We can, we cannot, we may, we may not.... arghhh!

[Madeliaette]

Thank you for the conversation.... & I will check out the link you sent in a moment - thank you, gregkavarnos...

I would just like to explain my situation - i did have a teacher with whom I emailed for a few years, they suggested books for me to read and practices I might work with, gave suggestions, hints, and hidden help. I could always ask questions, explain my progress, and report any weird and wonderful side effects without worrying that i should not speak about things - but they have since moved on to their next life and I therefore have noone I can now discuss my progress/practice with, having studied online only, rather than within a conventional group, there are no fellow students/traditional sangha. Since some strange goings on are going on, I am writing them down and going over them, but am not knowing who to speak with at the current time.

I will continue with the practices suggested to me - but i feel I would like to discuss certain things with someone that is 'ahead of me' on the path - or at least others at the same level who might experience similar side effects. Because the actual practice I am working with is not secret, yet discussing the progress and side effects might be, it is hard to know with whom i can discuss matters...

[lowlydog]

Thank you for the conversation.... & I will check out the link you sent in a moment - thank you, gregkavarnos...

I would just like to explain my situation - i did have a teacher with whom I emailed for a few years, they suggested books for me to read and practices I might work with, gave suggestions, hints, and hidden help. I could always ask questions, explain my progress, and report any weird and wonderful side effects without worrying that i should not speak about things - but they have since moved on to their next life and I therefore have noone I can now discuss my progress/practice with, having studied online only, rather than within a conventional group, there are no fellow students/traditional sangha. Since some strange goings on are going on, I am writing them down and going over them, but am not knowing who to speak with at the current time.

I will continue with the practices suggested to me - but i feel I would like to discuss certain things with someone that is 'ahead of me' on the path - or at least others at the same level who might experience similar side effects. Because the actual practice I am working with is not secret, yet discussing the progress and side effects might be, it is hard to know with whom i can discuss matters...

In my opinion you would be taking a chance doing this online, you may get an inconsistency in answers and this could lead to more confusion.

[Red Faced Buddha]

I assume the OP follows the Vajrayana school. I don't think that the teachings can "harm" people, but if your guru asked you to keep them secret, it would be best to honor his or her's wishes.