When lost, a teacher carries you across. Once awake, you carry yourself.

What it means

Teachers help when you are confused, but awakening is something only you can do. Huineng said this to his own master as they parted. Take help gratefully, then take responsibility.

The source

"When lost, a teacher carries you across. Once awake, you carry yourself." Huineng said it in Platform Sutra 1 (Origins). Translated from the original Chinese by Spartan Surfers.

"迷时师度，悟了自度"

Original Chinese, Platform Sutra 1 (Origins). Text read at zh.wikisource.org.

Who said it

The Zen masters (6th–13th century). Bodhidharma, Huineng, Linji, Zhaozhou, Yunmen, Wumen and Dogen: the Chan and Zen teachers whose sayings, koans and records shaped the school of sudden awakening. Our lines are translated from the Chinese and Japanese originals.

Questions

What does "When lost, a teacher carries you across. Once awake, you carry yourself." mean?

Teachers help when you are confused, but awakening is something only you can do. Huineng said this to his own master as they parted. Take help gratefully, then take responsibility.

Who said "When lost, a teacher carries you across. Once awake, you carry yourself."?

Huineng (6th–13th century). Source: Platform Sutra 1 (Origins).

What is the original Chinese?

迷时师度，悟了自度. Translated from the original Chinese by Spartan Surfers.

Is "When lost, a teacher carries you across. Once awake, you carry yourself." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"When lost, a teacher carries you across. Once awake, you carry yourself." (Huineng, Platform Sutra 1 (Origins), translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/when-lost-a-teacher-carries-you-across-once