Dear Sensei Tony- why is working with a teacher so important? This is David. Hi David- let me begin by quoting one my favorite lyrics by the band, Yes:

And You and I

“I listened hard but could not see

Life tempo change out and inside me

The preacher trained in all to lose his name;

The teacher travels, asking to be shown the same.”

While Taking Refuge is something we all must choose to do individually, and Taking and Receiving the Precepts marks our commitment to the spiritual community or Sangha, there is nothing that beats having a spiritual friendship with one who has walked the path and knows well the terrain of the spiritual sojourn. In fact, the Buddha Shakyamuni considered it the most important. And while personal insight and experience is the goal, and certainly, veteran lay practitioners could serve as such, there is no replacement, in my opinion, for the guidance of a teacher who has been specially trained and ordained for this very purpose. Why is this so?

One of my root mentors, Bernie Glassman, once said that we are all Ego Self addicts. And not unlike the practices of the Alcoholic Anonymous, the role of a sponsor can be critical. Sponsors are senior established members of the AA fellowship, who have been sober for a substantial period and have applied the principles of the AA program to their own lives. They mentor other members, give advice and support in sobriety,

and assist them in completing the 12 steps. However, unlike an AA sponsor, the community (Sangha) confirmed, trained and ordained priest has no restrictions as such and serves as much, much more. He serves as a certified mindfulness counselor, offering spiritual technologies to assist the student on his or her own journey. She serves as confessor, liturgist, preacher, teacher and offerer of blessings. As our tradition holds, priests are the very bloodline of the Buddhas. And while they hold no ecclesiastical power over and are equal as fellow sojourns to the lay practitioner, they have taken special vows to uphold the practices so that each generation will benefit from the Way of Mindful Living. They are commissioned to be the helper of all in need, sustainer of the beloved community and keepers of the sacred Dharma Flame. They are followers of a unique aspiration, open to all whom believe they are so called.

So, if you really want to deepen your practice, begin a relationship with such a teacher. And if you believe that you are hearing that special, sacred call, please contact us about the process of  training to be a priest (https://www.asksenseitony.com/seminary).