A Safe Space for Beginners

Written by Jen, a long-term student of Tibetan Buddhism, formerly ordained as a Buddhist nun in 2004 at the age of 23 and remaining in robes for nearly 10 years. Trained in India under traditional monastic teachers, Jen now lives in Australia where she serves as a bridge between authentic lineage teachings and accessible, community-based learning by working as the interpreter for the resident teacher of the Lotus Hearts Buddhist Institute—the first Geshe-ma led Tibetan Buddhist centre in Australia. Through her work, she supports the transmission of the Dharma with humility, reverence, and care. 

As more people in the West turn to Buddhism for peace and clarity, it's vital to know who to trust. Traditionally, Buddhist teachers spent decades in study and practice before offering guidance—and even then, only when asked. Today, many well-meaning individuals (and some not so well-meaning) present themselves as spiritual guides without proper training, lineage, or accountability.

This guide was created to help protect your journey. It's not about gatekeeping—it's about preserving the purity of a tradition that was never meant to be commercialised or ego-driven. The Buddha himself urged students to test his teachings carefully, just as a goldsmith tests gold. And while that quote refers to teachings, the wisdom naturally applies to the people who give them.

As you begin your exploration of Buddhism, take your time. Observe. Reflect. Ask questions. You deserve guidance that’s wise, humble, and sincere. This guide offers the tools to help you find it.

I still remember the early days of my own Buddhist path—how full of wonder, sincerity, and questions I was. Over time, I was blessed to study under authentic teachers in India, including monastics who had dedicated decades to deep learning and inner transformation. Their humility left a lasting impression on me. They didn’t advertise themselves or charge fees for advice. They served quietly, rooted in lineage, and always pointed away from ego.

Now, many years later, I’ve seen the Dharma slowly take root in the West—but I’ve also seen how easily it can be misunderstood or even misused. It concerns me deeply when people, without sufficient training or grounding, begin offering “spiritual guidance” or claiming to be teachers. Often, it’s well-intentioned. But sometimes, it stems from ego, ambition, or a need to create an income stream. This can lead to confusion, harm, and people turning away from the very path that could help them.

This guide was born out of a simple prayer:
May those who are new to Buddhism find their way safely. May they meet teachers who are humble, wise, and genuine. May they never be misled or exploited in the name of spirituality.

In traditional Buddhist cultures, teachers were trained over decades. They lived ethically, studied rigorously, and only began teaching when they were asked—and after being entrusted by their own teachers. Today, it’s not always so clear. The internet is full of advice, but very little guidance about how to discern its source.

This guide is not about gatekeeping. It’s about protecting something precious—your trust, and the purity of the Dharma itself.

As His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama reminds us, echoing the Buddha’s words:
“Just as a goldsmith tests gold by burning, cutting, and rubbing, so should you examine my words—not accept them simply out of reverence.”
— His Holiness the Dalai Lama, referencing the Buddha in The Path to Enlightenment
 

While this advice directly refers to teachings themselves, it naturally extends to those who deliver them. If someone’s words are shallow, self-serving, or misleading, it often reflects the state of their understanding. So it’s wise to examine both the content and the character of those offering guidance.

Let this be your companion as you begin. May it help you walk with clarity, confidence, and heart.