5) Take What You Do Seriously...Don’t Take Yourself Seriously!
Having an over abundance of ego and self-righteousness can, and usually does end up in the destruction of ourselves, and greatly impairs our relationships with others. Have you ever known someone who was extremely passionate and skilled in what they did, while maintaining a humble attitude about themselves? Their dedication and enthusiasm for what they do is an inspiration to those around them. Their humility creates a feeling of approachability and comfort, which draws people to them.
As people are drawn towards this person, they may pass along compliments and share their admiration. They may comment on this person’s incredible level of skill, or their vast knowledge in a given area, in turn putting this person on a pedestal. This is great feedback for the individual, for it gives them the ability to see they’re making progress and that they are delivering a quality service.
It is a wonderful thing to be able to feel we are giving good direction to others who share our interest. This is an important process in the development of this leader. Unfortunately, the drawback to this can be that even those who start out as the most humble can start to take these compliments, and themselves, way too seriously. It is easy to forget where we came from; we may forget that we are no better than them, just perhaps further along on the journey than they may be.
If we allow others to feed our ego to the point we take ourselves too seriously, we forget about being compassionate towards others. We lose touch with doing the best we can do, so others can’t benefit from our presence. Many great people have fallen because they allow themselves to believe they’re larger than life. Take what you do very seriously...but always be careful to NOT take yourself too seriously.
That’s why it is so very important to always remain a student. We must strive for continual growth and evolution in what we do, and in who we are.
A very important part of this growth has to come from having a good teacher. As we become more successful in life, we must always remember where we came from. If we, as teachers, forget what it was like when we were white belts, then we cannot relate to the student, and what they need. We must remember the humbling experiences we had when starting this journey.
The importance of having a teacher cannot be overlooked! A good teacher provides guidance to keep us on track. They have traveled this path before us, and can therefore guide us through the pitfalls that lay before us. If our ego needs to be put in check, they provide lessons on humility, when the need arises.
We should be humbled by our teachers in several ways. We should be humbled by our teacher’s knowledge and skill of the martial arts. As importantly though, we should be humbled by their actions, personal humility and philosophy. Remember that no one is perfect, and even the best instructors have faults. The key, I guess is...are we working at resolving our issues, and working at bettering ourselves and those around us? Remember to always have the ability to laugh at yourself. TAKE WHAT YOU DO SERIOUSLY, NOT YOURSELF!
6) Take Time to Appreciate What You Have In Your Life.
This guideline is to help us understand and learn to appreciate people and things, we have in our life...while they are here. Too often in life, we get caught up in the busy days, the stress, and the deadlines and commitments we face. We have a tendency to lose sight of what’s truly important in our lives. As this happens, people and things in our life begin to drift away, or start to deteriorate. So periodically we must take an inventory of the people, and things in our lives that make us happy and contribute to who we are. We have to pay attention to the action needed to maintain and nurture our relationships, and important components of our life. This could apply to a spouse, loved one, or friend. It could also be a business, a career, or the pursuit of something like the martial arts. As with anything important, there must be a certain amount of dedication, in order to have them continue to be an important, enriching part of our lives.
CHAPTER 4
The Sho Chiku Bai Crest
The Family Crest
The family crest of the art of Kosho Ryu Kempo, is called the Sho Chiku Bai Mon. This crest contains many of the keys that contribute to a well-rounded study of both life and the martial arts. The Sho Chiku Bai Mon has elements that are approximately 750 years old. Mon Gaku or the study of the Sho Chiku Bai crest, gives the student insights into the spiritual and philosophical studies, as well as the physical studies.
Study of the philosophical arts, the most important study, gives practitioners insights into how to keep themselves in check with their surroundings and teaches them how to blend with their environment, and be a positive contributor to society. The three interpretations of the Mon are as follows: the spiritual and philosophical study, the physical study, and the study of the destructive arts.
Let’s dissect the crest and identify and explain its components.
Starting from the outside of the crest, we see the circle surrounding it. The circle represents totality – maybe a journey, or a learning experience that has come full circle, that has led a practitioner to a deeper understanding. Maybe it’s a reminder that we need to always be well rounded in our practices, keeping an open mind to new ideas and perspectives, thus allowing growth in our lives.
Next, we have the eight angles of the octagon. The octagon is the most important aspect of the study of the physical arts.
The Eightfold Path
The first representation of the eight angles is the Eightfold Path of Buddhism. The Eightfold Path can be compared to the Ten Commandments of Christianity. The purpose of the Ten Commandments is to educate the practitioner in what actions are not appropriate. The Eightfold Path, educates the practitioner in what actions are appropriate. These actions are as follows:
1) Right Speech —We need to choose our words wisely. We need to consider to whom we are speaking, including their perspectives and viewpoints. Right speech creates harmony, while improper speech creates conflict and disharmony. Always remember...it’s not always what we say, but more importantly, how we say it!
2) Right Understanding —We must take the time to understand ourselves, and the people around us. The more we know about the people we’re dealing or interacting with, the easier it is to understand them. We need to understand their values, perspectives, and priorities since this forms the core of their behavioral attributes.
3) Right Means of Livelihood —We all need to make a living, to financially support ourselves and our families. As important as it is to financially support ourselves, we must also remember that the means we use to accomplish this must be in line with the laws and guidelines set forth by society. If we stay within these laws, we contribute to that society. If we violate these laws, by using improper means to support ourselves, we create disharmony and cause harm.
4) Right Effort —Having the attitude of doing everything to the best of our abilities or capabilities sends a message about us. This mindset tells people around us that we are humble, conscientious, hard-working, focused, and dedicated in all aspects of our lives. These areas include our work, our personal and professional lives, as well as our martial arts training.
5) Right Meditation —Meditation can be interpreted many different ways. One aspect of this is a better understanding of how to become more centered and focused individuals. The process of meditation should enable the practitioner calm and cleanse the mind while energizing internally, thereby allowing us to view our environment in a much clearer, more objective manner. This process should allow us to be more receptive to our instincts and inner wisdom. Meditation should also be a tool to help us to slow down and learn to appreciate the moment. Live the philosophy of life in every breath.