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Eastern martial arts, beyond their benefits for physical fitness, health, and self-defense, also carry the historical weight of Eastern medical and philosophical knowledge. In Chinese culture, it has been understood for centuries that the mind and body are intrinsically linked—a healthy mind in a healthy body, and so on. Today, various methods and exercises related to personal development and strengthening the power of the mind have become trendy and highly sought after. It almost seems as if Westerners are discovering and scientifically validating what Easterners have known all along. Either way, I came across the following text online and liked it enough to share it further.
They say we only have one life. Buddhists believe in several, and cats have nine. Regardless of how many truly await us, it would be best to live them as well as possible. A set of 10 principles for a wise person can help with this. Perfect for reflection on a quiet evening and perhaps for applying in everyday life.
Do not expect a life free of illness. If you do not experience suffering, you will not resist the temptation of arrogance and immorality. Therefore, you should view your illness as a good means to learn from it.
Do not expect a life free of difficulties. If you do not experience hardship, you will become proud and arrogant. Therefore, draw wisdom from the obstacles that life puts in your path.
Do not expect easy growth. Without difficulties to overcome, your learning will always remain incomplete. Therefore, treat obstacles as a normal part of everyday life.
There will always be people who stand in the way of your plans. Without them, you would not notice many things. Therefore, treat your enemies as friends, using their hostility for your own benefit and learning.
Most plans do not come to fruition easily. If they did, we would all fall into arrogance. Therefore, enjoy obstacles—they are experiences from which you can learn.
Do not befriend anyone solely for your own benefit. Sooner or later, it will turn against you. Therefore, seek friends who will not always agree with you.
Do not expect others to always agree with you. Over time, you would start to think you are infallible. Therefore, seek out and talk to those who have their own opinions and are not afraid to disagree with you—you will be able to learn a lot from them.
Do not help for a reward. If you expect something in return, your help becomes a mere service. Therefore, the very fact that you have helped someone should be satisfying and sufficient for you.
Do not take more than you have given yourself. Large gains obtained at little cost will stifle your desire for growth. Therefore, accept small successes with humility, even if you were aiming for more.
Do not cast yourself in the role of a victim. You will then focus on blaming others for your own failures. Therefore, learn from mistakes and setbacks, but do not look for someone to blame—you will open the door to self-discipline.
source: kimsookarate.com
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