Namaskar Oct 2015

DRISTI
STUDENT
OF A
TRAVELING
TEACHER
From the
perspective
of a student
INNA CONSTANTINI
We frequently investigate and discuss issues
from the teacher’s perspective. In this case,
as we look at the “Traveling Yogi,” let’s step
back and see how a student feels when his/
her teacher is not around on a permanent
basis.
As we focus on the excitement, joys and
challenges of being a traveling yogi, what
happens to students or seekers who they
meet along the way? How is it for them to
practice with someone who is not available
on a regular basis, offering daily guidance so
many feel they need?
THE PROS
Joy and excitement:
The joy from meeting one’s teacher again
after his/her time away traveling
The joy in meeting new teachers, connecting
with new people and discovering fresh
experiences - perhaps this is experienced on a
simple physical level, through the practice of
asana, developing technique, or on a deeper
level of linking with the outer/inner world.
Independence:
Time to absorb, develop and practice the
teachings on your own once the teacher is no
longer there...
Devotion:
Feeling a greater sense of connection with
the universal world of Yoga - the teacher
does not need to be forever present, but the
bond between teacher and student remains
strong, transcending time and space,
revealing a deeper meaning and layers of
Yoga.
Appreciation:
Being grateful of the present and treasuring
those moments with the teacher when he or
she is close by
THE CONS
Wavering emotions:
Due to dealing with emotions such as
sadness and emptiness
Due to not having a teacher there on a regular
or daily basis, someone that the student can
turn to for advice and support in their
practice
Lack of Stability:
The traveling teacher can never be fully there
for students. That daily connection is
missing and the regular guidance may lack in
such a teacher/student relationship.
Most would agree the teacher has a
responsibility to offer guidance and support
to students. The details of which, however,
are entirely up to each individual and their
understanding of the word guidance. A
simple virtual contact (thanks to the internet
and high speed communications) or the
knowledge one is available, may often
transcend the actual physical presence of the
teacher.
36 NAMASKAR