Mentor: “Sa”

“Sa” (師, Mentor) means mentor. Words ending with “sa” include chef, nurse, doctor, pastor, and teacher. The ancient character for “sa” suggests that a mentor’s role is to share essential resources (like a vital command) with those in need. Essentially, a mentor’s role was to save lives. Thus, professions that save lives have the character “sa.” Teachers save lives by living out the lessons they teach, demonstrating how to live through their own lives. Matching words with actions—this is what teaching is all about.

The importance of mentors cannot be overstated. A mentor’s impact on a person’s life is profound. The kind of mentor or teacher one meets can change one’s life. They revive students’ bodies, minds, and dreams. Their enlightening guidance is like thunder and lightning, and their encompassing acceptance is like a clear sky. Even those who were deeply asleep can awaken again.