Student - Teacher admiration = gone too far?

by heathervescent

Student-Teacher love is a difficult thing. A student elevates a teacher to a near God like position because of his or her knowledge. But even the teacher is human, and that is what is usually what the student doesn't see.

The path to enlightenment is often see as a goal - not a path. The teachers you find along the way seem to be Gods, because they have different perspectives, more experience, may be a bit further ahead of you or are just plain spiritually-egotistical. And that type of teacher can be a bit of trouble for a doe-eyed seeking novice. This is a standard story for many spiritual paths - and one of the reasons to have a celibacy rule.

So what is the problem when both student and teach are consenting adults? This article looks at this situation in the yoga studio.

In an ideal world, teachers and students would be able to participate in a learning experience that benefits both without harming either. Until that happens, maybe it’s time for a Yoga Board of Standards. As teachers, don’t we want to do everything we can to guarantee that students are receiving quality instruction with a high level of integrity?

I wouldn't go so far as to say that there needs to be a board of standards, but I do think you can separate the enlightened from the seekers based on their behaviors. Sometimes it's the student that has more wisdom.

| 06/07/06 | Yoga