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32 EASTERN HORIZON | TEACHINGS

The Point of Practice to the non-Buddhist world. If, as something is not quite right. But if

The first point I’d like to make students of the Buddha’s teachings, a teacher has studied and practiced
is probably an obvious one. Our we strive to be kind, humble, and under the guidance of other
practice should bring out the best devoted to practice, then it only respected teachers, and honors
in us as human beings. It should makes sense that our guides should their lineage by upholding its values
call forth our inner wisdom, our embody these qualities. They should and traditions, that is a good sign.
basic sanity, and the moral compass inspire us with their kindness and Lineage alone does not make a
that we all have (whether we pay devotion. They should instill trust teacher genuine, but it is important.
attention to it or not). by the care and concern they show
A genuine teacher
for others. Of course, we should not
should uphold their vows
The most basic way to measure our expect perfection, but it should go
practice, therefore, is the degree to without saying that people who are
guiding others should practice what and precepts.
which we are moving closer to the
simple ideals of kindness, humility, they preach.
honesty, and wisdom. If—as The second quality to look for is
Finding a Genuine Teacher
individuals or as communities—we commitment to study and practice.
find ourselves moving in the other When it comes to finding a genuine This one is pretty obvious. You
direction, something is off track. teacher, there are four things that would not take piano lessons from
None of us will act perfectly in every are especially important. someone who’s not a good player
situation, but over time there should themselves, would you? Of course
be a clear movement toward these The first is that the teacher should not. The same is true here. If you
basic and universal human values. be part of an authentic lineage. are trusting someone with your
Genuine teachers do not promote spiritual well-being, you should
This is especially true of spiritual themselves; they promote their be sure that this person knows
teachers. Buddhist teachers are lineage. If a teacher brags about the path first-hand. In order to
role models and guides for the their qualities and realization and do this, they should have a clear
communities they lead, and they makes a show of their practice, commitment to their own practice
represent the Buddhist tradition that is probably an indication that and training.