Monday, October 3, 2016

Shuhari: first learn, then detach, and finally transcend

From Wikipedia:
  • shu (守) "protect", "obey" — traditional wisdom — learning fundamentals, techniques, heuristics, proverbs
  • ha (破) "detach", "digress" — breaking with tradition — detachment from the illusions of self
  • ri (離) "leave", "separate" — transcendence — there are no techniques or proverbs, all moves are natural, becoming one with spirit alone without clinging to forms; transcending the physical
When we learn something new, the accumulated wisdom of those who came before is the best place to start. We follow what they say because they know what they are talking about. This is shu.

As we progress, we are able to identify where the rules work for us and where they don't. We are in a position to know the difference between what works and what doesn't, so breaking the rules gives us valuable feedback. This is ha.

Finally we are in a position where the rules no longer matter. We have developed through experience practices that serve us well, as well as learnt many bad practices to avoid. This is ri.

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