Mentor-Disciple

The mentor desires that the disciple will grow in capability, to the point of eventually surpassing the mentor. Embracing a profound sense of respect for the disciple, the mentor pours his or her life’s blood into the effort of fostering and training the disciple. Inspired by the mentor’s faith and expectations, the disciple in turn commits to a process of open-ended growth, determined to live with the same sense of responsibility to the mentor, to develop the same expansive life-state as the mentor (Message to the Opening of Soka University of America, August 24, 2001; World Tribune, September 7, 2001).

The bond of mentor and disciple comes down to the awareness of the disciple. It’s not about formality. Meeting he mentor on numerous occasions, or spending time at the mentor’s side, or being entrusted with a leadership position — these are all form [rather than essence]. Even if someone is physically far away from the mentor, or has never had the opportunity to speak directly with the mentor, if they are aware of their role as a disciple and strive to put the mentor’s words into practice, then the mentor-disciple relationship is alive and intact (Living Buddhism, January 2000).