My point: if, as I believe, all true healing and personal growth comes from within each individual, the only possible role for a teacher is helping that individual learn how to help themselves; and I think the better teachers–and here I have in mind as a prospective candidate a man about whom I know almost nothing as far as his personal life, Tarthang Tulku–instinctively realize that if they are not careful, they will become the focus of attention, and that the progress of people will be slowed if not halted outright because they are seeking answers from him, and not from themselves. As far as Tarthang Tulku, he has given us a large tool set, building materials, and a blueprint. What else can you ask for? The rest is up to us.
As well, I think once you come to feel that the ideal is “out there”, to some extent it becomes unrealizable. The extent of your possible freedom has been curtailed. The better model is that it is in you, and simply, at the moment, hidden.
Obviously, there are always fools willing to lead fools, but that is a complex sadomasochistic dance that has nothing to do with emotional or spiritual liberation. Can I say “a fool and his freedom are soon parted”?