"There is a natural order to all things. The shape of the mind will lead to its obvious conclusion. East, West, North or South. Climbing Mt. Fuji will result in passing the summit. Walking further will result in meeting more peaks and valleys. There is much to enjoy and discover.” ~Steven Radzikowski
Thoughts On Practice
About the Author: ラジカスキー真照
Saneteru Radzikowski lives in Japan where he heads the sword school of Shinkan-ryū Kenpō.
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That is very good! Thank you for sharing Steven-sensei.
These are wise words.
I have realised that it is necessary to take some time, sit down from your journey and reflect where you are and where you are going to. Problem is, once people are in this reflective state, they become complacent and just want to keep sitting where they are… not interested in moving on any further on their journey. This could be due to a life incidents which cause your priorities to change,.. and the once big ambition for going all the way to the top of the mountain; suddenly doesn’t seem as important as it used to be. How does a man know when to be content with where he is? it a fundamental aspect of being human indeed. Does this mean that if we continue on our journey (in thirst for improvement/knowledge/enlightenment) we are not content with where we are? I often just think about those who quit their journeys because they could not afford it. I try to keep pushing through with an appreciation of the privileges I have had that other didn’t.
Thank you for your reflections, Samir-Sempai. A challenge with practice seem to be having a goal in mind (wanting to climb the mountain or walk a certain way) yet, once you reach it, discovering that there’s plenty more to learn and do. We may feel overwhelmed by the never-ending journey and become paralyzed. Or, as you say, we can become distracted by other things. The challenge is to be content with where we are while pursuing the goal of more learning–which, as Steven-Sensei’s reflections say, means an ever-moving horizon. For someone like me, that ever-moving target can be discouraging. On the other hand, it’s an invitation to be ever learning–making progress but not thinking you have fully arrived.
Thank you Steven sensei for these thoughts.
Goals are neither the path nor the end,
like the strike of the sword
we have to keep in mind what lies before and after,
the path is under our feet