On Teaching and Learning

September 22, 2009 · Posted in Tao 34 views

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The learned man claims to know Tao. The sage knows only where the Tao takes her.

The Taoist Teacher

I did not seek, and so I found;
I travelled rooted to the ground.
Words that in jest I uttered here
Were wisdom in the heavenly sphere.

The Secret of the Universe,
Disputed oft in prose and verse,
I never bothered much about -
And that was how I found it out.

All men’s questions and replies
Are sometimes foolish, sometimes wise.
I never asked or answered aught -
And that way I both learned and taught.

If you wish to learn of me
Forget all this immediately;
Forget there’s such a thing to do -
And then perchance I’ll wink at you.

- URGYEN SANGHARAKSHITA, 1946

Some things can be taught: Physical things such as tai’chi, Mental things such as language and arithematic, as well as beliefs and superstitions such as religion or Friday the 13th.

Some things cannot be taught: perception, understanding, empathy.

These are things you must ultimately find on your own. No one can teach you about Tao. Words can describe aspects of Tao, but not convey understanding.

A Taoist teacher does not set out to answer questions or point to the Way. It’s not a destination to achieve. A Taoist teacher can tell you about their perceptions, but cannot assure you that yours should be the same.

A student of Tao should not be looking for answers. Certainly there are wise and useful answers to be found. But then one should be a student of Answers if that is what you wish to find.

A great Taoist teacher named Yoda once said to me, “Use the Tao, Luke. Let it guide your actions.”

(I’m not Luke, but I looked past his issue with names.)

The way to understanding is an internal one. You allow the Tao to guide you by letting go of trying to know where to go. Many spend their lives looking for answers when all they really wanted was to understand.

And understanding doesn’t require answers.

Tags: learning, student, Tao, teaching, Yoda