Chapter 18: On Teaching ~ Gibran’s The Prophet with Journaling Prompts
Then said a teacher, Speak to us of
Teaching.
And he said:
“No man can reveal to you aught but that
which already lies half asleep in the
dawning of your knowledge.
The teacher who walks in the shadow of
the temple, among his followers, gives
not of his wisdom but rather of his
faith and his lovingness.
If he is indeed wise he does not bid
you enter the house of his wisdom, but
rather leads you to the threshold of
your own mind.
The astronomer may speak to you of his
understanding of space, but he cannot
give you his understanding.
The musician may sing to you of the
rhythm which is in all space, but he
cannot give you the ear which arrests
the rhythm nor the voice that echoes it.
And he who is versed in the science
of numbers can tell of the regions
of weight and measure, but he cannot
conduct you thither.
For the vision of one man lends not its
wings to another man.
And even as each one of you stands alone
in God’s knowledge, so must each one of
you be alone in his knowledge of God and
in his understanding of the earth.
***** *****
~ Chapter 18 “On Teaching” from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
Spirit Nourished Earth created the image in this post in collaboration with DALL·E 3
Journaling Prompts for Self-Reflection
The Essence of Teaching
Gibran suggests that a true teacher leads you to the threshold of your mind rather than imparting their wisdom. How do you perceive the role of a teacher in guiding you toward your inner wisdom?
Awakening Knowledge
Gibran says that knowledge lies “half asleep” within us, waiting to be awakened. How do you feel your knowledge is ready to be uncovered, and what might be needed to awaken fully?
The Unique Journey
The prophet emphasizes that each person must be alone in their understanding of God and the Earth. How do you experience your journey of knowledge, and what steps can you take to cultivate it more deeply?
The Limitations of External Wisdom
Gibran points out that others cannot give us their understanding; they only inspire us to find our own. How do you balance learning from others while staying true to your intuitive wisdom?
Continue the Conversation
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