In some part (not all), MA disputes can involve a power/ego trip amongst those who might claim to be humble. It’s best to stay out of it, but that is difficult sometimes.
I think if someone pulls a fast one and seeks to teach rubbish, then it should be exposed cause of the harm that can be done to people who seek something good, but maybe in the wrong way (like a shortcut, for example).
Then, there are the multiple versions of history. Sometimes, it would seem to me, that there was a lie or two way back then, and now, who knows? The history of ancient Rome can seem more clear. One story or another is further perpetuated by the tradition of supporting that which came before.
Even if the truth were to come forward, it could take its place alongside of all the other stories. What constitutes proof? What are the consequences for the continuation of the lineage?
Gets to a point where nothing makes sense, and that’s unfortunate when it happens. People get afraid of looking bad, or having their sifu look bad, or they take advantage of the situation to be cruel. It can get out of hand, with any attempt at Understanding motivation and heart going down the tubes.
Authenticity. Who knows the “authentic” ways? That is sometimes quite apparent. Who teaches them? Who the heck knows the difference? Just about any teacher I’ve known has said up front that the teaching is not as it was.
These “ways” are made up of thoughts and practices which, imo, can be gleaned, plucked from other sources, just as they began at the beginning. It takes a sort of genius to do this, I think. Yet it is possible. I am wondering that even if certain of the authentic ways lose connecting tangible records, whether we can derive/create ways of living and defense that are just as good, because they are There. I don’t think I’m explaining this as completely as I would like. I’ll give it another try. Bottom line. I appreciate the great teachers, and lesser teachers of good heart. I love the arts. Respect, yes; worship, no. Yet, with the passing of all of it, it could be created again, not as a mere imitation, but as an expression of what is part of what we are and can be. If that remains hardy, then the result will be splendid in its own way. A matter of perspective.
I think that one’s relationships and one’s training should not be held on different planes. They both should represent what you are in heart, mind and spirit. Or, to put it another way, if a person acts cruel, deceitfully, and in an unstable manner in martial arts work and disputes, you can be darned well sure that carries over into other aspects of life. Just as kindness and compassion and clarity do. balance. Politics can be like a large family argument, with leadership as the prize. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Cody
