Precepts for the wise

From the Lodan-Gawai-Roltso sutra

The Supreme path of altruism is a short-cut,

Leading to the realm of the conquerors, a track more speedy than that of a racing horse; The selfish, however, know nothing of it.

(verses 25-28)

Some there are who marvel not at others removing mountains, but who consider it a heavy task when obliged to carry a bit of fleece.’

(verses 120-121)

He who is ever ready to take the credit for any action when it hath proved successful and is equally ready to throw the blame on others when it goes wrong in the least and who is ever looking for faults in those who are learned and righteous possesses the nature of a crow.

(verses 140-143)

Although a cloth be washed a hundred times, How can it be rendered clean and pure If it be washed in water which is dirty.’

(verses-161)

The greatest fault to be avoided is ignorance. To overcome the enemy ignorance, one requires wisdom, The best method of acquiring wisdom is unfaltering endeavor.’

(verses 186-188)

Discipline: Elder Kung Fu brothers and Sisters and their responsibility to set a good example

Advanced practitioners know that what they say and do is observed and sometimes imitated by the newer students. It is only natural since beginners are curious how to act and everyone wants to fit in. Understanding this, the wiser and more experienced aspirant controls his or her conduct and speech with a view to setting a good example in both speech and action.

We should realize that a new student, who respects the concept of mastery in Kung fu, when that person sees or hears of examples of poor conduct or lack of respect and self-control, they may become discouraged or complain without realizing that all people make mistakes and without realizing it fall into the subtle hypocrisy that blames others for our own shortcomings. The new student should have the highest respect for their fellow kungfu brothers and sisters, the practice lineage and the headmaster. A person should sweep the snow from their own roof, before looking with a critical eye on others faults and be persevering in the good while keeping an eye on our own faults.

No one is perfect but we seek to perfect ourselves on a daily basis because that is the path of Kung Fu. The four pillars are; Courage, Compassion, Self-restraint, Non-violence.