Chogyam Trungpa called it Spiritual Materialism, I call it spiritual tourism, going from practice to practice - enthused by the most recent guru, idea or spiritual fad hoping to get something - whatever that may be. None of the spiritual masters anyone can truly look up did any of this. They may have went on a quest, but then whatever they learned they came to a point and put it into practice.

Is there a perfect teacher, a perfect practice, a perfect community? I don't know, but as long as you are not being abused or taken advantage of - if the teacher and community are genuine, stay put for a while. That is my advice. That is my experience. The communities I am a part of, some for decades, and still I show up. I show up for me and for everyone else who is there.

The Buddha said that the Sangha is the whole of spiritual life. Without wise friends, kalyanamitta, we have no clue if we are making any progress.

Being on a spiritual path is not about collecting experiences, or how long you can sit, how many Buddha statues you have, it is simply how are you living.

Ask yourself - are you taking these teachings to heart, getting to know your own mind? How are you speaking to yourself? And what about others? Are you doing your best to meet the world with love and kindness or is the culture of hate and intolerance taking over your mind? In essence are you living the teachings or only during the time on the cushion?

Are you living in the not knowing? Are you bearing witness to what is in front of you? Are you taking compassionate action or are you turning and walking away when someone or something is in need?

I cannot suggest strongly enough turning towards practice - for if you want to meet the world with joy and peace, you must have joy and peace within. That is what the practice offers you - joy and peace within if you are willing to practice dilligently.