There's a Zen saying that goes: "If you meet the Buddha, Kill the Buddha."
Its lesson is profound.
The meaning is very interesting and one shouldn't stay stuck on the actual, litteral sense of the phrase.
If you've read or studied any zen teachings you've already learned to see through the essence of things and to keep an open mind so you can dig deep within yourself for its true meaning and ultimately, learn the lesson.
Simply put, it means to: "Find out for Yourself"
Do not accept anything by mere tradition.
Do not accept anything just because it accords with your beliefs.
Do not accept anything because it agrees with your opinions or because it is socially acceptable.
Do not accept anything because it comes from the mouth of a respected person.
Rather, observe closely and if it is to the benefit of all, accept and abide by it.
It also means to: "Find the Answer by Yourself"
An instructor or coach can only do so much for you.
In the end YOU'RE responsible for making, for example, your martial arts skill pay great dividends in the form of superior strength and health, flexibility, speed, combative flow and endurance through practice and trial and error.
Your ability to self-teach and discover for yourself what works for you depending on your body size, range preference, type of character, confidence level, and the speed at which you absorb and integrate what you learn is different for everyone but it's a necessary process.
Learning this crucial element and principle: "Finding by Yourself", immediately upon starting your martial art program will give you an edge which will cause you to progress faster, it will deepen your understanding of a technique and it will help you avoid trying to blame someone for any unexpected short-comings.
Like my father always told me: "Beware to point the finger at someone, because when you do there are 3 of them pointing straight back at you"
Martial Art training is a great group experience. You might even create good friendships. You can definitely borrow from the synergy of the team. Your instructor surely teaches you with the best of intentions.
But remember, it is YOUR journey.
This is just one of the secrets you should be aware of when starting your martial art training.
You'll find 10 more secrets to building a strong martial art foundation when you order the first volume to mastering the martial arts. You'll find that here.
Aim Higher,
Sifu Martin
P.S. Here's more info about the Bob Wall Seminars. When you reserve your spot and register, add the location in the special instructions box in the shopping cart so we can get you on the list at the right location. Here are the dates and times:
May 9 th Montreal 2:00 pm
May 13 th Kanata 7:00 pm
May 14 th Gatineau 7:00 pm
May 15 th Laval 7:00 pm
May 16 th Ottawa 11:30 am
May 18 th Toronto 7:00 pm
Register here:
FSD Members
Non-Members
Labels: 10 Secrets Book, Bob Wall, Buddha, Fang Shen Do, Zen
