kakapo

Most spiritual seekers want to roleplay, and be entertained. They do not want to accomplish anything meaningful.

Recently I had a student seek me out. They told me they studied this many years with this teacher, and this many years with that teacher, and they self studied this course, and that book, and this video series, and that. They were trying to convince me how well educated they were on the topic. They were very dismayed when I explained that all of that puts them at a disadvantage compared to someone with no experience in the matter at all. They were puzzled how that could be. Surely someone who has put in so much time and effort would be more advanced than someone who has put in zero time and effort after all. I did my best to explain to them that studying 100 systems that are false, and trying to combine them into something new, doesn't result in a new and improved amalgam of a system, and having to beat all that nonsense out of the student is very difficult to do if not impossible. Getting someone to empty their cup, especially when they are so proud of the contents of their cup is almost impossible. The person became very upset, and defensive, and demanded I teach them. Never a good sign.

M In Soto Zen the stick is used to "suddenly awaken" a student, but few American temples do so anymore. I suppose it could possibly be effective, but I don't use that technique with my students. The problem with some traditions is that their "skillful means" don't evolve with societal changes. What might have worked in feudal Japan might not be what is best for a student in todays day and age. There are plenty of other opportunities and techniques, and an experienced and intuitive teacher could choose something much more personal and effective in the moment. _/\_ - I haven't found that there is any issue with mixing techniques where the intention is awakening/enlightenment. I have no trouble mixing techniques where it is efficacious. I will do whatever I can to help precipitate awakening in truly committed student. Microcosmic orbit practice is one example of a practice when mixed with others that can end very badly. I have seen many students mix this together with another practice, and then blame the other practice for the resulting health issues. It is a shame indeed, and it becomes the responsibility of the teacher to filter out students likely to do stuff like this in my opinion.

That is a different Sean than the person who started this forum.

I agree. Many seekers I meet want to absorb all teachings, and then combine them into something new and better. This leads to health problems no one knows how to fix. Often the last teacher and system they represent gets the blame for the health problems.

I don't think hitting a student with a stick is a good idea, it was more of just a response to Apech's post. The main point being is it is difficult and often impossible to get people to give up teachings they consider valuable. Mixing practices can and often does result in health problems, for which the teacher ultimately will be blamed.

They not willing to unlearn as a first step, so no, nothing more was given to them.

It was meant more metaphorically, often it is not possible to force people to empty their cup. This is especially true when they hold the teachings they already have in high regard.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keisaku