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Are You Dedicated enough? ‘The proper role which should be played by comprehension is to supplement the powers of recognition. It is as if, basically speaking, reason is a slow but sure method to discover the truth. Committing knowledge and skills to memory through feeling them is a way in which they will never be forgotten’ That quote is from a book of psychology exploring the emotions and mechanisms of the brain. The book titled ‘Love in the recesses of the brain’ Published by Yuanshen Publishing House. I came across the above quote in a book I was sent to review entitled: Bagua Daoyin – A Secret Skill of the Palace from Singing Dragon Books at: www.singing-dragon.com I would recommend anyone interested in martial arts in general to take a look at the very interesting perspective that the author expresses on his art in this book. It struck me how the thought expressed in this paragraph was like learning the truth message of our own unique arts; and why learning these amazing arts often confuse and bamboozle people. Progress in our arts can at first be made using reason to make a structure the mind can fathom with ease. Then as more progress is made, new information and experiences appear which this structure does not explain. Of course this is a stepping off point for many students who have gained physical benefit from their practise but can not cope with the paradox presented before them. Some, those that are ready and willing to, broach this paradox with an open child like mind and keep to the path. These students move into unknown territory, mostly they have no past experience to link this new but undeniable experience to. And here the teacher, the passer on of the depth that he must confer to future generations, has a problem. How to allow the majority of students to enjoy the physical benefits of the arts whilst seeking out those with the dedication to take on the greater task of learning the deeper aspects to take forward, so they do not die within this generation he lives in. He has a burden he bears sometimes with a heavy heart but for the most part he experiences a joy unknown to most others. To have such work is a privilege, an honour, and one that requires a commitment to the path, that path often travelling against the crowd. In this process he sometimes gets buffeted and bruised as he drives forward, persistent in his knowledge of the importance of his task. He has a target to hit, not with each shot taken, but by committing himself to keep practising his art like the master archer until hitting the target gets easier as his skill increases. An archer learns by doing, picking up the bow and slotting the arrow in place then drawing the bow and with a focused aim sends the arrow on its path, seeing the result and adjust his aim next time. ‘A thousand mile journey starts with the first step’ And as he himself continues to learn, he learns that relaxation is the key to his success. No need to run around expounding his abilities to all and sundry. Best leave that to others. Like his practise in meditation has taught him to quiet the mind, empty the glass. For a mind that is full can receive no more learning and nothing can be put in a full glass. We must all empty our lungs to make room for more life giving breath. As soon as this realisation was born in his mind, he remembers one of the last statements his own master teacher spoke to him. ‘Let people come to you’ Oh! So long to understand such a simple sentence, I am humbled yet again. So ill prepared for my task yet, I believe I have the courage and determination. Like the man in charge in the control room when Apollo 13 developed a potentially fatal fault (whose name no one remembers) stated on that fateful but triumphant day. When all else thought they were lost in space. ‘Failure is not an option’ If you as I do you love these amazing arts and would like attend one of my day courses, you can be sure you will receive a warm welcome. I will teach you what I have learnt from my Master Chee Soo over 21 years. There will be nothing added from elsewhere, and there will be nothing left out.
I wish you all I wish for myself.
Howard
© Copyright 2009 Howard Gibbon - all rights reserved
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