The Teachers

"And now, it comes to an end. You are free to go."

The Student bowed before those who had taught him. They were a part of him now. And yet, they had not lost any part of themselves to him. He remembered his lessons well:

From the Ascetic, he had learnt self-denial and austerity.

From the Perfectionist, he had learnt beauty and love.

From the Warrior, he had learnt truth, courage and honour.

From the Visionary, he had learnt to dream.

He had learnt much more, of course, but these were his favourite lessons. Many of these things, he had heard, were of little value now. He smiled wistfully. If only ...

He bowed again, longer this time, and left.