We are all teachers and students to each other. I feel it is a myth that someone must be perfectly at peace in order to be a celebrated and effective spiritual teacher. A few teachers here and there may be truly enlightened and grounded in deep bliss. Their words carry no charge and they teach from purity and inner strength. Most teachers, however, have many times when chaos reigns.
 
    Does the teaching need to end when chaos reigns? 
 
    Maybe. Maybe not.

     If the teacher is caught in a strong "negative" emotion, such as worry or sadness, they are caught in an illusion. They are caught in a story.
 
     If caught unconsciously, this illusion, along with any emotions, gets transmitted to the students. Emotions are contagious. They create a stir and have impact. The students will react in their own ways, but they will likely feel the teaching to be "tainted" in some way. 

    This need not be a barrier to the truth within. The hearing of non-truths is a superb opportunity to hear the Truth within, to know what you are without fighting the non-truths or the non-truth sayers. You can then listen from a deeper knowing, agreeing to what is inside you, not to what is being spoken.

     Similarly , if the teacher has stepped out of their illusions, at least temporarily—either they have risen above them or put them on a shelf—they then have the opportunity to teach from a deeper knowing. This is a common experience amongst teachers, including myself. Generally when I find myself in a teaching mode, I place my own "stuff" aside. I speak from a deeper place. I outgrow my  short comings and live "bigger than" my illusions, as well as the illusions of my students.
 
     The teacher becomes larger than the problems of the students by route of being larger than their own problems. Both teacher and students are reminded of the illusionary nature of problems.
 
     If the teacher is unable to step outside of a troublesome feeling, the potency of the teaching does not have to end. There is another powerful option. I call it "Truth from Within Illusion."

    Truth from Within Illusion means that the teacher's emotions serve to enhance the quality and acceptability of the teaching. It means there is no inner fight going on against the emotions. There is a recognition of the sacredness in whatever arises, and the teacher becomes an astounding inspiration for change because they speak with honesty and openness. Light and truth can still shine through during emptiness and pain, if we give space to our emotions.

    Teaching effectively from within illusion means remaining conscious and holding a safe space in one's self for the feelings which arise. It means delivering the teaching right through the darkness, the pain, or the tears.

    When this occurs, the illusions of both the teacher and the students are surmounted by the quality of Oneness.