Buddha told about one of his incarnations. He said:
“In my previous incarnation, I was an ignorant person. A wise man achieved enlightenment, so I went to him. With a respectful bow I fell at his feet. But, straightening up, I was surprised to see how the old man bowed before me.
- What are you doing? - I exclaimed. “It is absolutely right that I touch your feet, but I don’t deserve any bows.”
The sage replied:
“It will be the greatest mistake if you touch my feet, but I don’t touch yours.” Because I am nothing more than a part of you, but a little moved forward. By bowing at your feet, I only remind you that you did the right thing by bowing to me. But don't make the mistake of thinking that we are two different people. It would be a mistake to think that I am wise and you are ignorant. It's a matter of time. Wait a little and you too will achieve enlightenment. When the right foot steps forward, the left follows, in fact the left is left behind only so that the right can step forward.”
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru