Student and Teacher: A Zen Perspective
by Nicolee Jikyo McMahon

"Student and Teacher: A Zen Perspective", is a thought-provoking essay by Nicolee Jikyo McMahon, Roshi, which explores the positive potentialities as well as the possible hazards of being a student and/or a teacher of Zen.

• What are the desires and needs that a student may hope to fulfill in the relationship?
• How can projection play a positive role?
• When the relationship doesn't seem to work, what insights may be gained and what can be done?
• When it does work, what stages may the learning process go through, both for the student and the teacher?

"'Student and Teacher: A Zen Perspective' is one of the best things I have seen on the subject."

"Dear Nicolee Sensei, I have just read your wonderful booklet on the teacher-student relationship.  Thank you so much for putting together such a masterful work."

"I wish that I had had something like 'Student and Teacher: A Zen Perspective' when I began Zen practice. It's really important for students."

As Americans we do not have a tradition of the Venerable Teacher, and we are only beginning to understand the subtleties and challenges involved in the student-teacher relationship within a spiritual setting. Yet this may become one of the most meaningful relationships of life, a deep learning experience, both for the student and teacher. . .

Not only does it help us understand the nature of the student-teacher relationship, but it elucidates our entire practice as Zen students. As students we are on a path which potentially leads to transformation and liberation.  Nicolee Sensei gives us a clear and concise description of how these potentials can be realized and what the processes involved require of both the student and the teacher. As such, what is presented here is as valuable for the advanced Zen student as it is for those setting foot on the path for the first time.

Copies of "Student and Teacher: A Zen Perspective" may be ordered from Three Treasures Zen Community, P.O. Box 720896, San Diego, CA 92172 for $7.00 each, including postage, handling, and any applicable taxes. Check should be made out to Three Treasures Zen Community. Please allow 3 weeks for delivery.