Bell Teacher
A new student approached the Zen master and asked how he should prepare himself for
his training. "Think of me a bell," the master explained. "Give me a soft tap, and
you will get a tiny ping. Strike hard, and you'll receive a loud, resounding peal."
People's reactions to this story:
"You get out of something what you put into it.""The more you try, the more a good teacher will help."
"The more students needs a teacher, the more the good teacher will be there for them."
"Be careful what you ask for. The universe may just provide you with what you seek."
"You can think of the master as life. You get out what you put in. If you look for and are really open to beauty and happiness, they are everywhere. If you huddle miserably somewhere, it will all pass you by without you're even noticing."
"Sounds like the master is saying pay me a lot, and I will help you a lot; pay me little, and that's what I'll give you in return."
"Give and you shall receive."
"I think the teacher was warning the student that if he is struck he will strike back with equal force."
"All the student needs to know is within himself. The master will guide him to that knowledge by reflecting the thoughts, feelings, and questions that the student puts out to him."
"When I become a teacher, I'll use this story when a student questions my purpose or integrity."
|| Chasing Two Rabbits || Wanting God || No More Questions ||