[Buddha-l] modern buddhist teachers

[S.A. Feite]

On Jul 2, 2009, at 2:55 PM, Erik Hoogcarspel wrote:

> Curt Steinmetz schreef:
>> So far we've got HHDL, TNH and RAR (Robert Aitken Roshi).
>>
>> I don't really think the criteria I proposed are all that difficult  
>> to
>> work with - especially given the examples from Hinduism that I  
>> included:
>> Vivekananda, Gandhi and Aurobindo.
>>
>> HHDL probably comes the closest - in fact I believe he is the only  
>> one
>> even in the running. He is extremely popular among Asian Buddhists -
>> especially in Taiwan and Japan (as well as, naturally, among Central
>> Asian Buddhists). And yet where Aurobindo, Vivekananda and Gandhi  
>> were
>> all committed to the complete liberation and independence of India,  
>> HHDL
>> has adopted a far more accommodating approach with respect to the  
>> brutal
>> conquest of Tibet by the Chinese, which I think greatly undercuts his
>> potential appeal and influence (and importance), although it sells  
>> well
>> among aging hippies in the West.
>>
>> Curt
>>
> What about Sogyal Rche, Namkhai Norbu or Tartang Tulku?
> It has been long since I've been in touch with their fans. Perhaps  
> Norbu is not a good candidate because he has become a lot more  
> traditional than he used to be.


I would certainly include Namkhai Norbu not only because he was a  
professor at a western university, *but also because he's revealing  
terma cycles that are intended beings in the west.* If you agree with  
the idea that 'there are no enlightened people, only enlightened  
action(s)', you'd be hard-poised to find more skillful enlightened  
action in a teacher.

Steve Feite