The Tao of Kung Fu # 30

Peace Lies in the Man Who Walks the Path

For my last video of 2008, we go back to the first series of Kung Fu and the episode called "Sun and Cloud Shadow". In this clip Keye Luke as the wonderful Master Po delivers what must be his most profound line in the series, "Peace lies not in the world, but in the man who walks the Path." This reveals to us that those on the Path do not seek to obtain peace by changing the world, but rather to find peace within themselves. This is in contrast to the highly autocratic religions that would have us believe that peace can only be achieved by forcing others to change. Unfortunately it is inevitable that one on a path of peace will encounter those who don't share the same desire. To this Master Po advices Caine, "Seek a different Path". There is a story from ancient China that tells of an obstinate donkey that was blocking a busy and narrow lane. Whenever someone approached the donkey, it became unsettled and attempted to kick the passer by. Soon the busy thoroughfare was at a standstill. At that moment a sage known for his wisdom approached the bustling lane. All the people watched with anticipation, expecting the master to resolve the problem. Yet the great teacher surprised them all by simply opting to take a detour down an alternative lane. This ancient story is a fine example of avoiding contention by seeking an alternative path. The sage recognised his presence would do nothing but add to the donkey's already very stressed demeanour. However, if the people were to take the master's lead and also seek a different path, the donkey would most likely calm down and easily be led away. Unfortunately taking a different path isn't always possible and so we hear young Caine ask, "What if at each turn appears those who would be violent and do not love peace?" To this the Shaolin Master responds by telling Caine one must develop compassion and wisdom equally. But how can this help us overcome an aggressive adversary? Those on the Path are at liberty to defend themselves if no other peaceful way is viable. However, this must always be done without anger or malice. The goal should be to end the conflict and nothing more. In chapter 30 of the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu wrote, "Just do what needs to be done. Never take advantage of power." This advice isn't only intended for martial arts or the battle field. In our day to day lives we often encounter very difficult and aggressive people. Nevertheless the sagely advice of seeking a different path applies as much today as it did in bygone centuries. Yet sometimes seeking another path isn't always feasible and one has no other choice but to stand their ground and resist. But too often a victim is lured into sinking to the same level as the aggressor and there begins a very dangerous game of tit-for-tat. If the authorities become involved, it will be very difficult for them to distinguish the perpetrator from the victim as both have become equally malevolent. Most jurisdictions have legislation to protect the rights of the individual and those in the most vulnerable positions. Therefore the best way to resolve a conflict is by always maintaining the highest moral standards and looking to resolve any contention in the most amicable way possible. If this fails you will then be in an excellent position to involve the appropriate authorities to enforce a resolution. In the meantime there is a basic principle used in the martial art of Kung Fu that can be applied just as well in the modern world of psychological combat. The basis of the Shaolin martial art is to allow your opponent's own actions to bring about there own downfall. Nevertheless, this requires one to use wisdom and compassion. Wisdom is required for one to be able to stay calm and retain one's benevolent nature. Anger will only serve to cloud one's judgement and may result in actions that weaken one's position in the eyes of an adjudicator. Compassion is required to prevent one from becoming cruel, revengeful or seeking ascendancy. Malevolence not only weakens one's position in the eyes of others, but will more than likely initiate an escalating cycle of retribution. Although it may be very difficult initially, only compassion for a former adversary can serve as a good foundation for a path of peace and surely this is our ultimate goal?