Originally Posted by
Believer
Namaste,
Not to take Alan's thunder away, but when I read some of the things quoted, I am at a loss to understand what is it that he is saying. For example, a student teacher relationship exists because of the ignorance of the student and the knowledge of the teacher. Similarly a Master and Devotee relationship exists simply because the devotee/student is Unawakened and the Master is awakened.
Then there is the claim that in Zen the Master does not teach the student anything but forces him to find out for himself. The master has to steer the student in the right direction or stand him at the start of the right path or do something to influence the newbie; otherwise, why do I need to associate with him? If I have the required yearning to learn, I might as well stay home and find it all myself without being forced into it.
The Master IS special because of his ability to recognize the true nature of things. There is always a gradation on the path of learning. A learned/educated/trained person who has attained a certain vision, be it academic or spiritual, is higher than a beginner. Just saying that they are both equal does not make it so.
All these contradictions might be because I am not enlightened enough to see things the way others may see and I look forward to being guided to the true meaning of what Alan is saying.
Pranam.
Bookmarks