Many disciples gathered around a certain venerated teacher. They pursued their occupations successfully until a rumour reached them that in a distant city another teacher had made his appearance. This news gradually created doubt and divided opinion among the disciples; it weakened their attention and hindered their advancement.

One day the teacher said, “I am going into the mountains; in the meantime, strengthen yourselves in the assimilation of the Teaching.” The teacher departed. But within a short time, unexpectedly, the disciples were visited by a new teacher with whom they were extremely delighted. Finally one disciple, hoping to flatter the new teacher, exclaimed,

“How much more excellent and intelligible is your Teaching than the former one!”

Then the new teacher removed his turban, threw open his garment, altered his facial expression, and the disciples recognized their former teacher. They became greatly abashed and whispered, “Why did you change your appearance?” He said to them, “You wished to have a new teacher and a superior Teaching, so I helped you in this.” Thus one can discover in ancient tales qualities of people common to all ages. (AUM)

🟣 🟣 🟣 🟣 🟣 🟣 🟣