Quick or Gradual...

"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.