“We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world” ~ Helen Keller

 

A martial arts student went to his teacher and said earnestly, “I am devoted to studying your martial system. How long will it take me to master it?”

The teacher’s reply was casual, “Ten years”.

Impatiently, the student answered, “But I want to master it faster than that. I will work very hard. I will practice every day, ten or more hours a day if I have to. How long will it take then”?

The teacher thought for a moment, “20 years”.

What’s the lesson in it for us?

The Kung Fu Master has conveyed a powerful message in a such a simple way to the warrior. In Hindi language Patience means धैर्य  (Dhairya) and Dhairya implies courage – it is patience in the face of danger. Even in our daily routine we get impatient and anxious that the outcome may not be as we want it to be. This means we do not have trust in the universal order of things to accept in grace the outcome. And so we take preemptive hurried action often resulting in a lesser result or failure.

Most of our educational and training institutions of learning and parents too miss out on teaching the virtues of patience and courage to students. Perhaps the teachers themselves are not aware of the intangible power of these virtues and believe in quick-fix short-term solutions. In corporate or in our personal life we are in a race to aggressively achieve goals often without a pause ~ to breathe and think. Those familiar with yoga will know all movements are gradual and graceful and yet they bring about a harmonious balance between mind and body.

In oriental philosophy too the sage Lao Tsu taught that all straining, all striving are not only vain but counterproductive. It does not literally mean to do nothing, but to discern with a quiet mind and follow the natural forces to follow and shape the flow of events and not to pit oneself against the natural order of things.

I am sure the student above would have bowed in humility and gratitude to the Master for this beautiful lesson.

 In Ernest Hemingway’s words ~ “Courage is grace under pressure”!
Have a lovely day dear friends 🙂

 

 

 

Posted by on March 4, 2015 in Inspirational Wellness & Random, Leadership and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

90 Comments

About Dilip

An open mind! Love to share my thoughts and a keenness to learn. An engineer and a MBA I had a wonderful innings in the Army and later moved to consultancy and teaching. My current interests are music and growing culinary herbs. Love to play golf and do yoga regularly. I am serious on "Living life less seriously". A warm welcome to you be well and be cheerful always.

90 responses »

  1. David Gittlin says:
    August 12, 2020 at 1:25 pm

    This is a wonderful essay. In my life, nothing seems to happen unless I make it happen. But I’ll keep trying to put into practice some of what you say here. The truth of your words is undeniable.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Dilip says:
      August 12, 2020 at 4:25 pm

      Hi David a warm welcome to you. I appreciate your words of confidence “nothing seems to happen unless I make it happen”! The moral of the parable above is perhaps to highlight the virtue of not allowing our ambitions to supercede the quality of our training.
      Cheers and regards 🤠

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. Swetank says:
    April 22, 2015 at 8:40 am

    Thank you for this beautiful life lesson Dilip! 🙂

    Swetank.
    Be Bettr, Stay Bettr! 🙂

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  3. Madhu says:
    April 20, 2015 at 4:45 pm

    A powerful message especially relevant in the rat race that is life today. Thanks again for sharing such wisdom Dilip.

    Liked by 1 person

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  4. Leyla says:
    April 4, 2015 at 9:03 pm

    true and Beautiful post 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  5. Simona says:
    April 2, 2015 at 5:33 am

    Dolce giornata 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  6. J.B. Whitmore says:
    April 1, 2015 at 4:37 pm

    True — and hard to hold to. Enjoyed particularly the Hellen Keller quote.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. lightwalker1 says:
    March 26, 2015 at 3:48 am

    So true. It takes time to cultivate patience. It is well worth it. In love and light Cheryle

    Liked by 1 person

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  8. peakperspective says:
    March 23, 2015 at 5:27 pm

    Such a beautiful story, and such an important lesson. I so appreciate you sharing these words here today, as I’m a firm believer that they usually show up when one is quite in need of them. Many thanks, Dilip. Cheers!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  9. Simona says:
    March 23, 2015 at 12:30 pm

    Buon Lunedì 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  10. LadyBlueRose's Thoughts Into Words says:
    March 17, 2015 at 7:58 pm

    “Even in our daily routine we get impatient and anxious that the outcome may not be as we want it to be. This means we do not have trust in the universal order of things to accept in grace the outcome.”

    sometimes I am part of the universe’s flow, then I go against its current…these words having been trying to get me to listen all day 🙂
    Thank you for such a good post and the perfect time
    Take Care…You Matter…
    )0(
    maryrose

    Liked by 1 person

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    • dilipnaidu says:
      March 18, 2015 at 8:04 am

      Felt good reading your lovely response on Patience and going with the flow.

      I find awareness and practice helped me a lot and my confidence in the process increased when unexpected and happy outcomes came my way more often 🙂

      You take too take care dear LadyBlue Rose.

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      • LadyBlueRose's Thoughts Into Words says:
        April 27, 2015 at 9:10 pm

        hectic life I lead these days, finally made it back, though I did it with patience 🙂
        you’re right it does help in being aware of the moments.

        I hope all is well within your world these day …..
        Take Care…You Matter…
        )0(
        maryrose

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        • dilipnaidu says:
          April 28, 2015 at 3:07 pm

          Thank you dear maryrose for your kind thoughts. And I am so glad you practiced ‘patience’ and are now in peace and calm.
          Sending many good wishes your way 🙂

          Like

  11. Prajakta says:
    March 16, 2015 at 3:26 pm

    Hemingway does have a wise word for everything 🙂 Thank you for sharing this!

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  12. renu says:
    March 16, 2015 at 12:31 pm

    People don realise the value of patience.Its one thing which stops many problem from arising and solves those which we have..

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  13. sindhoooo says:
    March 13, 2015 at 10:52 am

    Wonderful quotes! You have explained it very well! An old zen saying says,’You should meditate more if you are too busy’… How nicely it is said! It is during the busy schedules, we forget that we should have patience but it is the time when we need it the most!

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  14. jannatwrites says:
    March 13, 2015 at 5:26 am

    I struggle with patience at times, but am finally making myself slow down and accept that things don’t always (and rarely do) happen on my time. The thing is, when things come to us easily and quickly, they aren’t appreciated nearly as much as those things that were a long time coming.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • dilipnaidu says:
      March 13, 2015 at 11:46 am

      That’s a very clear explanation of patience as we experience it in our daily routines.

      And yet eventually a time comes when there is no need to struggle patience just happens naturally. When this state comes the natural order of things begin to work.

      I really liked your comment Janna.

      Like

      Reply
  15. Ankur Mithal says:
    March 10, 2015 at 10:03 am

    Wise words. Unfortunately we seem to want more all the time. For free. While humans will always strive, there is a price to pay. Sometimes in the form of time, sometimes in the form of relationships, sometimes in the form of money, etc. We can get more of one thing at the cost of another.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • dilipnaidu says:
      March 10, 2015 at 3:29 pm

      Ah ha well said Ankur its a trade-off here too! But from a philosophical perspective spiritual calm can come only through patience and a uncluttered mind leads to better decisions.

      Cheers my friend and have a good day tomorrow 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  16. dr sweetyshinde says:
    March 8, 2015 at 5:28 pm

    Patience! Doctors ‘patiently’ wait for patients to erupt. Sorry, couldn’t resist the pun. But in today’s world, patience is a distant dream, isn’t it?

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  17. LaWannish says:
    March 8, 2015 at 5:05 pm

    This is true Dilip… we need to have more patience. We want everything in the moment and maybe we aren’t ready for it at the time ♡

    Liked by 1 person

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  18. Bams Triwoko says:
    March 8, 2015 at 2:49 am

    It’s an inspiring post, Dilip…. 🙂
    Best wishes to you and yours. Have a wonderful week.. !!

    Like

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  19. Aquileana says:
    March 7, 2015 at 10:40 pm

    Excellent post dear Dilip… The brief story has such a powerful message… I love to read your insights on it and to learn about the meaning of the word Patience in Hindi, as it also implies “patience as we face of danger”. Wise!… All my best wishes and happy weekend to you. Aquileana ⭐

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • dilipnaidu says:
      March 8, 2015 at 4:23 am

      How kind of you dear Aquileana for such kind words. Whenever I read wisdom quotes or stories I get very inspired my self and can’t resist sharing with all my dear friends.

      You too dear friend have a lovely Sunday! Dilip ⭐

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      Reply
  20. Minuscule Moments says:
    March 7, 2015 at 8:51 pm

    Love that we must go with the natural flow of life thank you.

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  21. ssbonsor says:
    March 6, 2015 at 11:06 am

    Thank you for the lovely thoughts – oriental philosophy is sound and deep.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  22. Christy Birmingham says:
    March 5, 2015 at 8:30 pm

    Ahhhhh okay I will be patient! Yesterday I felt overwhelmed working on my book and then a friend said to me just take it one step at a time and there’s no rush. Aha, patience! So I am 🙂 Great post, dear Dilip!

    Liked by 1 person

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  23. Sue Dreamwalker says:
    March 5, 2015 at 3:46 pm

    Great Insight Dilip.. Yes the art of patience is not to rush things 🙂 Great apology within its lesson x

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  24. Indah Susanti says:
    March 5, 2015 at 9:24 am

    I admitted that sometimes I get impatience to achieve a goal and when I get impatience, I get angry and anxious that make myself not focus to the goal. I realize that these negative attitudes would not be helpful in achieving my goals. What a beautiful reflection post. Thank you so much!

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  25. Nomzi Kumalo says:
    March 5, 2015 at 8:49 am

    Have a lovely day too Dilip. Thank you for the lesson. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  26. Traditionally Modern Food says:
    March 5, 2015 at 5:49 am

    Nicely written:-)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  27. Binky says:
    March 5, 2015 at 3:37 am

    Patience is a lost virtue in our modern, fast-paced world. These days we want everything now, if not sooner.

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  28. aFrankAngle says:
    March 5, 2015 at 2:49 am

    Patience, creativity, and learning from failure are very important in life … and missed by the educational system.

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  29. Rajagopal says:
    March 4, 2015 at 5:19 pm

    Interesting insights, dilip… Patience builds character and is the mother of all virtues…best wishes… Raj.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  30. Water Over Fire says:
    March 4, 2015 at 3:47 pm

    Wisdom for the ages. The term kung fu comes from Chinese characters “gong” — effort and time and “fu” — representing man entering heaven… Patience is the path. Thank you for the reminder.

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