The Silent Guru: The Teacher

David, a third year, under-graduate student, sat in his Religious Studies class listening carefully to his professor’s lecture. There were over five hundred students in this class and many of them appeared to be from foreign countries. He did not see anyone who he recognized. It was like being in a foreign country. 

"Even if a thousand suns and moons rose, they would be unable to remove the darkness of ignorance within the heart. This can only be removed through the grace of the Guru," said his professor. "These words are spoken by Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion."
 
“How can a guru possibly talk about grace?” David wondered. “Isn’t grace only a Christian concept? He's speaking about wisdom, knowledge and authority in relation to self-realization, too. My understanding is that these concepts are all rooted in Christian teachings.” 

David wrote a quick note to himself. “Ask the professor about this after class.” 

As his professor’s voice droned on, David kept taking brief notes, aware that he really did not understand everything. This was unlike any course he had ever taken before. He knew that he had his work cut out, as this was a different area of academic studies for him. 

Soon the class was over.

David carefully gathered his notes and books together and waited until everyone else left the classroom.

Looking up, he saw his professor coming towards him.

“David, I am looking for an undergraduate student, one who is serious about Religious Studies and willing to be a tutor for me. You are so attentive in class and you always keep notes. Would you be interested in pursuing further studies in this area and possibly teaching, later?” asked his professor, before David had a chance to say anything.

“I am a Christian,” David replied. He remained silent, uncertain as to how his professor would respond.

“Excellent,” replied his professor, with a smile. “Then you can teach me about Christianity, too.”