Wise Teacher Wise Student: Tibetan Approaches To A Healthy Relationship - Softcover

Berzin, Alexander

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1559393475 ISBN 13: 9781559393478

Publisher: Snow Lion, 2010

Synopsis

The relationship between a teacher and student can be a most rewarding and life-enhancing experience, yet it can also be fraught with problems and misunderstandings. For Westerners working with Eastern teachers, the difficulties can be compounded by cultural differences, language barriers, and divergent expectations. Wise Teacher, Wise Student examines the teacher-student relationship as it is understood in the Tibetan Buddhist context. The author surveys a wide spectrum of situations, exploring the causes of potential pitfalls. In illuminating the sources of misunderstandings, he offers methods to heal wounds and encourage healthy relationships.

About this title

About the Author:

Alexander Berzin received a PhD from Harvard University in 1972 from the Departments of Far Eastern Languages and Sanskrit and Indian Studies. A member of the Translation Bureau of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives since 1972, he is the author of numerous books and articles. He frequently travels to the Americas, Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, lecturing on Buddhism and Tibetan culture and helping to establish programs of co-operation between the Tibetan community and academic and religious institutions.

Review:

Alex Berzin has taken head-on one of the hottest issues of Buddhism in the West-the teacher-student and guru-disciple relationship. I consider this a seminal work. (Lama Surya Das, author of Letting Go of the Person You Used to Be )

This is the most thoughtful and comprehensive book yet written on the teacher-student relationship. Alex Berzin provides readers with both clear-eyed wisdom and extraordinary knowledge of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. (Jack Kornfield, author of The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness and Peace )

This is a splendid book, covering cultural considerations, the traditional meanings and types of both teacher and seeker, and the dynamics of a healthy relationship. He confronts fears, blocks, over-dependence, rebellion, transference and regression. A very helpful handbook. (Mandala Magazine, Editor's Choice )

An informative, thoughtful, and in-depth approach to the mentor-student relationship, this book will benefit both newcomers to the path and more advanced practitioners. (Ven. Thubten Chodron, author of Buddhism for Beginners )

Alex Berzin's work is the first serious attempt to write a comprehensive study of the issues involved in the student-teacher relationship in Buddhism. It is to be hoped that this will be the vanguard of a whole genre of literature on this important and controversial subject. (Shenpen Hookham, author of The Buddha Within )

About this edition

• Publisher: Snow Lion
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1559393475
• ISBN 13: 9781559393478
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 272