If the one did not honor his master, and the other did not rejoice in his helper, an (observer), though intelligent, might greatly err about them.At one time or another, each of us is the teacher and each of us is the student. In fact, on any given day, there is a good chance that we will fill both roles.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~
If the teacher is not respected,
And the student not cared for,
Confusion will arise, however clever one is.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~
Those who do not value their teachers
And do not love their resources
Although intelligent, they are greatly confused
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~
Brains count for nothing if you fail to respect your teachers or to honor the potential in others.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~
So, in my mind's eye, these lines are pointing to how we relate to others, in general. If we do not respect and care for others, chances are great that they will not respect and care for us.
Where there is no trust, there is frustration and animosity.
Where there is no compassion, there is injustice and incivility.
Where there is no understanding that we are connected, there arises great confusion.
To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.
The Chinese student/teacher relationship is really very complex, more like disciple/master. Recently I asked my Chinese painting teacher to help me with an image I liked in a textbook I had...a humble request because it wasn't her painting, and learning (copying) her style is really the appropriate thing to do. Anyway, she showed me what to do, she is very skilled and talented, and then asked to borrow the book...it had something that would help her structure some lesson she was putting together for the Art Academy. Now, some weeks later, she has asked me to come to her home to read the English to her. (She has, ironically, been learning English through Bible study.) I of course said I would be glad to help her...if she helps me with my Chinese.
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