In the second section of Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love, Gilbert travels to India to study the discipline of Yoga. Early on in the section she takes the time to explain some of the important words used (that we can tend to take for granted).
“The word Guru is composed of two Sanskrit syllables. The first means ‘darkness,’ the second means ‘light.’ Out of the darkness and into the light. What passes from the master into the disciple is something called matravirya: ‘The potency of the enlightened consciousness.’ You come to your Guru then, not only to receive lessons, as from any teacher, but to actually receive the Guru’s state of grace.” (location 2404)
What a beautiful way to think of teaching … bringing your students out of the darkness and into the light … allowing them to learn in such a way that they become more enlightened and if we are to pass on, not just simply knowledge but a sort of demeanor. How much more impact it seems, then that we really do have on students. If I really think about this for a moment, it makes sense. Every encounter we have with children (and peers) determines whether or not they want to learn more from us or resist us. hmmm….
Then Gilbert goes on to say,
“Such transfers of grace can occur in even the most fleeting of encounters with a great being.” (location 2407)
Imagine being thought of as such a great being, or teacher, that even a fleeting encounter with a student might move them in the progression of their learning.
Taking a moment to really look at these words in the context of education makes me think a little more about this ever so important profession to which I have dedicated my life. I want to become a Guru!
Click one of the tags from this post to find related posts.
Elizabeth Peterson has devoted her life to education and to reaching out to other teachers who want to remain inspired. Mrs. Peterson teaches fourth grade in Amesbury, Massachusetts and is the host of www.theinspiredclassroom.com. She holds an M.Ed. in Education, “Arts and Learning” and is currently enrolled in a C.A.G.S. program through Plymouth State University with a focus in “Arts Leadership and Learning.” Elizabeth is author of Inspired by Listening, a teacher resource book that includes a method of music integration she has developed and implemented into her own teaching. She teaches workshops and courses on the integration of the arts into the curriculum, leads an arts integration PLC (PLaiC) and is adjunct faculty for PSU. Mrs. Peterson believes there is a love of active, integrated learning in all children and from their enthusiasm, teachers can shape great opportunities to learn. 
What a wonderful post! It reminds me of one of my favorite Steinbeck quotes: “I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist and that there are as few as there are any other great artists. Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit.”
Kristina, Thanks for sharing this quote. I love it! I believe we are artists and that there are people who are made to do this profession. It is not something to take lightly and I am so proud to be one!