The Tao of Kung Fu #26

Nature is Always Impartial

Learn more about the philosophy of the Shaolin here................. This is another clip from the "Arrogant Dragon" episode of the 1970's television series "Kung Fu". Due to the philosophical content, these temple scenes were written separately from the main story. These scripts were often collaborations between the studio researchers; the series creators Ed Spielman and the late Herman Miller; and the technical and kung fu advisers, David Chow and Kam Yuen. In this scene we find an adolescent Caine at a loss to understand why Master Kan is feeding and clothing a man who in the past had betrayed the Shaolin order. Master Kan explains he is aware of the man's acts of betrayal, but that he is also aware of the man's cold and hunger. Master Kan reminds young Caine that if Nature does not distinguish between good and bad, then what right does he? Chapter 79 of the Taoist text the Tao Te Ching explains it this way: "After a bitter quarrel, some resentment must remain. What can one do about it? The sage keeps his half of the bargain, but does not exact his due. A person of virtue performs his part, but a person without virtue requires others to fulfill their obligations. A good person never forgets that Nature is always impartial." Sadly we live in a world where revenge is often confused with justice. Yet most of us understand justice is extremely complex and is best handled with compassion, moderation and humility. On the other hand vengeance comes from an affront to an ego or its values and usually manifests as a frenzied desire for retribution. Many of us see the logic in Master Kans charity. For Master Kans generosity may rekindle the Nature that had once drawn the man to follow the path. Whereas to ignore the man's hunger and cold would have further increased his bitterness and in his own mind, justified his already malevolent character. Both Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi believed in nonaggressive means to bring about justice and fundamental change. They understood that using force would always be met with more force; and only peaceful means could bring about a peaceful outcome. Holding a grudge has been compared to drinking poison in the hope it harms someone else. Anger and hate are extremely toxic emotions that tear at the fiber of our being. Ironically all this negative energy will have little affect on the person at who it is directed; except to further harden their resolve. Therefore the wisest amongst us say "The best revenge is to live well", and as demonstrated by Master Kan in this video; living well is best achieved by letting go and letting live.