Answer by Suminda Sirinath S. Dharmasena for How can I assess the quality of a local Buddhist group?

how do I assess the quality of a local Buddhist group

See if they adhere to the principles of teaching the Dhamma:

(1) One should teach the Dharma to others, thinking, “I will talk on the progressive teaching.”

(2) One should teach the Dharma to others, thinking, “I will teach understanding the context.”

(3) One should teach the Dharma to others, thinking, “I will teach the Dharma out of compassion.”

(4) One should teach the Dharma to others, thinking, “I will teach the Dharma not for the sake of material gain.”

(5) One should teach the Dharma to others, thinking, “I will teach the Dharma without hurting myself or others.”

Source: (Dhamma,desaka) Udāyī Sutta

Also for you to progress the teacher in the community should be good. Qualities of a good teacher is:

(1) He is a listener sotā.

(2) He is able to make others listen sāvetā.

(3) He is a learner uggahetā.

(4) He is a memorizer [has a good memory] dhāretā.

(5) He is a knower [has a good understanding] viññātā.

(6) He is an instructor [able to makes others understand] viññāpetā.

(7) He is skilled regarding what is beneficial and what is not kusala sahitâhitassa.

(8) He is not quarrelsome no kalaha,kārako.

Source: Piya Tan's summary of Dūta Sutta

how close they are to the original teachings of the Buddha?

See if the teaching fits the essence of what the Buddha has taught.

The Buddha teaches the ridding of lustful desires.

The ridding of lustful desires towards the 5 aggregates.

Seeing the disadvantage (ādīnava) of the 5 aggregates, namely, suffering arises from lustfully desiring any of the 5 aggregates.

Seeing the advantage (ānisaṁsa) of letting go of the 5 aggregates, namely, being free of suffering.

The unwholesome (akusala) brings suffering here and hereafter.

The wholesome (kusala) brings happiness here and hereafter.

Source: Piya Tan's Summary of (Pacchā,bhūma,gāmikā) Deva,daha Sutta

The teachings should encompass cultivating and promoting which is the true purpose of teaching the Dhamma:

(1) the 3 good truths (saddhamma);

(2) the 12 links of dependent arising (paṭicca,samuppāda); and

(3) the “revulsion” (nibbidā) formula.

Source: Piya Tan's summary of (Nibbidā) Dhamma,kathika Sutta

Also see if the teachings promote Dhamma and Vinaya as in (Dhamma,vinaya) Gotamī Sutta. It should promote good of oneself and good of others (which is discussed in detail in (Aṭṭhaka) Alaṁ Sutta).

If the teaching is for gain, honour and praise then this is not in tune with the true teachings. [Bhindi Sutta]

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