I read something interesting about today's teachers and find it quite relevant to post it here. It is by Shamarpa Rinpoche. In this degenerate age, there are many self-claimed masters and gurus. We have to be careful. WisdomBeing, good luck in finding a Guru
![Cool 8)](http://www.dorjeshugden.com/forum/Smileys/default/cool.gif)
The site has plenty of great masters, perhaps you can start out from here and look for their centres, instead of trying to look "out there". Many of these great masters on this website fits the criteria below I tell ya!
![Grin ;D](http://www.dorjeshugden.com/forum/Smileys/default/grin.gif)
In order to practice the path, which involves various samayas, it is necessary to
rely on a lama who should be qualified in the following:
- Learned in Sutrayana and Tantrayana and skilful in teaching
- Experience in meditation practice.These two qualities which are described in many tantras are essential with respect to Tantrayana. In Sutrayana as well both should be united.
A lama who is
learned in the dharma but lacks experience in meditation is of
middling capacity. An individual who
unites both, knowledge of dharma and experience in meditation is of
highest capacity. With regard to judging the capacities of a lama one can distinctly judge knowledge and skill in teaching due to his or her educational background. The depth of experience in meditation, however, cannot be evaluated by others.
Further criteria concerning an authentic teacher other than that mentioned above are not reliable. Some may claim themselves to be an emanation of Amitabha, Chenrezig, Manjushri or others. If these individuals
do not have good qualifications in terms of dharma knowledge
and / or experience in meditation they
should not be considered as authentic lamas.In the west people are easily impressed from the charisma of teachers and by certain behavioural patterns. Due to these characteristics individuals are considered high lamas.
In the east, particularly in the chinese society, people are impressed with those who speak English well and with someone who presents himself as an emanation of a specific yidam or bodhisattva.
If one accepts such criteria, it is not certain that one will meet a qualified lama. One could have great luck and meet an authentic lama who possesses charisma and excellent qualification. Furthermore one might have greater luck and encounter a very charismatic person who is the Buddha himself. In many cases, however, one will meet lamas who lack the necessary qualities.
Today there are many buddhist teachers who offer an abundance of excellent dharma. Unfortunately, at the same time, there exist unqualified teachers who misuse their spiritual influence.
From: http://www.tilogaard.dk/html/body_samaya.html