The king travelled far and wide, and for many months and seasons. Wherever he travelled, he came across many strange trees and he would take a deep bite from its fruit. The king remained the same person he had always been.
As the months went by, the king became more and more tired. By now he had searched his entire kingdom and tasted every kind of fruit. But he had failed to find the magical tree. When he returned home, he sought out the old man who had told him about the tree of knowledge. He inquired for its existence, to which the old man replied that he could only show him this tree if he became his pupil. The old man also mentioned that it would take many years and wanted to make sure if the king was willing to wait that long.
The king agreed to become the old man’s pupil. Day after day, the old man taught the king new and wonderful things that he had never known before. Slowly, the king realised that the tree of knowledge was none other than his very own teacher.
From the above story, we understand the important role of teachers in our life. Apart from our teachers who teach us in our schools, universities and Dar at-Ta’lim, our parents, families, and community, the Prophets and the Imams, all are our teachers, who provide constant guidance to us at all stages of our life. It is important that we understand their guidance and strive to follow them. The story also teaches us to be generous with our knowledge both in sharing and also in using it for the larger good of the mankind.
Source: The Institute of Ismaili Studies, Growing and Learning, London: Islamic Publications Limited.
