How to Choose a Meditation Teacher

Sep 26, 2025

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Thinking about working with a meditation teacher? It’s a powerful step—but how do you choose the right one?

In this episode, I offer a framework based on the three Yanas (vehicles) of Buddhist practice. Each path reflects a different view of meditation—and can help you clarify the kind of guidance you need.

Three Yanas, Three Teaching Styles

1. Hinayana – The Foundational Path
Best if you're starting out and need structure. Look for a teacher who emphasizes:

Simplicity and discipline
Ethical foundation
Building a consistent practice

2. Mahayana – The Compassionate Path
Ideal if you're feeling more open to others and want your practice to reflect that. Seek a teacher who guides:

The Four Immeasurables: love, compassion, joy, equanimity
How to connect practice with service and daily life

3. Vajrayana – The Transformational Path
For those ready to work with everything—including chaos—as part of the path. A Vajrayana teacher will focus on:

Sudden awakening
Meeting life directly, without avoidance
Transforming emotions into insight

Vajrayana is my home. I teach meditation not to calm down, but to wake up—to all of it: beauty, difficulty, uncertainty, and joy.

If you’re looking for a teacher, ask yourself:

Do I need grounding and structure?
Am I drawn to compassion and connection?
Do I want to use every part of life as practice?

Clarity about your needs will help you find the right guide.

A previous episode of this podcast (about the Four Noble Truths) was mentioned. You can listen to Episode 13 here.

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Produced by Citizens of Sound