People, like the old man, need to be informed about the treasure within them, the Buddha “within them.” They also need to be instructed how to overcome mental afflictions.  If a child tries to play a musical instrument, it would be rather difficult to do so without the aid of an instructor.

In the same manner, Buddhist practitioners need spiritual teachers (gurus, or lamas).  Only in extremely rare instances would an old blind man be able to find the gold treasure underneath his house.  Likewise, it is extremely rare for ordinary people to achieve Buddhahood all on their own. 

Some spiritual traditions today say that you can be your own guru, which is wrong.  However appealing this newage thought may sound to independent minds, we all know that is not logical.  If human beings cannot learn a language without parents and teachers, then how are human being going to achieve Buddhahood without any outside help?

There are various commentaries on how to examine and choose a teacher. But basically a practitioner should seek a teacher whose qualities are genuine, kind and sincere. The teacher must be trained in an authentic Buddhist lineage; his or her own masters and lineage must be authentic.  Above all, it is very useful to have a teacher who has actually attained realization and is not merely a scholar.  One should always be scrupulous, but not filled with discriminatory or preconceived expectations, in one’s search for a spiritual teacher.

WHAT DEFINES A TRUE SPIRITUAL TEACHER?

A Buddhist Master or spiritual teacher should possess the following qualities: 

The Master should have been trained by an authentic teacher in an authentic lineage. He or she should have remained devoted to their teacher even after the teacher’s passing. The teacher should have morality, mindfulness, awareness, equanimity and knowledge of the scriptures.  The teacher should have directly experienced the nature of the mind, or at least understand the concept completely.

Teachers that should be avoided are: those who do not practice what they preach, those who go around boasting about their realization, those who actively create divisions within the Buddhist community, and newage gurus who give themselves false titles.