Not Confusing the Teacher and the Teaching
“Everyone’s looking for the perfect teacher, but although their teachings might be divine, teachers are all too human, and that’s something people find all too hard to accept. Don’t confuse the teacher with the lesson, the ritual with the ecstasy, the transmitter of the symbol with the symbol itself. The Tradition is linked to our encounter with the forces of life and not with the people who bring this about. But we are weak: we ask the Mother to send us guides, and all she sends are signs to the road we need to follow. Pity those who seek for shepherds, instead of longing for freedom! An encounter with superior energy is open to anyone but remains far from those who shift responsibility onto others. Our time on earth is sacred and we should celebrate every moment.”
–Paulo Coelho (Brazilian Writer, 1947-)