Oh teacher
I was recently invited again to Radio 4 in the morning air – to talk a little about yoga and about our upcoming yoga camp in Spain. Before turning on the microphone, the dear presenter asks: “how to introduce you?” – Honestly, this question always baffles me. Yoga instructor? Yoga trainer? Yoga teacher? What is hidden behind these labels? How are ordinary listeners listening to them?
The hackneyed word “guru” in Sanskrit only means “dispelling the darkness of ignorance.” Although in fact it is closest to the truth, in our world with distorted concepts it is worth calling yourself a guru and tomatoes and accusations will fly into you, but this is not even the point. I really do not want to belittle the meaning of this word, devalue it. “Guru” – only your students can call you, not you yourself. So who am I? !
Not one of the most titled, promoted and cool teachers can take you to where he has not visited himself. Therefore, I perceive all the teachers, including myself, as a guide, guide, and guide. The more paths the teacher himself walked along the intricate paths of consciousness, mental and spiritual experience, the further he will be able to take away those who trust him. So simple. The richer your own soul is, the more generous and more you can share it with others.
For me, Teacher is always a source of inspiration. Yoga is actually strictly individual practice, and at some point, sooner or later, your Own Inner Teacher – your Spirit – will come to the fore. But for now, maybe you need a person nearby who will support, help not to get lost .. And this person can be called a yoga instructor in the world .. or a teacher 🙂 Although he doesn’t really teach anything, he just shares his soul’s experience, just shows the road, and you go along it yourself. And all the victories on this Path belong to YOU …
Another question that made me smile: “Maybe you need to go to India, take some kind of course in the ashram there?” – Yes, of course, it will never be superfluous. But it’s really not so important where you learned – in Tallinn, London or Rishikesh … Only your own work, the ongoing work on yourself is important – this is really a necessary requirement for a yoga teacher. Dusty diplomas on the wall do not have that value. Alas, the consciousness of a Westerner is accustomed to assessing a “specialist” by the number of certificates, “stars on uniform”. What about the fact that some of the most inspiring, most expanding seminars I have passed have not been reflected in the A4 paper equivalent 🙂 It seems that neither I nor my students suffered from this. The experience has been gained and when I pass it on, I mentally bow my head with gratitude each time to those who passed it to me.
