Episode 67 :: Scott Edelstein :: Sex and the Spiritual Teacher

By Ted Meissner | June 3, 2011

Scott Edelstein

Scott Edelstein speaks with us about his book Sex and the Spiritual Teacher.

Physical relationships between teachers and students is not a particularly new occurrence. It happens, perhaps more than we know. In certain situations, there are factors making it clearly inappropriate. In others, the lines may not be so very clear, as we sometimes see with voluntary student / teacher roles between adults in meditation centers.

Events of the past thirty years of the unskillful variety have cause tremendous suffering to those involved, rippling outward to harm those who may not even have been aware of the relationships. Some centers have recognized the risks, and have taken steps in the right direction by providing clear guidelines for students and teachers alike. Others are still in a state of shock over some very recent behaviors, and it is hoped that healing can begin.

Scott Edelstein has studied happily and productively with several spiritual teachers, including Toni Packer, Dainin Katagiri, Tim McCarthy, and (currently) Steve Hagen, who will be our guest in a couple of weeks. He is a longtime practitioner of both Buddhism and Judaism, and a committed proponent of serious spirituality in all forms and traditions. Scott’s short work on spiritual topics has appeared in Shambhala Sun, American Jewish World, The Writer, the anthology What About God?, and elsewhere. He is also the author of 15 other books on a wide range of subjects.

So, sit back, relax, and have a nice Sweet Tea — in honor of some friends in Atlanta.