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TEACHINGS | EASTERN HORIZON 27

modalities. (Vajrāyāna, for instance, fail to recognize their role and emotionally as well as in terms of
is more nonconventional and relevance in the success of the time. People who turn to Buddhism
commitment-based than, say, group’s activity. to avoid negative consequences or
Theravāda Buddhism.) And each instantly obtain external rewards
has its own religious and cultural As far as the practice center is may restrict their commitment to
underpinnings. Often a teacher may concerned, you should have a good a part of the teachings that meets
overemphasize these components, idea of the setup and the hierarchy. their fancy.
overshadowing the core If a center is secretive about the
philosophies and practices. They authority of the teacher and the Finally, newcomers should
may overlook introducing the Four administration, and questions familiarize themselves with the
Noble Truths and Eight-fold Path as are discouraged, this might not three stages of in-depth study,
the core teachings of the Buddha. bode well for optimal learning and critical analysis, and contemplative
Instead they might introduce you to growth. It is also critical that there meditation. Studies show that
the teachings of the founder of their are ethical guidelines that govern students who simply listen,
particular school. Reading a book student-teacher relationships memorize, chant, and meditate may
not just by a well known teacher and that there is an independent be engaging in what is known as
but also by reputable scholars can committee to address these issues surface learning. They tend to take
help you get a good idea of not just of conflict and potential abuse. what is taught at face value without
the differences among the traditions really grasping the underlying
and the schools within them but It might also be worthwhile to meaning of the teaching because
also about the core underlying revisit the priority of your Buddhist they don’t question and analyze
teachings. practice in relationships to other the teachings for themselves. Deep
priorities such as family, work, learners rely on understanding
After getting an idea of the tradition finances, and health. Knowing how the meaning behind the teaching
and school you prefer, it’s important much time and emotion you can by making arguments and finding
to find a good teacher. Though commit to the practice can help to evidence from their life experiences
an emotional connection with a draw up a plan of your practice for to confirm or disconfirm their
teacher is a critical factor, also the next year. Based on the time you assumptions.
consider if the teacher or their can commit, you should determine
qualified assistant teachers have the type of practice, and how deep Keep these things in mind when
enough availability. An amazing you should get into the practice. exploring the various schools of
teacher won’t do you much good Buddhism. The Buddha taught
if you can’t consult with them At the same time you should that there are 84,000 paths to
regularly. assess your level of motivation, enlightenment. Make sure to find
which plays a major role in the the one that’s right for you, where
Given the demands of Buddhist success of your practice. Research you are getting the education and
practice, a cohesive and show that people who take on support that you need. EH
supportive modern sangha is a practice with intrinsic versus
critical. Remember that while extrinsic motivation are more likely
the teacher is the central figure, to develop a deep interest and
the sangha is no less important. commitment, while people with
We know from research on group extrinsic motivation tend to look for
process, or group dynamics, instant rewards and gratification.
that a community can function People who are intrinsically
parasitically—discord eats away at motivated to turn to Buddhism are
the sangha—when the members likely to fully commit themselves