The disciple said to the master, “All you do is tell us stories, but you never explain them. How are we supposed to learn anything?”
The master said, “Come now, no need to be so hotheaded. We can discuss over a light snack. Would you like some bread and cheese?”
“Okay,” said the disciple.
The master broke off a piece of bread and put it in his mouth. He then bit off a piece of cheese. After chewing the food for a while, he spat it out in a bowl and handed it to the disciple.
“Here’s your bread and cheese,” said the master.
“But I can’t eat that! You already chewed it and spat it out,” cried the shocked disciple.
“True,” said the master, “I cannot chew your food for you. And neither can I feed you the lessons in my stories. Those are for you to chew and taste and swallow.”