Is a teacher necessary in the nondual teachings?

 “It is earnestness that will take you through, not cleverness - your own or another’s.”

― Nisargadatta Maharaj, I Am That: Talks with Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

Is a teacher necessary in the nondual teachings?

Nondual teachings are a form of spiritual inquiry that aim to reveal the true nature of reality and the self. They are based on the premise that there is no separation between the subject and the object, the observer and the observed, the self and the other. Nondual teachings challenge the conventional dualistic view of reality that assumes a distinction between the inner and the outer, the personal and the impersonal, the relative and the absolute.

One of the common questions that arise in the context of nondual teachings is whether a teacher is necessary or not. Some people may argue that a teacher is essential, as they can guide, support, and challenge the seeker along the path of awakening. They can point out the pitfalls, misconceptions, and blind spots that may hinder or obscure the recognition of one's true nature. They can also offer feedback, validation, and encouragement to help the seeker integrate and embody their realization in daily life.

Others may contend that a teacher is not necessary, as they may create dependency, authority, or hierarchy that may interfere with the direct experience of reality. They may also impose their own views, beliefs, or interpretations that may limit or distort the seeker's understanding of nonduality. They may also have their own flaws, biases, or agendas that may compromise their integrity or authenticity as a teacher. Furthermore, some people may claim that there is no need for a teacher, as one's true nature is always present and accessible within oneself. They may suggest that one can rely on their own intuition, insight, or inner guidance to discover and realize their true nature. Some teachers openly admit that the whole purpose of a teacher is only to point out the 'inner teacher' that each apparent individual innately contains (or actually is).

So, is a teacher necessary in the nondual teachings? There is no definitive answer to this question, as different seekers may have different needs, preferences, and experiences. Some may benefit from having a teacher, while others may not. Some may need a teacher for a certain period of time, while others may need one for longer or shorter durations. Some may find a teacher in a person, while others may find a teacher in a book, a video, a podcast, or even in nature. Ultimately, the question of whether a teacher is necessary or not is secondary to the question of whether one is sincere, open, and willing to inquire into their true nature and reality. As long as one has this genuine aspiration and curiosity, they will find their way to the truth, with or without a teacher.