Stephan Bodian: The Dark Inside the Light: The Perils and Promise of the Teacher-Student Relationship
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The Dark Inside the Light: The Perils and Promise of the Teacher-Student Relationship
What do spiritual teachers have to offer us that we can’t access ourselves? And how do they fall out of alignment with the truths they teach and act in unconscious and even harmful ways? Over the years, as more and more teachers who preach emptiness of self have revealed themselves to be insensitive and self-serving, the very role of teacher or guru has been called into question. Yet, the teacher-student relationship has always been a powerful catalyst for genuine awakening.
In this conversation we’ll start by reflecting on our own experience with our teachers. We’ll then address some or all of these topics: developing discernment when choosing a teacher, getting the most from the relationship despite the teacher’s limitations, and the many ways a teacher can potentially go astray. We’ll also discuss the power dynamics involved; the role of narcissism, both ordinary and pathological; the place of crazy wisdom; and the perennial issues of money, sex, and shadow. In the second part, there will be space for your questions if you’re participating in the live event.
In this conversation we’ll start by reflecting on our own experience with our teachers. We’ll then address some or all of these topics: developing discernment when choosing a teacher, getting the most from the relationship despite the teacher’s limitations, and the many ways a teacher can potentially go astray. We’ll also discuss the power dynamics involved; the role of narcissism, both ordinary and pathological; the place of crazy wisdom; and the perennial issues of money, sex, and shadow. In the second part, there will be space for your questions if you’re participating in the live event.
About Stephan:
Stephan is a licensed psychotherapist and a teacher in the nondual wisdom tradition of Zen, Dzogchen, and Advaita Vedanta. Trained for many years as a Buddhist monk and invited to teach by Adyashanti, he leads workshops, classes, counseling, and retreats devoted to waking up out of the trance of suffering and realizing our natural state of happiness and peace. Since 2007 he has offered the annual online School for Awakening, a four-month program of teachings, self-inquiry, guided meditation, and dialogue. Stephan is the author of Meditation for Dummies, Wake Up Now, and Beyond Mindfulness, among other books. stephanbodian.org.