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"The Importance of Being Humble"
One of the core tenets of
the martial arts is humility, but unfortunately some practitioners don't
seem to embrace these values and instead insist on being aggressive,
arrogant and boastful. If you know someone like this you might want to
show them this short story about a wise Zen Master that is told in 'The
Warrior Within' by John Little. (Or, you can just send them this
link)........
It was obvious to the master from the start of the conversation that the
professor was not so much interested in learning about Zen as he was in
impressing the master with his own opinions and knowledge. As the Zen
teacher spoke, the proud man would frequently interrupt him with remarks
like "Oh, yes we have that, too" and so on.
Finally, the Zen teacher stopped talking and began to serve tea to the
learned man. He poured until the cup was full... and then kept pouring
until it overflowed.
"Enough!" the professor once more interrupted. "The cup is overfull, no
more will go in!"
"Indeed, I see," answered the Zen teacher. "Like this cup, you are full
of your own opinions and speculations. If you do not first empty your
cup, how can you taste my cup of tea?"
This little story nicely illustrates the qualities of being humble and
open-minded. As a martial artist it is important to acknowledge that we
don't know everything, and although we strive to reach our potential we
can always learn from others, including our instructor in our chosen
martial art.
One very famous martial artist who epitomized the quality of being
open-minded and learning from others is Bruce Lee and the story quoted
above was one of his favorites.
Mr. Parker was also constantly learning and studying all aspects of the
martial arts with unshakeable determination. Mr. Parker studied several
different martial arts creating and refining our art and his cup was
always empty and ready to be filled.
So my question to you is, "Have you emptied YOUR cup recently?" If not,
then you might want to take a moment and think about this little story,
and reflect on the status of your own cup. "Is it empty? Or is it full?"
Respectfully,
Maurice A. Gomez Sr.
American Kenpo Black Belt
MAX Dojo American Kenpo Karate Studios
www.maxdojo.com
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