In Search of the Inner Teacher

We are always looking outward, listening to our teachers who come with their own problems and limitations, and we ignore the most supreme teacher within ourselves. The only way to evolve, to progress, to truly practice, is to listen to our inner teacher.
~Prashant Iyengar

Here at Jane’s House, a home and place to learn and practice the teachings of Yoga, we tend to be immersed in the dynamics of studentship. Our teachers are everywhere, whether it is the person guiding asana or meditation class, the insights that spring forth from within during our practice on the mat, or perhaps the teacher is nature, or life itself.

As someone who considers herself a lifelong learner, I have spent many precious resources in search of experienced and wise teachers. I feel deeply fortunate to have learned from not just one, but several masterful and very human teachers.

The Vedic vision reveres the student-teacher relationship as a keystone in transmitting the teachings, because the teachings themselves are considered as living, conscious bodies to be tenderly nurtured, developed, and then gifted to students in real time through their connection. A Buddhist teaching takes this concept even further by describing the three levels of a teacher: the outer teacher, the inner teacher, and the secret teacher. Interestingly, all three levels must exist simultaneously within the same teacher.

The outer teacher is the physical person whose books we read, who we study with, who we see. The purpose of the outer teacher is to introduce us to the inner teacher, which is simply the innate wisdom living inside each one of us. When the inner teacher is awakened, we can always turn toward it within, where it is undeniably aware and ever present, always available and singularly trustworthy. The inner teacher then kindles the flame of the secret teacher, which is both the emptiness and fullness of the phenomenal world that forever attempts to wake us up. Nature, or life itself.

While they remain unseen, the more subtle inner and secret teachers are both real and true. If you are curious about these aspects of yourself and wish to meet your inner teacher, join us for practice! And if you have ever wanted to support others in the discovery of their own inner teacher, consider exploring the programs of our school, where we specialize in transformational education that is grounded in the ancient teachings of yoga. Our 200hr Yoga Teacher Training Program beautifully marries wisdom and method, science and awareness. The journey begins in October!

Here at Jane’s House, you always have a place and many opportunities to foster greater closeness to your outer, inner, and secret teachers… and ultimately, to your own wisdom.