Why must it sometimes take a catastrophe or some tragic event to bring out the good in human nature?
Why can we not have a compassionate and helpful attitude towards the people and situations we come in contact with everyday?
Is it because we are very often totally absorbed in our own selfish wants and needs?
Is it because we all have a certain amount of conflict inside ourselves?
Do we even recognize how this inner conflict affects our perspective of things and people around us?
The Progression of Training
Shugyo no Junyo is a concept used in the martial arts that pertains to the actual progression of training. The formula for this progression of training is very simple:
1) Make up your mind to learn the basic fundamentals of your chosen art. This means setting aside the time and energy required to practice and learn the fundamentals.
2) Repetition and constant practice of the techniques and lessons pertaining to your art.
3) Eventually, evolving into a person who has mastered the art and is confident and in control of his/her environment.
Pretty simple formula...though not necessarily easy to do! Now, if we look at this formula for training, should we not also see that this is also a formula for life?
We, as practitioners of the martial arts, must look towards the lessons contained in our studies. Look at the principle of avoidance, and how we use this on an attacker who is trying to harm us. First, we need to keep our vision peripheral so we may see all of what is going on around us. If we see the situation far in advance, it becomes very easy to avoid it. Secondly, we must move at the right time. Not necessarily fast, but on time. Timing is everything!
When dealing with a non-physical confrontation with a friend, acquaintance, or spouse, the same basic considerations must come into play. We must strive to see situations before they become confrontations. If the conflict is not something we desire or need to be involved in, why allow ourselves to be drawn into it? When someone wishes to engage in an argument or debate with you, and you can see that this particular person only sees things from their own perspective, refuse to allow yourself to be involved. One of my teacher’s favorite quotes is, “Never argue with a fool, for he may be doing the same.” It’s very difficult to argue or debate with someone who refuses to engage. This is a simple example of the principle of avoidance.
Redirection is also a concept to be used in a verbal conflict. If we are to redirect someone’s direction or force, we must strive to make them focus on something other than their primary objective. In a physical arena, this could be a painful strike used to put the opponent mentally and physically off-balance. In the verbal arena, this could be merely redirecting the conversation, maybe getting the person to talk about himself or something important to him. Who doesn’t want to talk about themselves or something of interest?
As martial artists, we need to pay attention to the principles of avoidance, redirection, and creating imbalance that we use when dealing with physical conflict, and apply them in the arenas of personal and business relationships, as well as all of our social interactions.
Life’s Cycle of Progression
How do we start to see the connection between the concept or principle and the many applications it may have for our life? We must look beyond the initial explanation, and examine other possible applications. We must look at the similarities in all things. That is not to say we ignore the differences. But noticing similarities, allows our brain to make a comparison to something we can already relate to.
There are usually many different applications for a concept or principle, just as there are usually many different facets of our life that principles can help enhance.
Let’s take a look at a symbol that many people are familiar with, but truly do not understand all its implications.
The yin-yang symbol can be seen everywhere you look. It has been used in logos, on book covers, T-shirts, skateboards, in the martial arts, as well as in many other applications. The symbol is said to date back to the fourth century B.C., and has been used by the philosophical religions of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism.
The Yin-Yang represents two opposite, conflicting forces, which blend and coexist in the same space. These forces are found in every action. The symbol is also a reflection of the fact that all things in life are subject to change. The only thing we can be sure of is that life, as we know it today, will change. It is really up to us to try to change things for the better.
The symbol is made up of two teardrops, like halves that seemingly blend into one another. The black portion is Yang, representing such characteristics as hard, forceful, or an outward projection of energy. The white portion is Yin, representative of such characteristics as soft, yielding, or an inward collection of energy. Inside each of the spheres is contained a small seed or portion of the other.
This signifies that whether you are predominately a Yang person, or a Yin person, we all have a small percentage of the qualities from the other.
We can look at this symbol and it’s representations in many ways. It can take on the meaning of the balance between FULL and EMPTY. This comparison can be related to characteristics of the human ego; if we are too full of ourselves, we allow ourselves to be closed off to new perspectives and ideas. This makes it very difficult for proper learning and positive growth for the future. On the other hand, if we are too empty, we may accept all perspectives and ideas without questioning whether that particular information is good for us.
Another way of interpreting the yin-yang symbol would be the comparison of being FORCEFUL or YIELDING. There are times in our martial arts where we must be forceful; use of power, speed, and an indomitable spirit to move straight ahead is essential. But as we become more experienced, the realization that having the ability to be yielding, and elusive is equally important.
The important concept to grasp is knowing when and where to apply each quality. Knowing how to use this concept in your daily life is essential when dealing with the conflicts of everyday life.
Yet another comparison of this symbol can be that of the use of STRENGTH and COMPASSION. It is very important in life, to have strength. Strength in your convictions, state of mind, and in your physical sense, is very important for your survival. But being strong without compassion, and an open mind for understanding the people and circumstances around us, can leave us empty and out of balance. As martial artists and students of life, we must have the strength and fierceness of a lion, but, just as importantly, that strength must be tempered by compassion for all those around us.
As we look at these comparisons of the Yin-Yang symbol–and there are countless more–we should start to see a common thread: the pursuit of balance. All of these characteristics from this symbol are very important unto themselves. But mastering the ability to use them in a balanced, productive, and compassionate manner is what a student of the martial arts, and a student of life should strive for.
Rules/Guidelines for Life
As we progress in our training, and become aware of martial arts principles and concepts, we should start to notice how we are governed by natural law. These laws govern how we move, giving us a road map if you will, to better balance and structure as well as ease in movement. Knowing how these