The Spiritual Guide Part 2
Have you heard the first parts about the "spiritual guides" here on my podcast?
How to recognize a good spiritual teacher, after all, is not so easy.
For my part, I see the Buddha as one of the greatest spiritual teachers in human history, whose philosophy has greatly influenced and impressed me. But now we live in a confusing and also frightening time, so many people need comfort and encouragement in the here and now.
What should one look for when seeking a spiritual teacher? What to do when the constant problems seem at least temporarily overwhelming, when a person feels alone? Or if one wants to have the words of Buddha explained simply and clearly?
Even the great teachers, such as Buddha or Jesus, were ordinary people, just like you and me. What ultimately makes the difference between a great teacher and an ordinary person is the fact that the spiritual leader also consistently completed the path of spirituality, did not give up, put his life at the service of others. It is true that at the beginning of his path, the spiritual leader also sought liberation from human suffering, and for this he had to leave behind his possessions, abandon his family, renounce worldly things, set out on his own search, listen to different opinions, test countless teachers.
In the case of Buddha, enlightenment came to him when he no longer expected it and had already given up everything. The teacher of all teachers summarized this enlightenment in his worldview, which we call Buddhism today. One of his core statements was that every person can find his Buddha nature, by overcoming suffering then achieve complete inner freedom.
However, in order to understand the teachings of the Indian prince, we sometimes need teachers, role models, or an appropriate community to practice the appropriate rituals, practices, and prayers, and to convey the spirit of the Buddha. Buddhism in particular is about the ego, which is the nucleus of suffering, which first brings in the temptations and delusions in the mind palace.
A good Buddhist spiritual teacher knows about the problems of the mind and the charms of the beautiful appearance. He himself knows the path of the Buddha towards enlightenment, is ready to follow the path, and in the best case has already passed through the gateless gate. You don't recognize a good spiritual guide by a beautifully made website, nor by really great photos, nor by such great promises. Nor by expensive seminars or physical attempts at greater closeness.
A good spiritual guide can be recognized by whether his statements touch you or not.
The way is the goal!

Those who speak wise words much and often, but fail to follow the right path in their actions, do not become members of a holy community, are shepherds who count other people's cattle.
- Buddha - honorary name of Siddharta Gautama

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