After participating in numerous spiritual development courses and workshops, and meetings with masters representing rich lineages from the yogic traditions of India, as well as Bön, Mahayana, and Vajrayana from Tibet and Nepal, I want to clarify a topic that many of us ponder: Should one follow a single master on the spiritual path, or should one follow many masters?
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Sacred texts from various spiritual traditions often address the relationship between teacher and student, focusing more on the quality and significance of that relationship rather than on whether one should follow only a single master. Here is what some of these texts have to say on the subject:
Hinduism
Bhagavad Gita: One of the most significant Hindu scriptures, the Bhagavad Gita, presents a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and his spiritual teacher, Krishna. The text emphasizes the importance of devotion to God (who can be seen as the ultimate teacher) and following His teachings, but it does not limit the idea to having only one human teacher.
Upanishads: The Upanishads, which are part of the Vedic scriptures, also explore the relationship between teacher and student, highlighting the need for spiritual guidance but not restricting the student to a single master.
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: The Yoga Sutras do not specify how many teachers a student may have. Instead, Patanjali emphasizes the concepts of abhyasa (dedication to practice) and vairagya (non-attachment). The master is viewed as a guide who imparts wisdom and practices to help overcome obstacles on the path to enlightenment. In this context, the focus is more on the quality of teaching and the student’s practice rather than the number of teachers. The concept of having one master contrasts with the idea of non-attachment, as such attachment creates dependency.
Buddhism
Sutras: In the sutras, which are recorded teachings of the Buddha, the value of Dharma (the Buddha's teachings) is emphasized as a guide on the spiritual path. While it is important in Buddhism for teachings to be transmitted through teachers, there is no strict mandate that it must be from one person. Theravada Buddhism emphasizes individual responsibility for attaining enlightenment, while Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions involve more complex relationships with teachers and may include multiple masters.
Tantras: In Tantric Buddhism, lineages of transmission are extremely important. Each lineage has its founder and a succession of masters who pass on teachings from generation to generation. Practitioners may receive initiations and teachings from teachers across different lineages, which is quite common, especially in more complex and developed systems of practice, such as Tibetan Buddhism.
Even though practitioners may have many teachers, there is often one main teacher (root lama) who plays a central role in their spiritual life. This teacher is typically the one with whom students have the deepest connection and from whom they receive key initiations and teachings. This relationship is considered fundamental to the student’s spiritual path.
Having multiple teachers in Tantric Buddhism requires an open mind and deep respect for both the teachings and the teachers themselves. It also reflects the richness and diversity of the Tantric tradition, which can adapt to the individual needs and spiritual paths of practitioners.
Although having multiple teachers is accepted, practitioners are encouraged to carefully consider before engaging with teachings from additional masters. Each new teacher should be carefully chosen based on their wisdom, compassion, and authenticity, as well as how their teachings resonate with the practitioner’s personal spiritual path.
The Dalai Lama also acknowledges the value of having more than one spiritual teacher, as different teachers can offer diverse insights and methods that cater to the varied needs and inclinations of the student.
In particular, in Tantric practice, it is explained that a lama and a student should observe each other for a minimum of 12 years before establishing a teacher-student relationship. (This is not after a week-long or month-long course.)
Dangers of LeDangers of Learning Only from One Spiritual Teacherarning Only from One Spiritual Teacher
In some spiritual groups, there is pressure to attend only the teachings of a single master and to avoid the teachings of other teachers. This can be a red flag that requires closer examination.
Sometimes this is explicitly stated by the teacher. At other times, it is not directly said but is conveyed through manipulation, such as warning against other teachers, other groups, or having multiple masters. Sometimes, it is done in a very subtle way, emphasizing the advantages of having just one teacher. More about toxic groups and cults can be found in my book, The Secrets of Personal Development.
While a strong relationship with one teacher can be valuable, limiting oneself to their perspective without the opportunity to explore other viewpoints can lead to isolation and one-sided spiritual development.
Here are some aspects that may suggest that a group exhibits characteristics of a cult:
1. Exclusivity
Groups with cult-like characteristics often emphasize the uniqueness of their teacher, claiming that only they possess the true knowledge or path to enlightenment. This approach contradicts the idea of spiritual exploration and openness that is present in many traditions. As we see in monotheistic religions (which are often criticized by those who identify as "spiritual" or non-religious), fanatical devotion to a single teacher or deity can lead to more harm than good. This can range from dissatisfaction in life to developing a hatred for anything different, and even to wars. Similarly, in sports, the belief that one's team is superior can lead to problems. Could it be that the belief that "this teacher is the best" is not as harmless as it seems?
2. Excessive Attachment
If a group emphasizes absolute devotion to the teacher, ignoring personal boundaries and common sense, it may be a sign that the relationships within the group are unhealthy. Spirituality should support personal growth and autonomy, not lead to dependency. While spirituality involves dedication to learning, practice, and respect for the teacher, it should not involve surrendering or submitting oneself to the teacher, the practice, or anyone or anything else.
3. Isolation from Other Perspectives
Groups with sectarian tendencies often isolate their members from external sources of knowledge, criticizing other spiritual paths or teachers. Seeking spiritual truth, however, involves openness to a diversity of experiences and teachings. A lack of openness indicates confinement. Excessive dependence on a single individual can limit one's worldview. Individuals who are under the influence of a toxic spiritual teacher, with strong attachment to ego, often experience significant resistance to learning from other teachers. Rational minds may come up with many excuses, but for those in toxic groups, there are no excuses—time and money are often found, usually at the expense of work and family.
4. Control and Manipulation
One of the most concerning signs of sectarian groups is the use of manipulation and control techniques, including leveraging the teacher's authority for personal or group goals, which contradicts the ethical principles of most spiritual traditions. Independent thinking and critical evaluation of teachings are crucial for spiritual development.
Here are the key risks in brief:
- Manipulation: A close relationship with a single teacher can lead to emotional and intellectual manipulation, where the teacher influences the student's thoughts, feelings, and decisions in a potentially harmful way.
- Abuse of Power: Limiting oneself to a single source of knowledge increases the risk of abuse of power, where the teacher might exploit their position for personal or group benefits, rather than serving the students in an ethical manner.
- Isolation: Exclusive devotion to one master can isolate individuals from other perspectives and communities, leading to a closed mindset and loss of opportunities to explore diverse spiritual and intellectual paths.
- Loss of Autonomy: There is a danger of losing autonomy in making spiritual and life decisions, where students may become excessively dependent on the teacher, relinquishing their own judgment and individual choices.
How to Recognize a Healthy Spiritual Group
A healthy spiritual group or tradition encourages personal development, critical thinking, and independence. It values diverse teachers and perspectives, promotes openness to dialogue and the exchange of experiences. While it may emphasize the importance of a teacher in spiritual life, it does not restrict personal freedom or create unhealthy attachment. A good teacher invites criticism and independent thinking rather than insisting on the acceptance of their teachings as the only truth.
Individuals in a cult or those with a toxic, exclusive relationship with a teacher often face difficulties in their personal lives, such as diminished libido, lack of attraction to their partner, family issues, and conflicts in various life domains like family and work.
For more on this topic, refer to the book The Power of Spiritual Development
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