Advice to a Seeker

A young man left his home to seek a teacher.

Along the way, he found an old man sitting under a tree.

“Old man,” he said, “I seek a teacher. Where should I look?”

The old man smiled as he recited the names of many cities, near and far.

The young man thanked him and went from place to place, seeking.

Thirty years passed. Then, he understood.

He hurried back to the tree. The old man was still there, now even older.

“Why didn't you reveal yourself then?” he asked.

“You weren't ready,” said the old man. “Now you are.”