Teaching is a noble profession as it provides a platform to personally help the next generation grow and flourish. The nature of that exchange has elements of selflessness and even giving oneself built into it as students by and large receive more from their teachers than they could give back to them. With a young India ready to take on the world, teachers enjoy a steady crop of students each year waiting for the wind beneath their sails to fly.
With privilege comes responsibility and so teachers need to ensure they have reached a place where they could lift others up. Michael Polanyi, a philosopher of science, explained a few decades ago that even in academic learning there is a tradition within which trust and knowledge transfer happens. It is thus necessary for teachers to help students pass the test of life rather than simply meet the academic requirements of the Board.
Here are a few qualities from one of the most revered teachers in history.
Availability –
In a busy world where a huge premium is placed on time – teachers who have time for their wards are sure to create impact. Early on in his public life, Jesus was asked by his followers, ‘Teacher, where do you live?’ Rather than pass on a factual answer, he responded, ‘Come and see’. That is an example of someone who is ready to share his life and space with his disciples. Another time, a religious leader approached him late at night and rather than scheduling an appointment the following day, Jesus made himself available – at the convenience of the seeker. The underlying principle seems to be to strike at the iron while it is hot. In another instance, parents brought their children to Jesus on an afternoon while he was resting. His devoted disciples sent them away to protect their master’s siesta, but Jesus pulled them up for restricting the children from coming to him. Indeed, he was available even beyond his working hours.
Access –
The Master went to where people were! He visited people’s homes, was hanging out with friends, had time to attend a wedding, made breakfast for his disciples and went on long walks. He even had the audacity to visit people who were ostracized by society. He did not confine himself to study and meditation, but had a noticeable social presence.
Approachability –
Even children felt comfortable in his presence. An immoral woman once walked into a religious leader’s house, possibly confident of the fact that the Rabbi inside would come to her rescue in case she faced an attack from the host. Zacchaeus felt at home in his presence. One of his disciples said this of Jesus – that he was full of grace and truth. That would be a striking combination since he never compromised on the truth, yet was most graceful. A model worth emulating in todays’ pluralistic culture.
Authenticity –
He treated all people with equal dignity. Whether it was a visually challenged man who sought him, or children, religious leaders, or an adulterous Samaritan woman, they had his attention and engagement. While it is widespread in campuses today to talk about inclusivity, no one was outside the reach of the Master. His disposition was the same to everyone.
While Jesus reached out and taught his disciples about God’s kingdom, he emphasized character transformation. More than knowledge transfer he taught inner engineering. He invited them to a life of deep change within. He announced, ‘Repent’ and talked about spiritual birth. A birth that gives a new nature to do that which is right and noble. No wonder his name means – ‘he will save people from their sins’.
________________________
The article was first published in the Times of India.
