Code of Budo: Patience is a Path to Understanding Life
Code of Budo: Patience: Martial Arts training, the path of Budo is NOT what the masses and a majority of martial artist believe. Some of the modern masters have a deep understanding of this.
However they are a minority. This needs to be, and must be changed.
Today what is called "martial arts" is just another example of instant gratification and glory.
And that is a superficial as a Facebook "like." It is meaningless. Martial Arts is a way of life, not a hobby.
Yet many build their self esteem based on this ideal.
Code of Budo
Budo is NOT about sport, or proving ones self to others. That is a falsehood. This article is part one of a series I am going to do on the path known as Budo. This is the Code of Budo: Patience. And patience is a DEAD virtue in the Western Culture.
Recently I wrote an article called Gratitude for Martial Art Training which in a way is also part of this series.
Budo is a path, it is a path of self disciple. Without self disciple people become self righteous, egotistical, lazy and corrupt. We see this in the world each and every day. However we as martial artist must learn to lead by example. If we are discipled, we show the world what disciple means.
Code of Budo: Patience
We are living in very difficult times. Mental illness, fear and anger are the state in which a large percent of people are living. And this is the result of apathy. Decades of apathy have allowed the corrupt to usurp the world.
Apathy, another "sin" of thinking.
However the tide is turning slowly. While it appears the world is going to hell in a hand cart, there is actually much improvement. However if you are still following the liars of the world you will not see this. And we have been lied to our entire lives.
But we, as a society devoid of patience, believe the great lie of instant everything, and therefore people suffer. This is the 1st Nobel Truth of Buddhism, "Life is suffering," However while pain is a fact of life, suffering is a optional. Personally I OPT OUT.
Code of Budo
But those who have spent a lifetime walking the path of Budo understand the Code of Budo: Patience.
As a child I was taught by my mother that "anything worth having is worth waiting for." And the wonderful things coming down the road as the evil we are seeing today is burning itself out, is very worth waiting for. But like everyone, I would still love to have it now.
However the law of patience tells me I have to wait.
Code of Budo - Training is the Path
Training is the vehicle down the path of Budo. We training our bodies physically by controlling our minds. Making our minds stronger. As the mind develops it connects to our source, God, the higher self, whatever you wish to call it. But mindless training does not contain this benefit.
There are other vehicles, meditation as an example.
These benefits comes from training in a complete system. Otherwise Body - Mind -Spirit does not happen. My root art is Hapkido, and that is FAR from complete. This is why i branched out my training after 16 years in my root art to include Kosho Ryu, because it is a close to complete as you will find in modern times.
Learning is a lifetime journey. Find things to expand your mind and thinking.
Code of Budo - Patience teaches all
The Code of Budo: Patience is a true virtue. And when you begin to become patient you see the world differently. Right now, I am waiting on a life changing event personally. While I will not discuss the event I am not alone in this.
And even though I really want and need this to happen, I am learning something very important. I am grateful down to my soul for having the opportunity to be part of it. Having developed the clear vision to see what is happening. And the great health to enjoy what will happen. I am patient like never before.
And my entire life has brought me to this point. This is is also for me a 40 year path of martial art training. This is what I have done all my adult life.
Now every person can do this. It is possible what you do for a living, or what you hobbies are can take you down a similar path. I can only speak from my point of view. But my dear mother walked the path of Budo, but did so via a different vehicle.
Put yourself into a patient place.
Code of Budo
Code of Budo: My mother was truly my mentor in life. I unlike many people had a great childhood. My father pasted when I was 19. But my mother lived a very long life by today's standard to 96 years.
At the time of her passing on August 11th 2016 I was in need of change.
Years before I had decided to close my Dojo, Art Mason's Peaceful Warriors Martial Arts and move to Romania. I chose Romania for many reasons.
Mom and I talked about this at length. She was not afraid of death and in truth welcomed it.
I took care of her at home right up to her last breath. Unlike the western culture, a failed culture believes, the elderly are the responsibility of their children. Not something to be discarded to "homes" to die alone because "you" need a better car. And mom and dad are now inconvenient to your "wants" in life.
Code of Budo
And because of my upbringing, and with my plans in life I learned what was most important. With my son Scott at my side we put her last years as the most important thing for us and our lives. We could not, and would not move on until she left this life.
And I am grateful beyond words for the change to do this.
After she pasted Scott and I moved to Romania, which is where we call home today. We live a very simple life, without ANY unnecessary possessions. Most people would not like this life. We love it!
But it is the path of Budo that allows us to live out of the "status quo" and a life of consumption for consumption sake. The lie that the more you :own: the happier you will be.
"The less I have the more I gain."
Code of Budo in Conclusion
I can only talk from my life perspective. That may or may not resonate with you, But if it makes you think then I have done what I wanted.
Your experiences are you own and only you know if you are on a path of development or decline.
And those people who were once in my life, many have mocked me for my choices. I find this humorous. Now my entire world has been martial arts all my adult life, so these "mockers" are former students.
But, if I was to address the things said I would ask them if they are happy. Mocking is a sign of the many different low thinking aspects of life. Those who live a life in envy.
While life is always a challenge, the path of Budo has brought me much joy and contentment. Patience is a key aspect of this path. But patience must be learned and practiced. And when you fall, you stand up and begin to walk once again.
Patience is a virtue beyond measure in a world devoid of virtue.
I hope you enjoyed the Code of Budo.
Have question? Ask here.
Thank you for the time to read this article the Code of Budo. The images scene here are from the mountains of Romania with the exception of the first image.
Thank you for your time and have a wonderful day! Keep Learning!
Vă mulțumesc pentru timpul acordat și o zi minunată! Continua sa inveti!
Al vostru în arte,
Mare Maestru Art Mason
