TanDao

The Inner Warrior

September 10th, 2008

FRESHAIR

Politics aside, there was something in John McCain’s acceptance speech as Republican presidential candidate that surpassed party and preference. A story for martial artists who aspire to the warrior ideals: discipline, courage and sacrifice. And for all of us, a remarkable example of the resilient human spirit. It is a tale of transcendence.

As a young man and soldier, McCain was filled with the youthful pride and arrogance of self absorption.
By his own count “tougher than anyone”. Unflappable. Unbreakable. Sure in his tour of duty that he would safely return home unscathed. He was invincible.

Instead, he found himself, limbs broken, a prisoner of war in a dark Hanoi cell. Some of the “toughness” fell away. Unable to care for himself, he was hand fed and kept alive by his two cell mates. He said, “ I was beginning to learn the limits of my selfish independence.” Another layer of toughness broke off.

When offered release ahead of the other prisoners (in breach of their code of release by order of capture), he believed it would be used as propaganda and a tool to demoralize fellow prisoners. He said no.  He did what he felt was right, not what was safe. And he paid dearly for that decision.

His captors tortured him, and finally broke him. It may seem on the surface and perhaps to a body broken McCain, the warrior, was defeated. But taps on the wall from a fellow prisoner in the next cell told him to feel no shame and to keep going. With that support and his own inner warrior, he did just that. Yes he was captured, but he never surrendered. Moving beyond self kept him alive and ultimately brought healing. The veneer was gone, but the spirit never fell away.

“Long ago, something unusual happened to me that taught me the most valuable lesson of my life. I was blessed by misfortune. I mean that sincerely. I was blessed because I served in the company of heroes, and I witnessed a thousand acts of courage, compassion and love.” –John McCain

In Tandao, the consonance of the scholar, warrior and monk represents the integrated person. The goal is to move beyond ego to new levels of awareness.  John McCain’s story is the expression of the egoless self. It emerges from its trial by fire. It does not come easily. Hard work, perseverance and a view of a bigger world outside of yourself lies in the road ahead. It is a path of hot coals and broken glass. How will you walk it?

Toni Josephson

Entry Filed under: General