Tao Haiku - Verse 12
Strive to be humble.
Explain yourself to Master,
receive hard teachings.
Commentary
Da Qian Bei, greatest humility, is the fifth of Master Sha's Ten Da qualities that serious spiritual practitioners must develop in order to reach and become Tao.
Mother Teresa teaches one way we can practice humility is to "speak as little as possible of one's self."
When students attempt to explain and justify their thoughts, words and actions to the Master, they may receive "hard" teachings, lessons from the Master intended to diminish ego and induce humility in the student.
Lao Tzu teaches:
Therefore the sage works without recognition.
He achieves what has to be done without dwelling on it.
He does not try to show his knowledge.
Be extremely grateful to receive hard teachings, even if they are delivered publicly in front of other students, for they are a strong indication of your teacher's unconditional love for you.
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