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True Teaching

by G. Echanique

For fifteen years or so, I was reluctant to become a Dharma teacher in training because I had many doubts and issues with my practice. In the year 2001, Zen Master Soeng Hyang  came to her once-a-year retreat and in my interview asked me why I had not applied to be a Dharma Teacher-In-Training. She said, "Richard needs you." I explained that my practice was very difficult for me and that I did not know what I could teach, since I had so many problems. "How can I teach when I have so many difficulties?" I asked. She looked at me intently with her kind eyes and said, "Teach about that." I instantly understood that perfection, superiority, or even accomplishment is not the core of our practice. The core is the struggle that points to "What Am I."

Shortly after, I applied to become a Dharma-Teacher-In-Training, eventually becoming a Senior Dharma Teacher. My self-doubts have not been resolved, but now I see them as teachers' aids, thanks to Bobby’s kind lesson.