Qualities of a Spiritual Teacher
Qualities to look for in a spiritual mentor and how to cultivate a healthy relationship with them.
Related Books
The Foundation of Buddhist Practice
Volume 2 of The Library of Wisdom and Compassion describes the bedrock of Buddhist practice — essential topics that help us to stay focused on what is essential as we establish a flourishing Dharma practice.
Order From
Related Series
Good Teacher, Good Student Retreat (2009)
Teachings on the qualities to look for in a spiritual teacher and to cultivate as qualified students, held at Sravasti Abbey from May 23-25, 2009.
View Series
Relating to a Tantric Teacher (2017)
Short talks on how to relate to a tantric teacher in the wake of scandals involving abuses of the teacher-student relationship.
View SeriesAll Posts in Qualities of a Spiritual Teacher
Venerable Thubten Chodron How to relate to a spiritual mentor
Different types of Dharma teachers plus qualities of a good Dharma student.
View Post
How to relate to a spiritual mentor
Qualities of a qualified teacher and a receptive student.
View Post
Guided by wise teachers
Venerable Chodron reflects on the influence of her teachers and her journey to monasticism.
View Post
Venerable Sangye Khadro Remembering the kindness of the guru with Ven. Khadro
Stories about Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Lama Yeshe from Venerable Sangye Khadro’s experience.
View Post
Remembering the kindness of the guru with Ven. Chodron
Stories about Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Lama Yeshe from Venerable Thubten Chodron’s experience.
View Post
Saying goodbye to our spiritual teachers
How to rely on a spiritual mentor and continue to practice well after they pass…
View Post
Saying goodbye to our spiritual teachers
How to choose and rely on a spiritual mentor and cultivate the qualities of a…
View Post
Monk chat: Questions about how to practice
Short videos covering questions about cultivating compassion and how to relate to a spiritual teacher.
View Post
When things fall apart it’s time to practice
Venerable Thubten Chodron shares more on what to do when a teacher has abused his…
View Post