A good martial artist always gives compassion. In Japanese, jin (仁) can be translated as “benevolence” or “compassion” but as with most things Japanese, there isn’t really a one to one translation. Jin may mean benevolence and compassion but the two are not quite the same. Benevolence is the “disposition to do good” while compassion is “the deep awareness of the suffering of another, coupled with the wish to relieve it.” Thus, they both have the desire to help or do good but only compassion has the awareness of suffering. In the beginning of one’s training, the natural course of development is to focus on the physical. Hardening our bodies and acquiring technical skill leads to a certain type of ego as most people over identify with their strength and defeating others without any type of moral deliberation. This can be the understanding of satsujinken (殺人刀) or “the sword that takes life.” Later, as we develop and mature, we realize our own humanity and discover katsujinken (活人剣) or “the sword that gives life.” At this place, we come to understand another definition of jin - humanity. Humanity is to have “compassion, sympathy, or consideration for all living beings.” With this understanding of humanity, a martial artist learns that in order to get compassion or humanity, they have to be willing and able to give it. The Japanese say, “nasakewahitonotamenarazu” (情けは人の為ならず) which means “By doing good for others, we do good for ourselves.” The literal translation is “Compassion is not for other people's benefit.” We see this same understanding in the movie Seven Samurai as Shimada Kambei says, “This is the nature of war. By protecting others, you save yourself. If you only think of yourself, you'll only destroy yourself.” All martial artists have the ability and temperament to destroy others. Therefore, because the potentiality to destroy or hurt others exists, we need to temper it with compassion. Today marks the third anniversary since my friend and student Michael Stinson took his own life. Many of us trained right alongside Michael and never knew how much he was suffering. It is not that his problems are any of our business but rather that as martial artists, we train to be aware and perhaps we should have at least suspected it. Michael’s passing reminds us that in order to give life, we need to be aware of what is happening around us. John Watson once wrote, “This man beside us also has a hard fight with an un-favoring world, with strong temptations, with doubts and fears, with wounds of the past which have skinned over, but which smart when they are touched. It is a fact, however surprising. And when this occurs to us, we are moved to deal kindly with him, to bid him be of good cheer, to let him understand that we are also fighting a battle; we are bound not to irritate him, nor press hardly upon him nor help his lower self.” Understanding this, the best martial artists know that to destroy others is to destroy oneself and thus to get compassion, we need to give it. That is why a good martial artist always gives compassion.
Today’s goal: Remember Michael today and “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or dial 800-273-TALK (8255) any time day or night, or chat online. Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741
Learn more about compassion and how to better see others by watching this video.