Seeing Projections

Do not seek comfort
from the spiritual teacher.
Seek only the Truth itself.
~ Adyashanti

Q: Where is the line between respect and trust for the teacher vs. pretending that the teacher can do no wrong?

Adyashanti: Forget pretending that the teacher can do no wrong. This sort of immature projection is what seekers do as a way of avoiding responsibility for themselves. One should never give their good sense away, and if they do, it's their own fault. Mature respect and trust are always earned. If a student gives them immediately, this is not only immature, but also dangerous. It's a sign that the student is not seeking the Truth, but is actually seeking a mother or father figure - someone to tell them what to do and to relieve them of the insecurity of not knowing what the Truth actually is.

Q: It seems that some projection is inevitable, even on the part of the responsible student. Other than just being aware of this, how can the student deal with that issue?

Adyashanti: The student, with the help of the teacher, first needs to be aware of, or made aware of, the projection. Many students don't want the teacher to point this out because it robs them of their most cherished illusions that they use to protect themselves from their own insecurities. So first, you have to be open to seeing a projection as a projection. A true teacher will not intentionally use any projection for any reason. If the student holds onto it and finds some temporary usefulness in it, that's his own doing. The true teacher simply is who he or she is, and does not get involved in the game of projections. You'll find that the true teacher, whether you have projections or not, does not alter the way they behave toward you at all. If they do, run the other way as fast as you can.

The silence inside is the sound of your knowledge collapsing. Remember, it is you who said "I want to be free."   
- Adyashanti