Very interesting post. It's a great experience to spend time with a powerful religious figure especially Buddhist monks. Very friendly. Never impose their will or thoughts on you during conversations.

http://www.enduringwanderlust.com/3-perfect-places-to-befriend-a-buddhist-monk/

I took the refuge vows in 2003 with Thich Nhat Hahn, after spending- you guessed it- a few hundred dollars. It was beautiful and meaningful and I am grateful- but my teachers- if they have not been books- have more often than not come in forms that did not require me to sign on the dotted line below the tax and total. I encourage people to seek out the lesser known teachers in their own communities- the ones who have the time and space and where-with-all to bring you a hot cup of soup when you are sick- and do not require that you line their pockets with twenties in return. Teachers are there to point the way- which is great- because often we get lost- and we need direction- and we like outlines and rituals- but too often I see people who are so hung up on their teachers- it is as if the teacher is pointing right straight square at a beautiful full moon hung low in the sky for all to see- and the pupil is fixated on the very tip of the teachers finger and still asking, "Where? Where?"
So yes, this a great list for those in search- pull up a chair- have a listen- stay a while and get your bearings- just remember some of the most beautiful and fulfilling journeys are the ones when you abandon both the itinerary AND the map! Be a light unto yourselves.

Waylon provides us with a good list of a few of what might be the many great teachers of Buddhism in the west. These are high profile figures for good reason. There is no doubt that their contribution to American Buddhism vis-a-vis their writings and teachings has been significant. Their insight and compassion are marked. Many of the individuals that Waylon mentions have written books that have greatly contributed to my own understanding and practice of Buddhism. But, if I might be so bold as to be disagreeable for a moment, which i so often am (in an agreeable way, of course) I take issue with the point that Waylon attributes these teachers with an "accessibility" that others might not have.

More often than not in my experience with high profile Buddhist teachers, access to them is granted if one is willing and able to pay a few hundred dollars for a weekend retreat- or perhaps, a few thousand for an entire summer studying a particular segment of the teachings. This is a wonderful privilege for those who are, well privileged enough to afford a space on such a cushion- but not exactly a means by which the teaching are accessible to all people- as believe they were intended to be. (The Wheel turns for everyone, no?)

Though he does not physically "live" in America, Sogyal Rinpoche has very strong ties here through his satellite centers, visits, strong connections to teachers on your list, and broadcast video teachings. He is also constructing what promises to be one of the most important Tibetan meditation retreat centers in the West - The Tenzin Gyatso Institute.
http://www.tenzingyatsoinstitute.org/

So, I am making a plug for Sogyal Rinpoche to be an honorary additional member to this list! :-)

Thank you for this, Waylon and Huff Post!

Shannon

Great article!! You forgot to mention that Reggie, as well as the other Naropoids, teach online. Through this format, I have had the priviledge of studying with Dr. Ray and Mr. Berliner. Without it, I would have never gotten to study with such great teachers. I recommend taking a Naropa online course to anyone who is considering it.