No wonder this fellow is considered a student - just look at the serious way he's inspecting that pentacle. Beside him on the left are the fields his uncle the knight cultivates; on the right and behind him are the lakes, forests and mountains that he may one day be responsible for protecting. There is much knowledge he must learn and hands-on experience he will need before stepping into those big boots. Chet is associated with eight, a number deemed "one beyond" or the beginning of a new cycle (for instance, the eighth day begins a new week). Its shape is like that of an archway, and it is the first letter of chupah, the wedding canopy. The plant on this illustration is holy basil, a sacred plant of South Asia used in religious ceremonies. Telling me I need to study (particularly something I'm interested in) is like throwing Brer Rabbit in the brier patch. That's a rabbit hole I'll willingly go down. For me it can be a sacred activity. But I've learned the hard way that a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. I can glimpse one facet of the whole and think I know it all. Chet implies I need to complete a full cycle of education before I stand at the podium and attempt to advise others.
I agree but I've also experienced how encouraging a teacher, who admits he too has to learn and practice, can be. The drive to learn can be so enticing. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, there is a big difference between the teacher who will readily admit he doesn't know or still has much to learn, and the teacher who thinks he has an answer for everything!
Deletequilt teachers often say they learn more from their students than they teach.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about my meditation classes. :)
DeleteWhen a teacher stops wanting to learn, I don't think they can teach effectively any more. Had a physics teacher like that, who started every Monday lesson with the words "It's been a long week!" He was bored, and very boring :(
ReplyDeleteYes - not only do they become ineffective, they lose their curiosity and passion too!
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