Throwback Thursday - Forget The Self

Throwback Thursday - Forget The Self

Furuya Sensei posted this to his Daily Message on February 15, 2004.

A good Iaido student always keeps their teacher's words in mind when they practice, a so-so student only hears their own words and opinions and nothing else.

This is an attitude of "Only I know what is best for me!” This type of student never understands the kindness of the teacher and thus, will never become a good one themselves.

If a teacher's talks just to hear the lovely sound of their own voice, their students will never go very far. If a teacher teaches to truly guide and develop their students, it would be silly for the students not to listen eagerly and with sincerity.

Some wise person once said, "In order to study the self, one must first forget the self.” How true this is! In order for the teacher to teach, they must forget about themselves. In the same light, in order for a student to learn, they must also forget about themselves.

We never really forget about ourselves, but this is the only way to lose our “obsession" with ourselves - our greatest obstacle in all aspects of our lives. Please think about this point well in your practice.