Hi Matylda:Matylda wrote: ↑Wed Feb 08, 2023 12:44 amOf course it is nothing wrong with seeing different teachers in the beginning; nobody expects from the newcomer to be aware of what is good for oneself. But there is time to settle down. Then one has to focus on one thing, one teacher, at least for some longer time; otherwise one will never learn anything. If a teacher who is reliable makes a strong remark, do not move, stay, and you will get proper benefit, then it is what one should do. Lack of faith is commonly spread in this world and time.laowhining wrote: ↑Tue Feb 07, 2023 8:49 pm However, to categorically state that receiving teachings from different teachers is evidence of lack of faith and not being serious is very limited, imo.
Vajrayāna does not work the way Zen does.
Even if one is very committed to one teacher, in Tibetan Buddhism it is common practice to receive teachings from many other teachers, and is quite encouraged.
Most Vajrayāna practitioners have multiple teachers in multiple lineages, including David Stott aka Lama Jampa Thaye. Of course, if Lama Jampa Thaye does not wish to mentor people, who like himself, have multiple teachers, that's entirely his prerogative.
My personal approach to this issue is that I don't answer questions from students about transmissions they've received from other teachers. But it does not mean I refuse to discuss things with them or meet with them, etc. But my preferences are not everyones' and I would hesitate to negatively judge Lama Jampa, just as I would hesitate to judge the student who expressed dissatisfaction in being told that he or she, unawares, have entered into an exclusive relationship. There is no one right way here.