We learn and learn little.
On completing his studies, the wise old master said to the student, “Every situation is an opportunity.”
The student went away with joy on his heart.
Second scenario.
On completing his studies, another student said to the student, “Every situation is an opportunity.”
The student thought, “Who does he think he’s talking to?”
Conclusion: We can realise more from other students, than we can from the master!
Drop it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sp3ILaKnkg
…Until the next tree!
BUDDHA IN THE MUD is a blog - a living book based on the Dzogchen teachings. Our teacher is life, and life is karma. We are all Buddhas in the mud of concepts. 
Haha! That video says it all! We hold on for dear life to that which we decide is important to us without recognising that it is that which is causing problems in our life.
I find it helpful to acknowledge that we often have too much reverence (not to be confused with respect) for every word the teacher utters, which can cushion us against direct experience. When we are confronted with what we perceive as the projection of another student, our reaction to that smacks us in the face – and as you say, we realise more from that experience 🙂
Thanks Tony.