Question asked by Blaine
In “Gurus for Hire…” you warn against criticizing other people’s gurus. Does this mean that in disputes involving lamas and laypeople, we ought never to side with the laypeople? That seems unfair—as if being a lama (or having a lama on one’s side) should exempt one from what would otherwise be fair criticism. Moreover, it denies Buddhism the capacity for ethical self-examination that has invigorated other religions.
Dear Blaine,
When I say one should not criticize others gurus, that is a general statement to help us watch our speech. To avoid hurting the sentiments of other centres/traditions and students.
Very often in the last 30 years I have come across ppl in one centre criticizing another lama or centre when they know nothing about the other lama/centre. My advice is for that. To not criticize other lamas/centres and traditions.
As for disputes involving lamas and lay people, I withhold comments as each case is individual and I have no right to comment. Furthermore I do not know the circumstances involved.