“There is a parable about an old wise master who was at the end of [her] life. [S]He had one disciple [s]he was deeply fond of but was worried that this disciple was still far from enlightenment. The disciple was deeply devoted to the master, carefully following all of [her] teachings and never deviating from the path laid out for him. This was what troubled the master most of all. Calling [her] disciple to eat with [her] privately, [she] began, “You have been a thoughtful and dedicated follower of my teachings for many years, and you may well one day become a great teacher. However, I sense that you are in danger of betraying me in your thoughts and actions.”

The disciple was crushed at the suggestion and responded, “… I never tire of engaging in the rituals and prayers that you have taught. I swear to you that I would never betray you, my great teacher.” The master responded, “The fact that you have never betrayed my teachings, and the fact that you swear never to betray them: this is to betray them already.”