I do not agree!!!
EIHAC...@sbcglobal.net
I do not agree with the basic premise of your article that "the duty
or obligation of the students is
to follow in the way of the Master.." or "Senior students should do
their best to be like the Master they follow"
I believe the purpose of learning, be it from a "Master" (see my
comments in Mr. Koeppels e-mail about Masters), a school teacher or
your parents is not to be like them but to be like you - an ever
evolving you. Your understanding of anything in life, including the
martial arts, is influenced by many factors, your academic education,
practical experiances, culture, ethics, personal philosophy etc. which
you have accumulated over the span of your life influenced by many
people. If your martial arts do not evelove the same way you evolve
over time, then you have done a dis-service to your "Master" and most
importantly to yourself. Remember that the impetus of all great
accomplishments in the world is thought - not imitation.
The Japanese have a concept called Shu Ha Ri. Shu ha ri as a learning
process which goes from superficial to profound to emancipated. The
first phase is based upon learning by innitation; the second stage
involves experimentation, in order to explore; and the final stage is
emancipation, as one understands the subject matter from a perspective
of freedom, in that they are applied not through unquestioning
replication but through an understanding of their inherent wisdom. I
believe that is is from this context, the responsibility carried by
the "Master" is to provide formative guidance and to stimulate the
intellect of the student so they may internalize the subject matter,
merge it with their other understandings and make it their own. In the
same light I believe it is the responsibility of the student to try to
give life to the guidance of the "master" by taking the teachings and
breathing into it a new life.
Regards
Tony