Lesson of the Week #174

Quotes:

“A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to

make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs

of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by

the quality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.”

"Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect. "

- Vince Lombardi, Football Coach

“Criticize the act, not the person.” - Mary Kay Ash

“Success is getting what you want, and happiness is wanting

what you get.” - Dave Gardner

"Nurture your mind with great thoughts for you will never go any

higher than you think." - Benjamin Disraeli, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield

“The will must be stronger than the skill.” - Muhammad Ali

Lesson:

The Code of Bushido

Benevolence

As we celebrate Halloween and officially embark upon the holiday

season, I think itʼs appropriate to speak about one of the lesser know

precepts of the warrior. This is Benevolence or compassion. We,

karateka, as the stronger amongst the members of our society have

some responsibilities.

The upcoming holidays are difficult for many families and I also

seek your support with my commitment to the MDA “Jail and Bail”

program.

be·nev·o·lence

Pronunciation: \bə-ˈnev-lən(t)s, -ˈne-və-\

Function: noun

Date: 14th century

1: disposition to do good

2 a: an act of kindness b: a generous gift

3: a compulsory levy by certain English kings with no other authority

than the claim of prerogative

Another precept of the Code of Bushido, Warrior ways or Knightly

ways, was the idea of benevolence.

Benevolence also is linked very strongly to rectitude and courage,

two of the previous precepts discussed. Benevolence is an outgrowth

of “right thinking” and courageous behavior.

Leo Rosten said, "I learned that it is the weak who are cruel, and

that gentleness is to be expected only from the strong." This quote is

very much akin to the well-known quote “Bushi no Nasake”, “the

tenderness of a warrior”. It is very appropriate to equate the warriorʼs

tenderness with benevolence because it comes from a position of

strength and the ability to do harm as well as good.

The Bushi Masamuneʼ also cautions against becoming too

compassionate or tender as he states, “rectitude carried to excess

hardens into stiffness; benevolence indulged beyond measure sinks

into weakness.”

Doing good is so much more powerful when the ability to harm at

will is present. Therefore, it seems to me, benevolence is an act of the

mighty as opposed to the weak.

Benevolence implies choice. By definition the weak, who have no

choice, cannot demonstrate the benevolence of the warrior.

There is a place in todayʼs world for the code of Bushido and you

can see it in the films and photos that have come back from Iran and

Afghanistan. You can see our young fighting men playing with

children, caring for the elderly and generally showing the compassion

of strength. In general they have been fine examples of Bushido in

action in a modern world.

Practice the way of the warrior in both strength and tenderness.

Remember that benevolence is not just a right of the warrior it is a

responsibility.

It is my belief that to be a great black belt you must be a

compassionate and benevolent one. This is the “way of the warrior”.

Train hard and well. In the way, JWA