Teachers & Practice

A saying in China goes something like this: The teacher shows the student the gate; the student walks through it.

As a student, you need a teacher in order to progress, to show you what gate to walk toward and through at any time. There are many directions you might head with your practice. In which direction should you walk so that you don't waste your time?

You also need to practice on your own in order to progress, to walk through a gate you've been shown. What difference does it make if you know a good gate to head toward, if you never walk?

A teacher can help your practice by giving you not only direction, but encouragement, in a form consistent with your personality. To get and keep going, some of us need praise, others a push, and others some combination of the two.

A teacher can also give you feedback on your practice, on whether you are getting results from how and what you are practicing.

Teacher or practice? Practice or teacher? You need both to make progress. Which should come when?

Only you can decide, but we heartily recommend a healthy mixture of the two.

Enjoy.

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