Genius

In the world of form, passing and temporary, there are things to learn and teachers are necessary. In the formless, there is nothing to learn. We are teacher and taught.

Square one

If I have learned something and nothing changes, then I haven’t learned anything.

A higher intelligence

While unpacking the intricacies of the tornado kick, my esteemed Chen teacher paused to say, “The mind is inherently lazy.” (Mind was hoping to keep this a secret.) Later, with the same placidity: “The legs are strong but stupid. Kicks are for ending fights, not starting them.”

Where the boys are

To slow your thoughts, watch your thoughts. Just notice them. Don’t judge, analyze or otherwise engage with them. You have opened the door to an unsupervised classroom full of nine-year-old boys. Watch them.

Teach me

My need was obvious but out of politeness he asked me anyway: “How may I help you?”

“There’s too much of me,” I said. “Teach me how to subtract.”