Sitting on a rock

There is a Japanese proverb: Ishi no ue ni mo sannen (石の上にも三年), literally means: "Three years upon a stone." Not too many people will have the patience to sit on a rock for three years. My teacher, Shibata Sensei, uses this saying, to encourage patience and perseverance in our practice. He says that one will eventually find something, or something will be revealed to those who stick with the practice for a long time.

This expression has been passed down from masters to apprentices for hundreds of years. In order to deeply study a Way or a discipline, one must undergo at least three years of training and study with little or no initial visible reward or sense of tangible progress. Many people in the West do not really understand the value of such sacrifice, and it is only when one comes across a great teacher, one may begin to understand the real worth of such a path.

In our society we are looking to be rewarded, to make progress, and see tangible results quickly. Unfortunately, this usually does not lead to a deep study, especially if we're looking for an immediate gratification. Sometimes people call the Dojo and ask how long it takes to get a black belt. We usually tell them jokingly they can purchase one at the nearby martial arts supply store. On this particular path, it takes a certain level of personal commitment and sacrifice. It takes perseverance, and following with the heart. It takes great love, love that translates into deeds, into practice. This cannot be explained over the phone, and not even in a face to face conversation.

One doesn't necessarily need to sit on a rock in order to get this. One must choose to trust the process, and continue on the path without the need of constant encouragement, or ongoing rewards or praise. Studying deeply and sticking it out will eventually reveal great things.