In all things there are teachers and there are students, but simply believing that we
are the student does not necessarily make it so. Like it or not, sometimes we become the
teacher. Therefore do not solely ask what there is to learn from this lesson or from that
incident; instead, open all the senses wide, look around, and ask what it is that we may
help teach, and how to best present it without the involvement of ego. In this simple and
humble way we may help others with their individual spiritual development and at the same
time promote our own as well.
Therefore listen, watch, and learn from everyone and everything, for lessons are learned not
only from the greatest master, but from the humblest student as well.
We can't always have our own way. Likewise, we don't always receive what
we want, but we do always get what we ask for, so be careful what you request!
It matters not how others treat us, ultimately what really counts is how we
treat them: Remember that life is a circle, and you get back whatever you put out.
Moreover, you'll see it when you believe it!
Remember too, that discipline imposed from without is like a substance inside a container
of ice: when the ice melts, it will loose the imposed shape and flow randomly all about.
However, internal strength needs no external force or containment: it in itself will
maintain it's own self-integrity. Therefore do not continually force others into a rigid
mold or set of rules; rather guide them into self-discovery and the wonder of
self-imposed discipline and control. Then they will find for themselves the quiet,
powerful, and peaceful inner strength that dwells deep within, and it will flow out into
all aspects of their lives, filling them with compassion, love, and strength.