Χρήστης:ManosHacker/Paradise and Hell

Inspiring stories used for teaching

These stories can be real or imaginable, and their aim is to inspire and teach the trainee to Wikipedia, either in allegorical manner or exemplification. User interactions in Wikipedia brings often matters to be discussed in the courses, and sometimes the trainer may consider that it is more appropriate to use a story that withdraws the trainee from his/her experiences, in which he/she is emotionally trapped, and to teach him/her in a parallel field. After storytelling trainees are asked to express themselves on what they had just received, each. Then the trainer makes the connection between the story and the issue in Wikipedia from which the need for the storytelling and the discussion emerged, using general approach and not exposing people personally involved, allowing more discussion on the subject and answering possible queries by relating them to Wikipedia practices.

Paradise and Hell

(The story is recounted in an upright standing position, with a sense of peacefulness, and gestures follow the corresponding movements of the heroes of the story. Blue text is not to be recounted.)

A Noble Warrior visits a Great Master who resides far away in the countryside, in order to be taught. He presents himself and sets his learning query to the Master:

Warrior: Master, I want to know what Paradise and Hell is.

Master: You are wicked and unpolished, how do you really ask to learn such a thing?

The Warrior, having his pride wounded, draws his sword

( and raises it to hit the Master. Acting in key time, the Master points his finger to the Warrior holding the raised sword and says: )

Master: This is Hell.

( pause - silence & strong acknowledging look )

The Warrior wakes from his anger and puts his sword back into place, facing the Master silently.

( then the Masters continues, showing towards the Warrior with his hand having the palm slightly bent and facing up: )

Master: ...and this is Paradise.

The Warrior bows to the Master and withdraws, leaving the Master alone in the peacefulness of the countryside.

( pause, eye contact )

Notes for discussion on the story

• The teacher dares to move to the limit, in order to teach, with a confidence that seems very strange to us.
  • The warrior is willing and ready to understand and learn, and the teacher has identified this very early.
• Using his finger the teacher stops the sword - reasoning in key time becomes more powerful than the use of a weapon.
• The silence and stillness of the warrior is energy derived from waking in the middle of his anger; paradise is the euphoria of having control, springing from the inner peace the warrior has achieved, which is very different than a peace negotiated with words.
• At the end the teacher is left alone, in emptiness. The distance from things is necessary for the acquisition of wisdom.

Αpplication in Wikipedia practices and behavior

• Arguments given in the right place and right time beat claimed authority.
• When we feel someone is "attacking" us in Wikipedia, he might probably be trying to teach us. It is almost impossible to be taught without being hurt, even a little. We should operate in good faith.
  • If it is hard to achieve inner peace it might help to think of someone who is putting us in a difficult situation as a potential teacher and be thankful within.
• Giving space and time instead of acting under strong emotions provides clear thinking and wider view of things.
• Waking up in the middle of our anger is crucial, even if we have already been carried away. Beating our "blindness" gives results and earns respect.
• Sometimes arguing is not as effective as being silent. Avoid feeding a troll. If we are not in inner peace the troll is already being fed.
  • Keeping our silence while clenching our teeth is different from feeling the welfare of keeping control of ourselves.
• Not everyone is ready to let be taught the hard way. We should be polite.