Those who would be teachers, know this:
if your heart is set upon generously sharing with others
Your own knowledge, thereby somehow to enhance their lives,
then know that your gift will no succeed.

For a true teacher does not seek to instill in others
her or his understanding and knowledge;
rather, a true teacher seeks to be an instrument
to stimulate the student's own wisdom.

Do not seek to inspire others; seek to be inspired.
Only by being inspired can you bring inspiration.
For inspiration is not a gift we can give to another.
It is a state of being that magnifies itself in others.

Therefore, feel not downhearted because in your own
ecstacy of inspiration others do not seem to share,
Instead, hold steady in your way - in your own state of being
- and be inspired.

Partake lavishly of your experience
and hold no expectations of other doing so.
In their own time, in their own way
will they heast at the same table.
But let not pride take your hand and lord it over their heads.

Let not your students be to you as the moon
whose light is but a reflection.
But let them be as the stars
whose brilliance shows forth of their own nature.
This is the gift of the teacher.