"Growing gradually keeps the tree strong, firm, and stable. This is the wisdom of nature. Weeds grow quickly - they are neither strong nor stable." I-Ching by Master Huang
Wanting everything quickly seems to be the path we take in life yet nature tells us that we need to take the time to gradually and naturally grow and prosper.
No where is this of more greater importance than in the fighting/martial arts. The quote tells us in the I-Ching that to create a foundation that will last, that is firm, stable, and strong takes time and practice. Short cuts to achieve something quicker may provide satisfaction in the short run yet those who take the natural flow to build a foundation have created something that will last a life time.
The influences and benefits of this type of practice and training have far reaching effects and benefits. The book of change or the I-Ching was created many thousands of years ago to guide us in the natural order of the Universe. Today many are finding through research that the ancient Chinese were way beyond their time in wisdom and enlightenment.
Seek out what is natural and in balance with nature. Seek out what is natural and in balance with the Universe. The sun and moon never quickly travel through their cycles. The sun and moon follow the law of what is natural and follows the law of the Universe, the Tao.
How can we expect anything other then calamity when we constantly try to achieve things outside of what is natural and instinctive. How can we expect to be greater than nature and the Universe that exists beyond time and matter. What audacity!
"People are a source of strength for achieving goals. Such growth also needs to follow in the steps of precedent - experience provides a precious reference."
"It takes effort for a tree's roots and trunk to break up the soil."
The I-Ching tells us more, advancement is not accidental. It is based on the law of cause and effect. One should cultivate virtue, build up character, accumulate knowledge and experience, and work hard to establish credibility. This is the proper way to approach personal growth...just understanding of these words tells us this can not be done "quickly" with any short cut methods.
Notice practitioners who visit your training hall. One out of one hundred may actually stick around longer than fifteen minutes when exposed to the real thing. There are those who "come and go quickly" and those who "come, see, hear, understand, and stay" in a training hall dedicated to the way of the empty hand.
My personal "Interpretive" Lens!
"One thing has always been true: That book ... or ... that person who can give me an idea or a new slant on an old idea is my friend." - Louis L'Amour
"Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider..." - Francis Bacon
"What is true today may be reevaluated as false not long after. Judgements are frequently based upon a set of "temporary" circumstances surrounding them. Conflicting ideologies can exist simultaneously. Antagonistic dualities are complementary aspects of a unified whole: are seen as mutually dependent mirror images of each other." - Nahum Stiskin
Warning, Caveat and Note: The postings on this blog are my interpretation of readings, studies and experiences therefore errors and omissions are mine and mine alone. The content surrounding the extracts of books, see bibliography on this blog site, are also mine and mine alone therefore errors and omissions are also mine and mine alone and therefore why I highly recommended one read, study, research and fact find the material for clarity. My effort here is self-clarity toward a fuller understanding of the subject matter. See the bibliography for information on the books.
Note: I will endevor to provide a bibliography and italicize any direct quotes from the materials I use for this blog. If there are mistakes, errors, and/or omissions, I take full responsibility for them as they are mine and mine alone. If you find any mistakes, errors, and/or omissions please comment and let me know along with the correct information and/or sources.
Kenpo Gokui
A person's heart is the same as Heaven and Earth while the blood circulating is similar to the Sun and Moon yet the manner of drinking and spitting is either soft or hard while a person's unbalance is the same as a weight and the body should be able to change direction at any time as the time to strike is when the opportunity presents itself and both the eyes must see all sides as the ears must listen in all directions while the mind must grasp all the tactile, olfactory and gustation data not seen on all sides and not heard in any direction
All Bottles are Truly Good
Thank you for this. I so enjoy reading your blog. :-)
ReplyDeletewishing you a great weekend!
Thanks Kathy :-)
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