Losing fear is an ontological precondition for altruism since fear results
in an ego state rather than a egoless state.
<snip>
> Actually, I think much of your problem in understanding what I am
>trying to tell you is due to three things. One you have only a rather
>superficial understanding of the philosophy behind martial arts (hence
>your reference to ballistics and physics). Two the philosophical
>concepts are not meant to be transmitted verbally alone, but also
>learned by the student by actually practicing the art. Three we are
>talking in english as opposed to Japanese which probably contributes
>to the confusion.
You raise three barriers to comprehension and attainment of mastery in art.
1) lack of understanding, 2) nonverbal communication, 3) and ignorance of
japanese language.
The basis of mastery in a martial art is not to win against all opponents.
It is to become a master of the self so as to overcome fear: to be come
fearless. One fear is the fear of failure in being able to hit a target.
Bruce Lee had one leg that was one inch shorter than the other, and he wore
contact lenses.
"You worry yourself unnecessarily," the Master comforted me. " Put the
thought of hitting right out of your mind! You can be a Master even if every
shot does not hit. The hits on the target are only the outward proof and
confirmation of your purposelessness at its highest, of your egolessness,
your self abandonment, or whatever you like to call this state. There are
different grades of mastery, and only when you have made the last grade will
you be sure of not missing the goal."
"That is just what I cannot get into my head," I answered. "I think I
understand what you mean by the real, inner goal which ought to be hit. But
how it happens that the outer goal, the disk of paper, is hit without the
archer's taking aim, and that the hits are only outward confirmation of
inner events -that correspondence is beyond me."
"You are under an illusion," said the Master after awhile, "if you imagine
that even a rough understanding of these dark connections would help you.
These are processes which are beyond the reach of understanding. Do not
forget that even in Nature there are correspondences...."
Zen in the Art Of Archery, Eugen Herrigel, 1953, Japan
>
>Steve
>
>
>
>
>
>---John Michael wrote:
>>
>> Steve,
>>
>> I can't make sense out of the simplest statements of yours. In one
>sentence
>> you stated that there is no competition involved in martial arts since
>> competition would render it artless and therefore a sport; now you
>> contradict yourself and state that martials arts are not arts but a
>"method
>> of combat" and a science. Ballistics is based on the science of
>physics and
>> the technology of projectiles in four dimensional space- you know
>rocket
>> science. You mean martial arts are not arts but similar to "rocket
>science"
>> - or ballistics? I think your built in "Nope" generator is getting
>in the way.
>> jmf
>
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>
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