From our earliest days, we are taught the fundamental importance of respecting our teachers and elders. It is a lesson instilled in us from childhood, intended to serve as a cornerstone for our moral development. However, as we journey through life, this essential virtue often begins to fade. For many, it becomes increasingly thin, until eventually, it may vanish entirely.
This is particularly true for those who possess strong subjective views, a rigid sense of self-importance, or a belief in their own superior abilities. When one becomes convinced of their own competence, they often forget to honour their teachers, their seniors, and their true spiritual friends. They allow their arrogance and pride to cloud their judgment, forgetting their role as juniors or students. They may even engage in the disrespectful behaviour of challenging those who have guided them. This is a trend that must not be allowed to grow within our community.
The True Essence of Humility
Respecting our teachers and elders, and caring for our juniors, is not merely a social convention. It is a profound expression of our inner heart, a reflection of our moral character and virtue. This respect must be extended to all, especially within the bodhimanda. Regardless of a teacher's or senior's age, their physical health, or their perceived capabilities, we must always maintain a spirit of reverence.
True respect is a manifestation of our Buddha-nature. It is a practice that requires us to look past the surface and recognise the wisdom and guidance that our teachers provide. When we hold this respect in our hearts, we are not just honouring them; we are cultivating the very soil in which our own wisdom can grow.
Navigating Differences with Grace
What should we do when we hold different opinions or perspectives? If you find yourself in disagreement with a teacher or elder, you must express your views with the utmost sincerity and respect. This means:
Maintaining a heart of reverence, even when you disagree.Ensuring your tone of voice is gentle and sincere.Using facial expressions that convey humility rather than defiance.
It is a grave error to assume that you are correct simply because you hold a different opinion. To respond with impatience, to issue commands, to raise your voice, or to display anger is to act with profound disrespect. Such behaviour is not only an affront to the other person but also a disruption to the harmony of the bodhimanda. If you find that you have acted in this way, you must engage in deep repenting, examine your actions, and quickly repent, change their ways.
The Hidden Cost of Arrogance
When we refuse to accept guidance or choose to lash out at our teachers, the one who suffers the most is ourselves. By rejecting the wisdom of our true spiritual friends, we are effectively damaging our own true self / self-nature and Buddha-nature. Even if we are physically present in a Buddha-land, if we have not transformed the 'self,' personal ego, and selfishness, how can we hope to resolve the conflict within our own hearts? How can we hope to dissolve ?
If we remain drowsy and distracted by our own habits, our spiritual progress will not only stall; it may even become more stubborn than before. If you have committed no fault, there is no need to react with anger or engage in conflict. Do not forget that you are a practitioner; to act out of anger is to act like a fool. You must be careful and cautious, ensuring that you do not commit these errors.
Returning to the Path of
If you have indeed made a mistake, you should be even more willing to accept correction. Be grateful to the person who points out your faults, for they are acting as a true spiritual friend. Use this as an opportunity for quickly repent, change their ways, and resolve that you will not repeat the mistake. In the end, when you respect your teachers and elders, you are simultaneously respecting your own true self / self-nature. The one who benefits the most from this practice is, ultimately, you.
