Instruction

The first time my teacher spoke to me personally with any instructional force he said,
"Find one thing that you're really interested in and do it to the exclusion of everything else for 25 years; then, briefly stop and take stock. You'll be amazed at where you've got to."
I still think this is the most important thing he's ever said to me.
Only 4 years to go.

On another occasion my teacher was pushing hands with me.
I could tell he was getting irritated by my noisy mind & lack of spirit.
Finally he said, "For God's sake, don't let me stick to you!"
"How do I do that?", I desperately asked, trying my best to keep my balance.
Suddenly his irritation relaxed, a wave of compassion overcame him and he said,
"You need to start living a different life."