My Message to Current and Future NBEF Dhamma Teachers

My vision for NBEF is to prepare Dhamma teachers who understand the teaching through their own practice, live according to the Noble Eightfold Path, and help others move toward freedom from suffering. I believe this is a meaningful and achievable contribution we can make together.

The foundation of this vision is your own practice. As your understanding deepens and craving, hatred, and delusion diminish, the value of the Dhamma becomes visible in how you live. Your thoughts, words, and actions become part of what you teach. The patience, honesty, and care you bring to ordinary situations give substance to the teachings you share.

Being a Dhamma teacher carries considerable responsibility. People may turn to you when they are confused, discouraged, or suffering. What you say and how you respond can influence their understanding and the direction of their practice. This trust deserves careful attention. A teacher must distinguish clearly between what they directly know, what they understand from studying the teachings, and what they do not yet know. The willingness to say “I do not know” is part of being an honest teacher.

Recognition as a Dhamma teacher brings a continuing responsibility to practice, study, and examine your own conduct. Remain willing to listen, accept correction, and seek guidance when needed. Recognize the limits of your knowledge and role. Help practitioners develop their own discernment and confidence in the Dhamma so that they can increasingly understand and follow the path for themselves.

NBEF’s role is to provide practice-centered education and assess those seeking recognition according to its standards. Each teacher remains responsible for their own conduct and teaching, and for continuing to uphold the standards associated with NBEF recognition.

I believe NBEF’s teachings may reach practitioners throughout the world. As they spread, neither I nor NBEF can control every interpretation or way they are passed on. The Dhamma cannot and should not be confined to one organization. Our efforts can focus on helping teachers develop the understanding, discernment, and integrity needed to share it faithfully and responsibly.

NBEF does not have to become a large organization to make a meaningful contribution. We can move forward steadily, helping practitioners deepen their understanding and preparing teachers as they become ready. Each teacher who helps others understand and practice the Noble Eightfold Path contributes to this vision. Over time, these efforts can reach far beyond what any one person could accomplish.

While I am able to teach directly, I intend to share my practice experience and understanding as fully as I can. I hope this work will provide a foundation from which current and future teachers can continue to practice and teach with wisdom, integrity, and care. Your development as practitioners and teachers is central to that future.

My hope is that you recognize both the honor and the responsibility of serving as a Dhamma teacher. To help another person see the causes of suffering more clearly, respond with greater wisdom, and experience increasing freedom is a meaningful contribution. Such work calls for patience, humility, and sustained practice. Its value may be seen in the gradual changes in the lives of those you help.

May these teachings reach more people and help them move beyond suffering toward freedom and happiness.