobs, situations, illnesses, and even characters in books. 

Traditionally, the guru is associated with the moon, which reflects the light of realization symbolized by the sun.  It's an apt metaphor.  The teacher lights our way through the dark night when we can't see the infinite for ourselves.  Gurus, like the moon, can put us through a lot of changes... sometimes dealing with them is like having cookies and hot chocolate with Grandma... sometimes it is like having surgery without anesthesia!!

So... if we were to compile a list of practical guidelines for dealing with teachers:

               1.  Don't be shocked when you discover that they're human.

               2.  Listen carefully--pay CLOSE attention to what the man behind the curtain says...
                    students can remember totally opposite versions of what was said

               3.  After hearing the teachers words... ACT ON THEM.  Reading books, attending
                    seminars is a good place to start, but if you don't go home and practice, you are
                    expecting the teacher to do all the driving."

Thank you, Dean Sluyter for your wise words.

When I sit at the front of the class and "teach"... I stand in my own truth and teach from my heart.  It is the only way I could do this.