Hexagram 4: Meng/Youthful Folly says the following

"The fifth line, which is weak in a superior place, and the second line, which is strong in an inferior place, together expresses that fact that the strong teacher does not seek out the youthful fool; rather, the latter approaches the teacher as one asking a favor. This is a correct relationship in education.

Because the second line is strong and central, it can answer the questions of the fifth, keeping within definite bounds of moderation. But if these bounds are overstepped with importunate questions, the teacher in turn becomes disagreeable toward the pupil by refusing to answer."

[Some of the younger practitioners may not see the connection to this quote and the fighting arts (martial arts if you prefer). If you are my age or maybe older and have been practicing for more than thirty years then you will "see" the connection I am trying to make here at least to the old master stories used to teach perspective young dansha.

It is the crux of the matter for those who teach Americans and in a commercial capacity. Even those who may not depend on the income from their teachings to live but supplement their lives by charging fees, etc.

In our efforts to teach properly and then make money the lines that separate get really fuzzy. Money and the needs of life can pull an otherwise good teacher into a realm that lessens the fighting art.

This quote is one of many I have read that come from such ancient texts as the I Ching, the Kenpo Gokui, the Bubishi, and the Ancient Mysteries (a subtext to supplement the I Ching). These books of changes goal is to provide us with information to better judge our lives and find that balance that brings about enlightenment.

Enlightenment could mean peace, tranquility, social connection, balance in nature, ability to be present in the moment, and many more adjectives to describe the Way.

Teaching or emulating the fighting arts is one of the toughest endeavors I ever took as a life teaching. Immediately one perceives that this way immediately throws us into a duality of social connection. It puts two distinct individuals into close proximity where both have to start to socialize in a balanced manner.

The concept this quote suggests is something I feel is totally alien to Americans. We tend to think, especially when we start handing over money, that it obligates one to supply something tangible when as from my perspective providing guidance in the fighting arts and the Way is a individual driven relationship.

I have tried to teach over the years in this manner with some success. I realized mid way through that what was important was the dual relationship and its growth with the other being more of a benefit of that relationship. I was able to do so for twenty plus years with absolutely no charge or profit. I was lucky as my career provided me the means to do so.

As it states in the first paragraph those who chose to associate with me in this practice made the conscious decision to do so and understood that anything gained was strictly what the person developed from within. This begins the understanding of the second half of the art as the kenpo gokui alludes in its cryptic tomes.

The second paragraph reminds me of the stories told about Tatsuo Sensei where he would just sit there and remain non-responsive when someone posed a question that was outside the teachings and if one persisted then they may receive an answer that was not actually his wishes or they would simply meet with silence. This does not work here in the U.S.

We want instant gratification, we want set things for our money, we want answers to every question be it of importance or just insignificant. We want and we spend our time with such things as "I," "me," and so on when we need to focus back to "Us," or the group, society, etc. Back to saying, "We..."]

Give this some thought.