Do We Need Gurus in the 21st Century?

This talk will cover three classic models of teachers (instructor, mentor, and guru) and look into the benefits and downfalls of the tantric model of committing to a guru.We will discuss what might need to evolve for the guru model to survive and thrive in the 21st century.

Ethan Nichtern is a senior Buddhist teacher. From 2010-2018 he served as the teacher in residence for the Shambhala NYC community. He is the author of The Road Home: A Contemporary Exploration of the Buddhist Path (FSG Books, North Point, 2015), The Dharma of The Princess Bride: What The Coolest Fairytale of Our Time Can Teach Us About Buddhism and Relationships (FSG Books, North Point, Sep 2017) and One City: A Declaration of Interdependence (Wisdom Publications, 2007). The Road Home was named to Best Books of 2015 lists by both Library Journal and Tech Insider.

Ethan is also the founder and former director of The Interdependence Project, an organization dedicated to Buddhist-inspired meditation and psychology, transformational activism, mindful arts, and meaningful media. He teaches and lectures around the world and is based in New York City.