The reflection cast from good friends is needed
Until you become, without the aid of any reflector,
A drawer of water from the sea.
Know that at first the reflection is just imitation,
But when it continues to recur,
It turns into direct realization of truth.
Until it has become realization,
Do not part from the friends who guide you -
Do not break away from the shell
Until the raindrop has become a pearl.

~ Rumi