As a new practitioner of 6 years, there is such beauty and love in the teachings of The Buddha. I have been listening to the Dharmagerri podcast and reading the pali cannon and anything I am able to obtain to widen my knowledge of the Dharma. However, it would be nice to find like minded people in my area and perhaps even a teacher or a mentor.
We are fortunate enough to live in a beautiful area in Virginia’s eastern shore, we actually live in a forest which I tend and care for. It has allowed for much meditation and a wonderful practice.
Is it better to have a mentor , or a teacher? And if so , how do I find one ? As there is a shortage of Buddhist in this area .
May peace be with you and loving kindness be abundant.
Would you consider on-line meditation session as a support to your practice?
I have joined an on-line group practice community with participants from around the globe. Of course time differences make it challenging, but knowing this is possible is an encouragement.
There is also a Dharma contemplation group where one can share insights on the Djalma texts.
The link to both activities is Online teachings – Samita ASBL
I wish you well on your journey on the path – gambaran
This is a difficult thing to find no matter where you are. And in the Theravada tradition broadly speaking, there is not the same insistence on having “A Teacher”. Of course they do exist, but the Good Friend model is more common, where you learn from those you can as you are able.
Unless you are wanting a specific meditation tradition like Pa Auk or Mahasi Sayadaw, etc. Those traditions are quite systematized so you can get standard guidance in the technique.
BTW, you aren’t too far from the Bhavana Society and Lion of Wisdom Center.
