In ancient times the disciples of the great teachers learned by quite a different method, not an academic method or way of study.

• With open heart, perfect confidence, and trust, they watched every movement the teacher made towards friends and towards people who looked at them with contempt.
• They watched their teacher in times of trouble and pain to see how he or she stood it all.
• They saw how patient the teacher had been in arguing with those who did not understand and how wise the teacher had been to answer everyone gently in his or her own language.
• They observed the mother spirit, the father spirit, the brother spirit, the sister spirit, the child spirit, the friend spirit, the forgiving kindness, the ever tolerant nature, the respect for the aged, the compassion for all, and the thorough understanding of human nature.