Mystic Mantra: Teachers everywhere

Leaving his guru after a long period of initiation, the shishya asked: "Where shall I find a worthy guru like you who can continue teaching me valuable lessons for life?" The guru replied, “There isn’t a single moment when you are without one.” Confused, the disciple asked, “How so?” Said the guru: “Simply watching your reaction to everything a bird, a leaf, a river, a tear, a smile, a beggar-makes everything your teacher.”

Today, Teachers Day, on the one hand, let’s become aware of the innumerable gurus who’ve taught us many lessons, and, on the other, let’s also realize that no matter who we are, where we go, or what we say or do, each one of us is both, a teacher and a learner.

Long after the words of my teachers have passed through my ears, erased with the passage of years, their works and the witness of their lives remain enshrined in my mind and heart. Many are those whom I’ll never forget not because they were brilliant teachers but simply because they were extraordinary human beings.

True teachers not only train the mind but also touch the heart.

Francis Gonsalves is a professor of theology. He can be contacted at fragons@gmail.com