“Training teaches us how to establish order within ourselves so that we may live in harmony with everything and everyone around us while acting with dignity so that we may live in a state of peace.”
Some believe that the theoretical framework for Japanese culture and etiquette is chado or tea ceremony. The tenets of chado are simply wa kei sei jaku or harmony (和), respect (敬), purity (清) and tranquility (寂). Soshitsu Sen, the XV grandmaster of Urasenke tea commented that, “The principle of harmony means to be free of pretensions, walking the path of moderation, and never forgetting the attitude of humility. Respect is the sincerity of the heart that liberates us for an open relationship with the immediate environment, our fellow human beings and nature, while recognizing the innate dignity of each. Purity is the act of cleaning so that man can establish order within himself; this order is essential as he is no less attending to his own consciousness and his state of mind. Tranquility comes with the constant practice of the first three principles in our everyday lives so that we can find lasting tranquility within ourselves and in the company of others is the paradox.” These principles can be laid over all Japanese arts. Training teaches us how to establish order within ourselves so that we may live in harmony with everything and everyone around us while acting with dignity so that we may live in a state of peace. The martial arts can teach us how to destroy others, but it can also teach us how to live a more dignified and meaningful life. Today, purify yourself so that you can do your best to live in harmony and respectfully with all that surrounds you.
Today’s goal: We get out of it what we put into it. Don’t make it about you. Reach out to someone with kindness and it will be returned to you.