Categories and Emphases of Buddhist Teachers

[u/SpecificDescription]

I have not seen many discussions on the spectrum of Buddhist teachers and what they emphasize and don’t emphasize. Though I am aware many Buddhist teachers discuss this amongst themselves and it’s more known who specializes in what, at least among senior teachers in the Western scene.

Is anyone aware of a study or detailed discussion around this topic? Also, glad to hear any thoughts this community may have. Thanks!

For example -

Mahasi Sayadaw - focuses on noting practice with a bent towards “dry” vipassana

Ayya Khema - focuses on the gradual path with a balance of jhana and insight

Pa Auk - specializes in deep jhana and mystical power

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[u/Drig-Drishya-Viveka]

It would be an interesting thing to do. There would be a lot of dimensions of teaching/practice styles, and questions over which to include, and then who rates them and based on which criteria.

Probably better to spend the time meditating.

[u/SpecificDescription → u/Drig-Drishya-Viveka]

I don’t disagree with your last sentence. But how and with whose instruction and technique?

It’s more of a curiosity for me, as I’ve heard teachers reference other teachers as a “master” of one technique in dharma talks, but this seems to be tribal knowledge.

[u/eudoxos_]

This is not practice-related, find a different forum.

[u/SpecificDescription → u/eudoxos_]

I posted this in the Buddhism subreddit as well, but thought this community might have some insight.

My post is around how different teachers emphasize different aspects of practice.

[u/thewesson → u/eudoxos_]

That's a good point.

As mods we'd like to not front-and-center discussions about 3rd parties. This subreddit is (or should be) about your practice and views (right view.)

But this doesn't seem to be opinion, gossip, or speculation, but instead about what practices might be studied with whom.

So we're letting this one stand.