Once, there was a well-known philosopher and scholar. He spent many years reading different books, visiting learned people, and discussing life. One day, a group of monks was passing by his house. They were very surprised to see the scholar burning his books. They rushed over and said, “You are such a great scholar. Why are you burning these books?” The scholar replied, “For many years, I tried to find the truth in these books. But I have realised that the truth cannot be shut inside a book. Experience is the best teacher. It is easy to forget what you read about someone else’s ideas or thoughts. However, true knowledge gained from your own experience stays with you forever.” The monks realised that the man had indeed become a Bodhisattva and no longer needed the ideas written in books as a guide.
Moral: Experience is a true teacher.
