when the student is ready

When the student is ready, the teacher appears.

When the teacher is ready, the lesson begins.

When the lesson is over, the teacher leaves, and the student feels no better than before.

Feels their success at being taught by such a great master ring hollow. 

Feels largely the same as before. For years on end. Still taking their practice, still insecure, still keeping up a brave face, thinking longly of the days when the teacher appeared.

Until one day, a knock of the door reveals a student outside, waiting, ready to be taught.

And the student inside realizes they are ready. 

Thank you. Let’s have a great day.