Tao from the riverbank ep 4 Teachers, students and kindness

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Here are my thoughts on teaching in the 21st century.
Both students and teachers have their parts to play but those parts have changed over the centuries.
For our arts to continue we need to understand a few things...

[@HarlequinsBlade]

So true from both teacher and student perspectives. I've definitely had experiences where a teacher has treated me poorly and others with infinite patience and kindness. Also seen other students come and go who profess interest and then give up quickly. I include myself where I have fallen out of training, sometimes due to life, sometimes due to changes in perspectives and interests. I've also been through the interview process and although as a westerner found this a little strange, actually appreciated the process and made the acceptance as a student feel a little more special. However it can be difficult for both student and teachers when the teaching is a business rather than a passion.

[@spinningdragontao]

Thanks for your comment. Indeed life can be disruptive to training, the world is no longer 17th century China. Nice comment much appreciated.

[@markdonovan1540]

This is absolutely brilliant and spot on! I think I have been the student that some teachers thought wouldn't last. In some cases they were right, because at that time I wasn't ready. In others, I proved them wrong through tenacity and a willingness to get through the training sessions. At one school, I had the "interview experience", which I felt was as much for me as it was for the teacher. Even a good teacher can only light the path, it is the student who must walk that path and eventually find their own. I remain indebted to many good teachers, so I have been very fortunate in that respect. Any failings have been my own, which I guess is how one learns. Despite my inconsistency and lack of continuity over the years, somehow the flickering flame won't be extinguished and the throbbing desire to continue keeps me at it.

[@spinningdragontao]

Thanks Mark. Also a very honest comment regarding your own experience which is so important for self reflection. Much appreciated.

[@spinningdragontao]

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