A teacher and his student were going on a long journey. The teacher asked the student who was excited to go and see the world.
“One person has to lead and the other has to follow, for the order of our journey. Which role will you choose?”
The student said that it was natural for him to follow the teacher. That night, when the teacher and the student were about to sleep under a big tree, suddenly it rained. The teacher put off his outer garment and covered his student with it. The student was so sorry that he declined strongly. Then the teacher said,
“It is a matter of course that a leader should protect the follower.”
The next day, the student told his teacher that he would take the lead to follow his teaching. Then he stood up to seek water for their breakfast. This time, too, the teacher stopped him, saying, “It is my job.” The student was puzzled.
“Teacher, don’t I have to look after you as a person who is leading?”
“No, I have to serve you as I follow you. How can the follower be served by the leader?”
The student was moved at his teacher’s serving attitude in any position, and respected him all the more.