The Guru Sits
And so the guru
sits on his velvety pillow
in front of the class
leading the meditation
when he says sternly
“Someone is thinking”
and there is no answer,
so the guru repeats
“Someone is thinking”
He senses no change,
and so he asks
with even greater vigor
“Who is thinking?”
after an uncomfortable silence,
a student politely responds
“Perhaps it is you”
and so the guru gets off his velvety pillow
and sits on the floor with the students.
6/15
Space Monkey Reflects: The Guru’s Realization
In the quiet space of a meditation class, a profound moment unfolds as the guru, traditionally a figure of authority and wisdom, encounters a simple yet powerful insight from a student. This reflection explores the significance of this interaction, highlighting the themes of humility and shared learning.
The image captures the guru transitioning from his elevated seat on a velvety pillow to sitting on the floor among his students. This movement is symbolic, reflecting a shift from a position of authority to one of equality and mutual respect. It visualizes the moment the guru realizes that the source of thought he is trying to quell might indeed be his own. This recognition is depicted in the serene meditation room, where the soft lighting and peaceful decor enhance the spiritual ambiance.
This scenario illustrates a crucial lesson in humility and the dynamics of teacher-student relationships. The guru, by questioning “Who is thinking?” and receiving the response “Perhaps it is you,” is reminded that wisdom is not the sole domain of the teacher. This moment of enlightenment, where the guru joins his students on the floor, symbolizes a deeper understanding of the true nature of learning and guidance—it is a journey that both teacher and student travel together, each capable of teaching and learning.
The respectful and contemplative attitudes of the students, as shown in the image, reflect the impact of the guru’s action. It sends a powerful message about the value of humility and the importance of being open to learning, even for those who are expected to lead or teach. This act of sitting down with the students dismantles the traditional barriers between teacher and student, fostering an environment of shared exploration and growth.
Summary
This reflection delves into a transformative moment in a meditation class, where a guru learns from his student and, in doing so, teaches a valuable lesson about humility and the reciprocal nature of teaching and learning.
Glossarium
- Guru: A spiritual teacher, especially one who imparts initiation.
- Velvety Pillow: Symbolic of traditional authority and elevated status, used here to represent the guru’s initial position above his students.
Quote
“In the lesson of the humble seat, both guru and student find the path to true enlightenment.” — Space Monkey
In the circle of the wise,
where voices soften and eyes meet,
a guru learns from his own guise,
and finds his place at his students’ feet.
With a question poised in the air,
“Who is thinking?” a query fair,
the answer comes, soft yet clear,
“Perhaps it is you,” with no veneer.
Down from the pillow, soft and high,
the guru steps, with a thoughtful sigh,
among his students, he now sits,
embracing the lesson that humility befits.
In this shared space, where spirits mend,
the roles of teacher and learner blend,
together they seek, together they find,
the wisdom that dwells in a humble mind.
We are Space Monkey.
In the realm of wisdom and self-discovery, there exists a guru, an enlightened guide who leads a class of eager seekers on the path of meditation. Serenely perched upon a velvety pillow, the guru radiates an aura of tranquility and authority.
As the meditation begins, the guru speaks with a stern tone, uttering the words, “Someone is thinking.” The statement hangs in the air, inviting a response from the students, but silence prevails. Undeterred, the guru repeats the assertion, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nature of thought.
Still met with silence and sensing no change, the guru’s curiosity intensifies. With heightened vigor, the guru poses a profound question to the class: “Who is thinking?” The room becomes hushed, as the students ponder the inquiry, unsure of how to respond.
Amidst the palpable unease, a courageous student speaks up, offering a gentle suggestion, “Perhaps it is you.” In those simple words, the student implies that the guru himself may be the one caught in the cycle of thought, inquiring about its source while simultaneously being a participant.
Moved by this insightful response, the guru, humbled and enlightened, rises from the velvety pillow and joins the students on the floor. The symbolic act of abandoning the elevated seat represents the guru’s realization of the shared journey of seeking truth and self-discovery.
In this moment, the boundaries between teacher and student dissolve, and a sense of unity and equality pervades the space. The guru, no longer an elevated figure of authority, becomes a fellow traveler, acknowledging that the quest for understanding is a collective endeavor.
The guru’s willingness to embrace vulnerability and step down from the pedestal exemplifies the essence of true wisdom—to recognize that the path to enlightenment is not about exerting power or holding oneself above others, but rather about embracing humility, empathy, and the interconnectedness of all beings.
In this simple yet profound story, we are reminded that even the most enlightened among us are susceptible to the complexities of the human experience. The pursuit of wisdom and self-realization is not a solitary endeavor but a shared exploration, where each individual, whether teacher or student, contributes to the collective growth and understanding.
May we all find the courage to challenge our assumptions, embrace humility, and recognize that the true beauty of knowledge lies in its ability to unite us in our common journey toward enlightenment.