One of my favorite translations of the ancient classics, i.e. the Mysteries, is "The Elemental Changes," which provide additional understanding of the I Ching thus the Kenpo Gokui and my life practice, etc.
As I study it I came across this quote:
"The individual's preoccupation with external displays of force or grandeur leads him to neglect the cultivation of his inner life. Self-importance fills the mind with what is inherently empty."
which brings me to thoughts of today's interpretation of "what is karate" which seems to be misunderstood. Maybe it is being misunderstood by me as well.
I am not saying that the practice is invalid for "all bottles are good; they all server a purpose." Where I feel the loss is the understanding of what the "art" is vs. the "competitive aspects" of today's sporting aspects.
As long as those who participate in that particular practice understand and are not misleading themselves or deluding themselves then it is just fine. If not, then there is a problem.
We should reflect on our inner selves to balance out our lives and thus through our practice. Do neglect one in favor of something egoistic in nature is detrimental or "empty."
"The petty man worships rank and title. In his arrogance, he parades his symbols of authority, mistaking them for moral authority itself."
How do you perceive this tidbit of wisdom from the Mysteries?
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
nothing wrong with rank and title..but if the ego is in want then that's where the.."Self-importance fills the mind with what is inherently empty." ..would be my understanding.
ReplyDeleteI know we don't suppose to look at Hollywood movies for accurate/knowledge...but i loved the movies the Karate kid 1 and two (was there a three? i forget)...anyway the teacher showed how working the body was important for the mind training. so many arts out there for mind...I think they all be good.
Thank you for this.