IMPORTANT Author's Forward
- The Kung Fu Lesson
In my early 20's I took a self defense course at a local martial arts gym. I was impressed with the new understanding and control of my own physicality, and decided to formally become a member and attend classes.
The attraction was self defense, yes, but additionally I loved the idea that these were ancient teachings, and that if I had been born into any other place and time, it is unlikely that I'd be allowed to participate.
After buying my membership and uniform, I was about 2 weeks into the training when I became impatient, and had a selfish thought. As a beginner, you start by working with other students. Your fellow student is your 'si hing' - your sibling - and they shepherd you through the beginnings of very non-intuitive poses and moves. If you have a question, you call over a si hing of higher rank.
My selfish thought stemmed from the myriad differences between one person's demonstration of a move, versus another's. I wanted to demand that the highest ranked practitioner - the 'si fu' ('teacher', master, head blackbelt) - come out of his office and personally show me how to do this move EXACTLY!
Thankfully I kept silent, and in due time learned the greatest lesson of all. You see, I was the only person in that gym with my height, my weight, my reach, speed, balance, strengths and weaknesses. This means that no one can just magically convey exactitude. As an individual, I had to take the time to learn my own body, and then practice to find each of the moves FOR MYSELF.
The fellow students - my si hing family - were simply sharing how THEY had found their own way. As I progressed, the triumph I felt whenever I mastered a move was exhilerating! Because it was something that I had earned, and no one could ever take away. How thankful I was then, to understand and recognize the generosity of each fellow student, who shared their experience.
A similar theme applies to The Spirit Riddle journey that you find here.
The concepts within are ancient, and there are many accomplished masters throughout history. I am only a fellow student - sharing with you a path that I have found.
- M. Lee Fowler
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