Rinpoche's Advice for Teachers

Essential advice for all Dharma teachers and students! This advice was given to Elaine Jackson, director of Vajrapani Institute. Elaine says:

'On Dec 2nd, I went to Rinpoche's house to perform a notary service. When I arrived at 6pm, Rinpoche and the Sangha at the house had just started to watch a DVD of His Holiness' address to a huge crowd in Canada on "The Power of Compassion." I was invited to join them. After the DVD and the completion of the notary service, Rinpoche asked me whether Ven. René was still at Vajrapani. Rinpoche mentioned that he heard the Kopan West course, led by Ven. René went very well. I told Rinpoche that everyone who hears Ven. René is quite inspired and feels he is a great teacher.

Rinpoche then said, "There are two things: Words and actions."

"A teacher might be very knowledgeable, but if the actions do not follow the words, the students are not inspired. The student may gain some knowledge, but will not be inspired - will not really learn. René's actions follow his words. It is important that teachers do retreat. That way they are teaching from their experience."

Rinpoche then asked me if I had a piece of paper. I replied, "yes". Rinpoche said, "Write down everything I said. I want you to write down every word without missing." Then Rinpoche laughed.

From this little experience with Rinpoche, I learned Rinpoche's 'Two Things' for teachers - and also that every communication with Rinpoche is a teaching - not a casual conversation. Take notes!'

PS: We have added this advice to the FPMT Resident Teacher's Agreement (available in the Members' Area or from Claire).

This article is taken from the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT).