This quote emphasizes the importance of focusing on the process or the practice, rather than the individual who is teaching. In essence, it’s not about the teacher, but the teachings. It serves as a reminder that while a teacher can guide, instruct, and inspire, the real growth and development come from the practice itself.
In the context of learning, it means that one should not blindly follow a teacher but should instead focus on understanding and internalizing the practice or the knowledge being imparted. It’s about engaging deeply with the learning process, questioning, exploring, and making that knowledge a part of oneself.
This idea can be applied in today’s world in various ways. For instance, in the realm of personal development, it’s not enough to simply read books or attend seminars by renowned gurus or experts. What’s more important is to apply those teachings in real life, practice them consistently, and make them a part of your daily routine. It’s in the doing, the practicing, that real change occurs.
Similarly, in the professional world, it’s not about idolizing successful entrepreneurs or leaders, but understanding their methods, strategies, and principles, and then applying those in your own work or business. It’s about learning from their experiences, but also adapting those learnings to your unique circumstances.
In the realm of education, it underscores the importance of active learning. Students should not just passively receive knowledge from their teachers, but engage with the material, question it, discuss it, and make it their own.
In essence, this quote is a call to action. It asks us to be active participants in our own growth and development, to take charge of our learning, and to focus on the practice, the process, the journey, rather than the guide.