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.

Walking the path with patience

It may be easy to start things - but harder to continue, to maintain and evolve. Walking the path provides endless opportunities to bump into obstacles, and to be challenged with difficulties. Many times we get tired, lack the energy and excitement we had in the beginning, and tackle injuries. Soon enough we understand that these elements, that seem to slow us down and interrupt our rhythm, are an integral part of our practice. With time we will clearly see that these obstacles, difficulties and injuries are our best opportunities for self study and evolution. Yet, during the beginning we tend to see them as a negative affect.

We may hear a voice deep down inside of us begging us to take a break during a class, or telling us to just quit. Many doubts rise to the surface, "is this an effective martial art? am I improving at all? when will I stop injuring myself?" and yet, the answers do not echo back, and we find ourselves dealing with the unknown, and just experiencing the "here-now".
Searching outside of ourselves, in order to find the stuff that feeds us and generate the power to continue, doesn't usually bring the results we look for. It is the recognition that we still have more to learn, as well as the need and hunger for the study, that will give us the energy to continue, to face our "walls".

The "walls" we encounter may be ignored, avoided, or gone around. We often choose to pretend we don't see our weakness, choose not to practice with someone who challenge us, or just stop practicing for a while. "It is all just too hard..."
We can choose meet the challenge, experience it, and overcome it. Yes, it is may take a while, be somewhat painful, uncomfortable or confusing to do so. After having climbed that "wall" we find out it was really a "step" we just arrived at the top of. Then, with this broader view, we can continue on, until we encounter a new opportunity.

Pain, difficulties and fatigue are not separate from joy, learning and health - these are all elements we encounter in life, in our practice. Accepting these as integral parts of the Way, and using everything as a lesson, supports us and empowers us to continue. Keep facing the "mirrors" and working through the challenges. As the path will go deeper and deeper — "Gaman Shinasai", Be Patient.