Thursday, August 5, 2010

Compassionate Teacher, Receptive Disciple

How do disciples conduct themselves towards a teacher with love, not hostility? Concerning this, the compassionate teacher instructs his disciples in the Dhamma, seeking their welfare and out of compassion, saying: "This is for your welfare and happiness." His disciples listen to him, lend an ear, prepare their minds for profound knowledge, they do not turn aside or move away from the teacher's instructions. In this way do disciples conduct themselves towards a teacher with love, not hostility. Therefore, conduct yourselves towards me with love, not hostility, and it will be for your welfare and happiness for a long time.
I shall not treat you the way the potter treats damp clay. Repeatedly admonishing I shall speak, repeatedly testing. One who is sound will stand the test. (M.III.117-18)

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