Theos-Talk Archives (September 2001 Message tt00140)

> From: DNisk98114@aol.com
> Subject: a question...
> 
> "If someone hurts me in some inconceivable way,
> May i regard that person as my greatest teacher"
> Do we think this is a theosophical view?

Thanks for this question, it is a relief after the
discussions on neo-nazi's etc. 

I think a teacher knows when to encourage and when to give
what's sometimes called "negative feedback". If done with
love and insight, negative feedback can heal more than it
hurts. Personally I know that part of my job as a teacher
(of math) is to help kids find out where the boundaries of
their behavior are. I have to show them where they are
hurting themselves (in the long run) and others (often
short-term) and that it is simply not allowed. For me this
is one of the hardest aspects of the job. But part of the
job is knowing when to be encouraging and realizing that a
student is indeed trying, even though the result is still
not up to standard. 

So, no I don't think it is always true that somebody who
hurts you is your greatest teacher. Though with awareness,
love, observation and insight most hurts can be turned into
learning. Otherwise they would not hurt so much. 

Katinka

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