I received an interesting email that I thought would benefit all of you. I really don't like to repeat myself and "The Verbal Kwoon" is a way for me to insure that I don't have to repeat myself too often.
Message reads as follows:
Sigung,
My name is Matt Fiocchi. I have recently moved to St Louis in order to
pursue my long held goal of becoming a Buddhist monk, and I wish strongly to
supplement my studies with the appropriate physical, mental, and spiritual
disciplines of kung fu. My own venerable teacher has the knowledge to teach
me these things, but due to some physical ailments and lack of spare time,
is not able to do so; therefore I seek a worthy master to introduce me to
the art of Kung Fu.
It is vital to me that I locate a teacher who possesses a strong
understanding of the spiritual ideals of the Martial Arts. To this end, I
respectfully wish the engage you in what amounts to a kind of Dharma Combat.
My question is this: What is the true purpose of practice?
I humbly await your reply
Response:
First of all, how can you engage anyone in “Dharma Combat” through an email? I actually ‘practice’ more than I check my email. I will be difficult for you to establish my response time. It is difficult to establish someone’s tone of voice and posture.
However, I will provide you with an answer to your question.
“What is the true purpose of practice?”
For me, the “True Nature of Practice” with anything is:
1.) To gain experience. (Quick Action)
2.) To eliminate variables. (Harmony and Balance)
3.) To improve quality. (Joy, Exuberance, and Happiness)
4.) To establish consistency. (Stability, Security, and Roots)
5.) To create opportunity. (Freedom and Change)
6.) To pronounce validity. (Caring and Empathy)
7.) To verify identity. (Solitude and Reflection)
8.) To take the journey. (Destiny)
Items in parenthesis are the corresponding ‘Numerology’ translations of the numbered process. I have always believed that “To take the journey” is the most important thing in “Practice”. All self-development is pronounced in this process. “The object of the game is not to win, but to play the game.” Meaning... do not concentrate on the destination, but rather focus on the journey. That is the “True purpose of practice”.
