Let the Master Appear

"When the student is ready, the Master appears." - Buddhist Proverb

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I've thought about this proverb a lot over the years. Does it mean that if I practice hard a humble Japanese expatriate who practices bonsai and repairs cars will appear to teach me about the martial arts he learned as a boy in Okinawa? I don't think so. Will the student who trains hard become the most fierce and intimidating master to ever exist? Probably not. This proverb rings true to anyone who has let go of pride and accepted that they are not perfect. The humble student who opens their mind to learning everyday, doing everything with a beginner's spirit will begin to understand this saying. The student who has let go of the past, lives in the present, and turns a blind eye to the future will have a good comprehension of this saying.

-  主人  -

Recently, I had a student test for 5th kyu. When he first came to class months ago he was unpolished, nervous, and very reserved. After a few weeks, I watched his straight cuts go from hacking to a two part cut, flicking then relaxing, which is the beginning of a great cut. Weeks later, he changed very sloppy footwork to walking straight while maintaining good posture as he cut in one fluid motion. Now, months have passed since he began iaido and everything has become more fluid as he's beginning to understand using entire body to complete movements ensuring that his hips are engaged and power is where it needs to be. Though he is still in the beginner stage of his martial arts training his dedication has unlocked a true martial artist. I recently invited him to test and was very pleased by his results. Not only did he pass his 5th kyu examination, he did so with flying colors. When he started training he was in a shell inhibited by his own abilities, now, he is on the road to success. This type of student will one day see the master appear and become the iaido practitioner we all strive to become as long as he continues on this path he has created.