During a recent class I happened to mention something about grasshopper, and a student wasn't familiar with the reference to the old Kung Fu TV series. I found a portion of the quote on IMDB, as follows (Master PO is an old blind monk, Caine is the young student):

Master Po: [after easily defeating the boy in combat] Ha, ha, never assume because a man has no eyes he cannot see. Close your eyes. What do you hear?
Young Caine: I hear the water, I hear the birds.
Master Po: Do you hear your own heartbeat?
Young Caine: No.
Master Po: Do you hear the grasshopper that is at your feet?
Young Caine: [looking down and seeing the insect] Old man, how is it that you hear these things?
Master Po: Young man, how is it that you do not?

I found a video clip of it on YouTube below, but couldn't easily find the other part, where he is told "when you can take the pebble from my hand, it will be time for you to leave".

[Sorry, Livewritter didn't post the code correctly, here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCyJRXvPNRo]

I'm neither PO nor Caine (somewhere in between?), I just like the idea that there is a lot to be learned on the journey. For those who prefer more recent references the padawan learner in Star Wars is similar.