Expert: Bodhicitta - 6/21/2005

Question
Hello,
I have asked you questions before and you have always been so helpful. I have read books for years and at a certain point, they say a teacher is needed. I have asked you questions and you also mentioned I should get a teacher. I have been looking into it. I found a forum on belief.net and asked for their help. I also found a center about six hours away but they have a home study program. It is with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Traditions, in San Francisco, California.
My question is do you have any advice for me in trying to find a teacher? I could use all the help I can get. Do you know of other forums I should ask? I truly feel I am not going to make much progress without some teachings and that saddens me.
I have even asked someone in the street. She was helpful in the sense that she told me the Temples I was familiar with were of a different type than the books I read.
Thank you and thank you for helping others,
Lydia

Answer
Hi Lydia
Well im not sure of which teachers are close to you.

The internet is a good source of information these days.
There are many dharma magazines. Like , Snow Lions , Shambhala Sun, Tricycle, Dharma Life, all available in large book shops and over the web.

One thing to remember is that maybe a small time spent with a good teacher could be worth a life time of instruction from the wrong teacher. so dont worry if you can only meet the teacher occassionally. Familiarse yourself with the different  teachers and dharma around and then trust your instincts.

The teacher will come. This is very mysterios but true.
Just keep making efforts on your side . Study, seek out teachers and do the best you can.

Bodhicitta