Teacher or no Teacher?

[cesar4enlightenment]

Is it possible to be a practicing Buddhist without a teacher?

[NDat]

I think we can practice without a teacher if we understand properly what we should do, and why we are doing what we are doing. I have learnt the Dharma by myself without any teacher so far. I do not want to be influenced by only a teacher. With the Internet, I can learn from several teachers at the same time. This is just my personal view. However, for the practice it always be better if we could find a good teacher, and have the means to meet him/her. Sorry for my bad English!

[Nicro]

Of course. You have the ultimate teacher: The Buddha.

A physical teacher with whom you can somehow communicate simply makes a lot of things easier.

[santa100]

Although having a teacher who could teach you face to face would be greatly beneficial, it doesn't mean you cannot practice Buddhism in the absence of one. Many great teachers give free online lectures over the internet. For example, Bhikkhu Bodhi's series on the Majjhima Nikaya is totally awesome. Check it out if you have some times:

http://bodhimonastery.net/bm/about-budd ... ikaya.html

Also, Bhikkhu Thanissaro and other teachers' translation of the Nikayas are invaluable resources for your study and practice:

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/

Enjoy and Good luck..

[retrofuturist]

Greetings,

Not to diminish the benefit from a living teacher...

The Blessed One spoke to the Venerable Ananda, saying: "It may be, Ananda, that to some among you the thought will come: 'Ended is the word of the Master; we have a Master no longer.' But it should not, Ananda, be so considered. For that which I have proclaimed and made known as the Dhamma and the Discipline, that shall be your Master when I am gone.

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka ... .vaji.html

Metta,
Retro.

[PeterB]

Learning to meditate by following the instructions of an experienced Buddhist meditation teacher is the gold standard wherever possible. Its well worth both the effort and any cost.

[cooran]

Hello all,

A previous thread ''Role of the teacher in Theravada '' may be of interest:
viewtopic.php?f=13&t=5549

with metta
Chris

[Epistemes]

I have almost always been attracted to Buddhism because I was under the impression that a teacher wasn't necessary. I am not sure where I picked up this impression, but it wasn't from a non-Buddhist source, I'm sure.

One of the things about Mahayana that is the most unattractive for me is the insistence upon learning from a master - especially for the Vajrayana. There is just something about relying upon a master that makes me uncomfortable right now. Something about it stinks of "religion."

While I understand the benefit of having a master to help improve one's practice, I don't think someone should seek out a master unless that person is ready to take that step.

I think technology has greatly changed the face of dhamma transmission that has not been available before. The internet is literally flooded with information about the dhamma, and more and more bhikkhus seem to be embracing the internet as a medium to convey the essential information to help with any problems of interpretation or practice. Perhaps the impersonal nature of dhamma talks via live internet streams is better since it leads to non-attachment and lack of preference for a particular (or available) master.

[cesar4enlightenment]

thanks all, the reason for my question is because i live where it hard to find any centers where Buddhism is taught, even so i will continue to follow the footsteps of the Buddha and use my resources to continue on the path.

[nameless]

Learning to meditate by following the instructions of an experienced Buddhist meditation teacher is the gold standard wherever possible. Its well worth both the effort and any cost.

Agreed, though, if the 'cost' involves a fee to the teacher that is not a donation, you might want to be careful.