The Asian cultures have a particular symbolism, as does every culture, that translates across several disciplines. One of those symbols is the bamboo tree. This particular symbol is used often in the martial arts for how it grows.
It is said that this tree takes about 5 years to grow. The first four years there are no visible signs of growth, and yet during this time it must be watered and fertilized every day, because without this constant and consistent action it will die in the ground.
On the fifth year something miraculous happens. For the first time we are able to see growth, but not just any ordinary growth! When the Chinese bamboo tree first grows, it reaches about 80 feet in just 6 weeks time!
It is said that this tree takes about 5 years to grow. The first four years there are no visible signs of growth, and yet during this time it must be watered and fertilized every day, because without this constant and consistent action it will die in the ground.
On the fifth year something miraculous happens. For the first time we are able to see growth, but not just any ordinary growth! When the Chinese bamboo tree first grows, it reaches about 80 feet in just 6 weeks time!
The Warrior Arts and the Bamboo Tree
When you think of a martial artist, what most people think about are the amazing feats strength, speed, athleticism and skill. We marvel at their abilities and talents. What we don't often see, is the countless hours spent working on their craft and the discipline it takes to maintain a consistent effort to improve and develop their skills. |
Often when students don't see the progress they are looking for they get discouraged. They may think that nothing is happening and may even begin to doubt whether they have the capacity to reach what they consider to be greatness.
The thing is, although it takes 6 weeks for the bamboo to grow 80 feet after it has sprouted, before that it took the five years to build its roots and foundations.
The thing is, although it takes 6 weeks for the bamboo to grow 80 feet after it has sprouted, before that it took the five years to build its roots and foundations.
The martial arts are much like this. In the beginning there are two things that are required to nurture your progress.
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For more on these two; read my blog article: "2 Secrets on the Journey of 1,000 Miles"
The Will of the Bamboo Tree - Driven by Purpose
The way the bamboo tree grows reminds us of the power of single pointed determination. You see, once the bamboo has broken ground it does not grow like most other plants. While most plants grow slowly, sprouting branches and leaves along the way; the bamboo grows to its height of 80 feet with out sprouting a single leaf or branch. Only after reaching its height does it begin to sprout. |
During those 5 years the bamboo had built its foundation and network of roots. Once its time had come it moved in only one direction; up!
Herein lies the great lesson the bamboo tree has to teach us. Too many are easily swayed from here to there. They try a little of this and a little of that, not allowing any time to properly build their roots in any one place. For these people, there is no clarity of purpose. Because of this, no sooner then they say they are going to commit to something do they begin the process of self sabotaging their own efforts. The mind decides it wants one thing, and then the heart takes it somewhere else.
Herein lies the great lesson the bamboo tree has to teach us. Too many are easily swayed from here to there. They try a little of this and a little of that, not allowing any time to properly build their roots in any one place. For these people, there is no clarity of purpose. Because of this, no sooner then they say they are going to commit to something do they begin the process of self sabotaging their own efforts. The mind decides it wants one thing, and then the heart takes it somewhere else.
To have a heart as true as the bamboo requires that we dig deep inside to discover our "why". This is not to be confused with our goals. We can aspire to reach a certain level, a championship, or any other form of accolade, but an internal purpose is something that gives you the strength to push on even when all that you do goes unseen and unnoticed by others. |
Once we have discovered this "why", this purpose, we cultivate ourselves in a way to align all our energies towards the realization of that purpose. Remember that during the first part of the 5 years, nothing can be seen of the bamboo. This also means that much of our beginning work must happen where others cannot see; within. It is here that we face our fears and insecurities. It is here that we battle with our hesitations and expectations. Indeed it is here we discover the truth behind the saying that the greatest enemy we will find is within. But then this is also where we will find our greatest teachers.
There is an African proverb:
There is an African proverb:
"When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you."
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