Weeks ago we were glued to our T.V. and computer screens, watching the Japanese people valiantly confront nature’s power mercilessly unleashed. A triple disaster: an earthquake, a tsunami and nuclear radiation. No doubt their response is influenced by the samurai spirit.
Evolving Martial Artists are aware of the samurai legacy: the ideal of a fierce, yet noble warrior. It is the notion of bushido, an ethical code that elevates fighting as a bloody profession into a disciplined path for coping with life’s adversity. One of the ideals of the samurai is “gaman,” which is to endure with self-restraint and dignity. The word embraces patience, tolerance, fortitude and control. For all the struggle, there has been little news of looting or violence. In the above video, actor and activist George Takei explains the concept to Ali Velshi on CNN.
We should remember the courage and tenacity of the Japanese who continue to battle the aftermath of the catastrophe. Their relentless battle to survive and rebuild continues. It’s hell but the ethos of “gaman” pervades their culture.
May the warrior spirit sustain us all during these difficult days.
Keep practicing and exploring,
Lawrence Tan
Tags: ali velshi, bulshido, CNN, earthquake, gaman, george takei, japan, kung fu, lawrence tan, Martial Arts, radiation, samurai, tandao, tsunami
“Gaman,” indeed. Americans could use a dose of it. Surely we have a tradition of respect for the individual that has helped forge our freedoms–but it seems to have morphed into a sense of personal entitlement. Always “me” first. And when one examines the concept, the “land of rugged individualism” is a myth on many levels: no one makes it alone. No matter how successful one is in any field of endeavor, you had help getting there. I know in my personal struggles the first question I asked was “why me?” Then I took a look around and realized it was the wrong question; “why anyone?”
Love George’s observation that complaining incessantly about one’s misfortunes just makes things worse. Better to shut up, clear the mind, find one’s center and work toward solutions with inner resilience. A few wisecracks along the way relieves the pressure.
Right on, Bob. The eastern ideals of inner resilience is a wonderful complementing force in our twitter world of every body’s entitled to their wrong opinion. LOL And those occasional expletive outbursts are so liberating.