Certainly, we can learn a lot from Masters. Yet, I also see that there are certain common characteristics we find from all masters whether they are the masters of sports, management, art, or deep spiritual matters. This common characteristics, I believe, reflects (or corresponds to) the Way, or Tao. Or, I called it LIFE's basic principle as mentioned in the last post.
If we just think about it, we are all masters of something. Just as we have acquired the skills of eating, speaking, or picking things up, so are we learning something everyday even though we may not be conscious of it. Ultimately, each of us may find and or develop his or her own unique characteristics to realize the full potential - perhaps exhibited in our total existence. The following is a list of the common characteristics of the masters as expressed in my book, Results from the Heart:
If we just think about it, we are all masters of something. Just as we have acquired the skills of eating, speaking, or picking things up, so are we learning something everyday even though we may not be conscious of it. Ultimately, each of us may find and or develop his or her own unique characteristics to realize the full potential - perhaps exhibited in our total existence. The following is a list of the common characteristics of the masters as expressed in my book, Results from the Heart:
1. Be sensible to listen to our hearts
while distinguishing the key issues from various background noises. The problems we encounter in
life do not have to control our lives.
2. Be aware of our own feelings. Do not
try to repress them or react prematurely. When we experience negative feelings such
as anxiety, anger, depression, greed, or envy, we should analyze our feelings to discover the
cause as if we are the third person watching our own emotion with detachment. The solution
will eventually come as an insight and our solid foundation will be regained.
3. Accept reality, fate, uncertainty,
and the unknown for what they are. Do not blindly fight against them. Otherwise, we end up being
caught up. If there is something that is out of our control, just accept it. We live in an
impermanent world. Understand the laws of nature and find our destiny with whatever resources we
have.
4. Visualize the world through the eyes
of an innocent child. Instead of seeing trees as always green, and flowers always red,
find the subtlety in everything and every event. Instead of being preoccupied with our own thoughts, be
flexible to look at things as they are. Pause, observe, and inquire about what is going on every so
often to see if our minds are in harmony. Be open to change. Be inquisitive to infinitely
varied people, ideas, events, and things surrounding us.
5. Find a mission that fully uses ourtalent to express our innovative and creative potential. Realize that we are happy when we are one with
mission. Be selfdirected rather than otherdirected. Be original rather than conforming.
Be flexible rather than rigid. Live life with a solid foundation connected to our heart.
6. As we find out more about ourselves,
consider whether we can identify ourselves with others, and be compassionate to them.
7. Although we are interdependent
beings, we should try to seek our own destiny without outside support wherever possible.
8. Be openminded and flexible
about unavoidable difficulties that we all face. Convert
negative feelings to constructive energy.
9. Accept unconditionally who we are
whether we perform well, are popular, or have handicaps. Experiences of failure provide feedback
to help us realize what does not work. Realize that, ultimately, there is no failure.
10. Experiment and be playful the way achild might explore the mystery in life. Be aware of life in all its manifestations, reflect, plan,
and act to move on.
11. If we do not explore, learn,
appreciate and strive, why are we here? This process itself is self actualizing.
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| Matisse - Dance |
In this book ("Results from the
Heart"), we have discussed the need for the heart and brain to
be connected to channel our energy and express our talent as it
is meant to be. The search for answers will continue in our everyday life while proof of our efforts needs to be shown and
will be shown even if nobody asks for it. Individuals may
be characterized as "heartheavy" or
"brainheavy." Since each of our lives is different,
our specific journeys will vary. On occasion, we may feel
lost or vulnerable and unable to find our way. Yet to live our lives,
we must go through these rough patches. If someone asks "Why?"
we shall say "Why not?"
- from p.182-4, "Results from theHeart" by Kiyoshi Suzaki
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