The compassion of the teacher is expressed in the hope he holds for each student. Hope is the uncovering of the possibility of success. So, for the master, hope is not an idle sentiment, but a real creative vision: he sees the student's path, feels the work they need to do, sympathises whole-heartedly, and thereby brings a significant probability to the faintest of possibilities. It is now just a matter of time – let's see how many lifetimes it takes. This is why every student needs a master – someone qualified to see their spiritual future. It is impossible to see it oneself – it would be like trying to hoist oneself up by one's own bootstraps. The student will undoubtedly have a feeling for a spiritual destiny otherwise they wouldn't be a student, but this is so tainted by ego-driven imagery that it is best forgotten.