Purity of the Master

Once when teaching in India someone asked me, "how can I know if someone is a true teacher?"

My answer was simple, "watch them when they are not teaching."

Being a disciple of a true teacher is the most important thing in the world and that is why we must choose with care.

Anyone can stand in front of you now and say 'I know,' but this relationship is important. Who are they, and where have they come from and what is their authority to teach?

The teacher must be the one who has made the practice and who now shares their loving heart with others. It is not well understood by those who do not know, but the Master exists to serve the disciple.

This is the natural manifestation of awakening, to serve the world and how the pure Dhamma can continue.

Dhamma is not a business. It is a loving relationship between master and disciple. It is the highest form of contact because it is pure. The master serves the disciple and the disciple serves the master, they are like two hands that wash each other.

Without lineage, tradition and integrity, Dhamma is lost and the world tumbles into more and more confusion.

Religion is not Dhamma. Politics is not Dhamma. Social and cultural manipulation is not Dhamma. Modern celebrity is not Dhamma.

Dhamma is simple, Dhamma is love.

It is acceptance without conditions, it is the living presence of the beautiful heart. Dhamma is the truth of the desireless state. Without desire what reason is there to exploit, hurt or manipulate.

Follow the one who has already followed this path, until you are able to walk alone.

May all beings be happy.