Introducing the Guide

In both the Vajrayana and Hesychastic traditions the path begins with and is inseparable from the guide, called the guru in the Vajrayana and the spiritual father in the Hesychastic. The importance that both of these traditions place on one's relationship with the guide cannot be overstated. The English word "teacher," is inadequate here, implying as it does a person who simply passes along some information. Rather, the relationship with the teacher is absolutely central to the training, and might be better, although still imperfectly, likened to the relationship with a lover, as one of the primary motivations on the path is a desire to meet the guide with an ever purer intimacy and devotion.

In future posts, I will have much to say about the many facets of the relationship with the guide, and the way that it develops our virtue and awakening. I especially want to discuss how those without a formal guide relationship can begin to take advantage of the wisdom that these traditions are expressing by emphasizing the guide.