He shouldn't teach.

1. Yes.
   
   
2. No (Cannot know if that is true. Nor what is best for his path or those learning from him.)
   
   
3. What happens when I believe that thought?
   
   I judge him for not being familiar enough with the larger terrain, for only knowing some sections of the terrain, for firm statements about areas he is not familiar with, for allowing his students to believe in what he is saying, for not placing his own teachings in context, for not acknowledging the limitations of his experience and teachings.
   
   I experience separation from him, his teachings, his students, and myself as well. I avoid his teachings, even though I see something of value for me there.
   
   I see him as green, not experienced enough, not well enough trained, not mature enough, not clear enough, not aware of his own limitations enough, not aware of his projections enough.
   
   What do I get from having that belief?
   
   I get to be right. I get to see myself as clearer than him, most honest, more aware of the larger terrain, more accurate. I get to experience separation from him. I get to not having to become his student, and take his teachings seriously. I get to not explore the teachings more in depth. >> I get to feel good about not teaching myself, and not wanting to teach.
   
   
4. Who am I without that thought?
   
   Present. Clear. Able to hear him, free from the cloud of judgments and mental commentaries. Able to be receptive, free from the resistance to him and his teachings. Free to be his student or not, in any way that seems appropriate. Free to teach myself, following my own advice.
   
   
5. (a) He should teach.
   
   Yes, because that is the reality of it. Also, it may be of benefit to him and even to his students. Not every teacher needs to be "perfect" according to an abstract ideal. His teachings may well be perfect for those who choose him as their teacher.
   
   They may get exactly what they need out of it, both in terms of content and in terms of whatever blind spots may be there. Imperfect teachers and teachings are reminders to trust our own immediate experience, to find the teacher within.
   
   (b) I should teach.
   
   Yes, true as well. First, I should be aware that I am teaching all the time anyway, just by living my life. We are all teachers, whether we want it or not, whether we see it or not. Also, I should teach more consciously - being aware of my life as teachings. And, I may also teach more formally, if the situation presents itself. Or not. At least, I should be free to do it or not, equally.
   
   (c) I shouldn't teach.
   
   Yes, I shouldn't teach him how to teach. It is his business. My advice is for myself.
   
   (d) My thoughts shouldn't teach.
   
   Right, they shouldn't teach by me believing in them.
   
   (e) My thoughts should teach.
   
   Yes, they point to ways to explore the world. They pose questions about the world. They help with communication. In all these ways, they teach and should teach.
   

Labels: own inquiry