A spiritual teacher is essential for those seeking to follow a spiritual path. Eknath Easwaran explains why we need a teacher, how to find one, and what it takes to be a good student. 

Why is a teacher important? And how can we find an authentic one? Easwaran, a recognized authority on spiritual living, has guided earnest students around the world. He tells us that to make real progress on the spiritual path, we need encouragement, inspiration, and practical guidance from someone who has made the journey before us - an experienced guide who can show us a safe path up the spiritual mountain. Drawing on advice from the Indian sages and the example of his own guru, his grandmother, Easwaran describes the qualities to look for in an authentic teacher. 

But a good teacher also needs a good student. To make progress on our spiritual path, we must cultivate earnestness and enthusiasm. Then, over time, with our teacher’s guidance, we will come to see within ourselves the source of all wisdom and joy, our highest self. This discovery will help all who live and work with us, for the true teacher can light within our hearts “a lamp that shines like a beacon for all around to follow”.

Narrated by Paul Bazely. Music by Jan She. Cover image courtesy of Mikhail Kokhanchikov.