Shaolin Law #4 -- Wisdom and Courage

[Luo Lang]

First off. I would like to say that this is a great thread with great beneficial potential for all Wahnam members. Thanks Siheng for starting!

I find it fascinating that some Shaolin Wahnam students don't recognize the courage shown by the Shaolin Wahnam instructors

Actually speaking for my own I do respect this courage. I believe that most of the students do so. Some may need some time to appreciate that, that's maybe part of their development.

If you find yourself feeling uncomfortable while reading some these discussions, then I would ask you to analyze those feelings. What exactly are you feeling? Is it fear? Are you feeling uncomfortable in the face of honest confrontation? And how will this affect you over the years? Will you live your life cowering in the face of the opinions of others? Or will you follow in the example set by Sifu Wong?

I would like to speak for my own. Actually I am always ready for a fair direct and honest confrontation.
On the forum, to be honest I was holding myself back some times. Why?
- Because English is not my mother tongue and I have to think very intensive and clear what I write (especially in confrontations). I could be easily be misunderstood and a previous good intention to stand my opinion could indirectly harm people. To be couragous clear direct and still respectful in a language you are not very familiar with is not easy. That has to be learnt.
- Another reason is the fact that I sometimes follow the tactic, which also was mentioned by Brother Cha:

I will say that my tactic has generally been to allow my capable seniors handle it. For me this is only common sense, and they have ALWAYS PROVEN TO BE UP TO THE TASK.

This enables me to learn to deal with different situations. I learn to use clear direct words. The other thing is that I am very interessted to hear my seniors opinions and how they deal with certain situations.

- And sometimes I simply feel that I am not qualified enough to step into a confrontational discussion. Sometimes because of my lack of experience, knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge experience and wisdom are the root to have a clear direct and simple appereance.

As Sifu says, "one must sometimes be harsh in order to be kind.

I fully agree on this. But the use of words must be very well chosen. Sifu does it and you Anthony Siheng and other instructors do it. But to appear harsh, as a result of a lack of knowledge in the language, rather than out of clear statements, is in my opinion something different.

but I'm going to assume that you feel that I am reflecting badly on Sifu and Shaolin Wahnam. That is your opinion, and you are entitled to it.

I can only speak for my own: But I am more than sure that it was not Wuji's intention to make you feel like this.
As I am more than sure that Sifu would take a firm stand if somebody would reflect Shaolin Wahnam badly.

Respectfully,

Roland

[Marcus]

Hello Wuji,

But I would be lying if I said I was not disturbed by the way you had responded to the challenge by Sifu Stier.

Thankyou for pointing out that "the challange" came from Sifu Stier and I would like to remind readers that this was not the first occasion such a challange was offered by Sifu Stier to someone who disagreed with him. Attempting to intimidate someone's right to free speech by threatening them is not acceptable. But for such an approach to be used by a Grandmaster, well I find that says far more about a peson than anything I could write. I thought Anthony's response to Sifu Stier was outstanding, especially in light of this written by Sifu Stier:

Please know, however, that if this is what you want to happen, it will NOT be a friendly sparring match to compare notes.

How should such behaviour be responded to?

Kind regards

Marcus

Namo Amitabha Buddha Namo Amitabha Buddha Namo Amitabha Buddha