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Old 08-13-2004, 05:52 PM   #21 (permalink)
Hermosa
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Join Date: May 2004
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Brewer
An addendum:

I posted my reply after reading only the initial post and the first reply. I just finished reading the rest, and felt like adding something, specifically in reference to Hermosa's observations.

First, I completely agree with the idea that values and morality should play a bigger role. I understand more than a lot of these folks will where your opinions come from, and even then, I have to agree with gabbah in that the "sociopath" behavior is more often than not, boys trying to prove that they're men. It was when I was a sociopath, and I'm sure it was for you too.

On the topic of talking a good game, you and I share some fundamental beliefs that I'd encourage you to revisit. One instance comes to mind:

The Dalai Lama was asked if it was possible to positively and compassionately express anger. His reply was "Yes, it is possible to have circumstances in which the basic motivation is compassionate, but the immediate catalyst or motivating factor was anger, which is a very strong force of mind." I interpret that to mean that we may begin something (like martial arts) out of anger (in my case, anger at the fact that I'd gotten my ass kicked by a third grader), and still watch that course of action become incredibly positive and compassionate. If I hadn't gotten my ass kicked by the third grader when I was six, woukd either of us be where we are today?

The four noble truths of Buddhism begin by stating that Life is Duca, or Suffering. The truths deal with recognizing, the origin of that suffering, the cessation of suffering, and finding the path, right? Now describe your life with that in mind.

What were the martial arts to you in the beginning?
What did they lead you to discover?
What have your efforts over the last five years been about?
Where has it led you?

Once you've thought about those, maybe you'll see that it's exactly the same thing. Martial arts are, ultimately, a path toward self-awareness if not self-fulfillment, aren't they? The awareness gained when a student first realizes that he has the control to change his circumstance is a powerful thing. Not one everyone will understand, but the beginnings of greatness nonetheless.
Right On!..Yes, obviously if I just had it out for martial arts and artists, I wouldn't even be here on this forum..and perhaps I should have made that clearer. The journey has been fantastic, and you're right, with out it neither of us would be where we are today. I guess that the clarity with which I can now view past events...leads me to rise up in protest of those things that now strike me as damaging or disfunctional. -Namely, the mistaken notions that might can make you right and peace can be achieved through superior firepower.

I am reminded of the song "Bandidos" by the Refreshments. ---"I've got the pistol, so I'll keep the Pesos..Yea, that seems fair!"

In response to some of the other posters..I agree that it's important to know that your stuff works. That's what's great about arts that deal in "Aliveness".--(to steal a term from Matt Thorton). They expose you to yourself. There you are naked against your performance. What an enlightening and beautiful experience. I believe that Self-Knowledge is a powerful catalyst for compassion.
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