Pure Mountain Tao

The best teacher points the way. There can be no precise instructions. A sign by the road tells you what direction to go in, however you yourself must find the destination. In spiritual matters, you must too find your own way. Following someone else step for step does not lead to any self realization; merely an exercise in apeing someone else. Relationships with gurus often lead to disappointment. The person is not who or what we thought they were. Maybe we find them after a time to be not so enlightened, or not so honest, or something else. People who have this kind of experience often run to the next guru they can find and latch on again, in the hope that this guru can bring them peace and wisdom. Devoting yourself to a guru does not bring self-realization, but just a false sense of one’s self. It is not anymore true than the puppy on the leash who thinks he is doing the leading around. The wise teacher does not want your devotion, he or she wishes to point you over in the direction of peace and wisdom. Ultimately you must pick them up and make them your own. The teachings of the Tao leads us to certain conclusions but until we hold them true in our heart, they merely point the way.