Respect

Gichin Funakoshi, considered by most to be the "Father of Karate-do," introduced the concept of "Rei" as the first guiding principle of the martial arts. Master Funakoshi defines Rei as an expression of respect for others that originates from a firm foundation of self-respect. He goes on to say that "Karate-do should begin and end - with Rei." Why is the concept of Rei (Respect) so important to the martial arts? First and foremost, Master Funakoshi states that without respect for yourself, you cannot express true respect for others. When you are unable to express true respect or Rei through the practice of the martial arts, then Master Funakoshi believes that the practice of martial arts is nothing less than contemptible violence. As martial artists we strive to have our practice of the martial arts be an open expression of respect or Rei for each other, rather than just a physical form.
The importance of respect is introduced to students at The Center for Humane Living through the act of bowing. New students are taught to bow when they enter the dojo, upon leaving the dojo, when greeting a black belt for the first time each day, at the beginning of class and at the end of class. It is emphasized to all students that the bow is a sign of respect and is "the most important movement in the martial arts." Taken literally, when you bow to someone you are telling them that they are more important than you. By humbling yourself to the person you are bowing to, you begin down the journey of understanding the concept of Rei. At first, a new martial artist often feels awkward and uncomfortable with the act of bowing. They might feel embarrassed since in western cultures this is not a usual greeting or they might feel insecure because they, as the lower ranking belt, are expected to initiate the bow or they might even be afraid that they are doing the bow incorrectly and inadvertently showing disrespect to the Sensei. As time passes, the martial artist grows and with this physical growth, comes spiritual growth and an accompanying improvement in their self-esteem. The martial artist now finds the act of bowing an honor, as their sense of respect for their Sensei and importance of the gift that they are being given takes on new meaning. What began as a meaningless traditional gesture has grown into a true act and understanding of Rei for the student.

This concept of Rei can easily be applied in our daily lives. Today in our society there is the general feeling that there is a lack of respect for each other, for our families, for our teachers, for our bosses. The root of the issue lies in the inability to respect oneself. First and foremost, when an individual does not respect himself, they are incapable of giving respect to others. If we do not practice the martial arts, how does one nurture respect within oneself? The answer is different for everyone, but the concept of how this is accomplished is universal.

In order to respect ourselves, we must care for ourselves. We must show respect for ourselves each and every day by carving out a small piece of our day and choosing to do something just for ourselves. This can take the form of taking a walk, reading a book, catching up with a friend we haven't spoken to in a long time, exercising, meditating, praying or any of a number of other activities. It is whatever small act you do only for yourself that feeds your soul. By giving ourselves some personal attention, we are reminding ourselves of our individual self-worth.

The analogy that I use to teach this concept is that of sharpening the saw. If a lumberjack spends his days cutting down trees with a large hand saw, periodically he will need to stop his work to sharpen his saw. If he does not take the time to sharpen his saw, then cutting through trees will require more and more effort. This will slow his progress, result in muscular fatigue and will likely result in frustration and anxiety. However, if the lumberjack takes the time to periodically sharpen his saw, then his job will become easier. He will be able to complete his work with less physical effort and more efficiency. The outcome is now a more productive individual which results in an increased feeling of accomplishment and an improved state of psychological well being.

Just as a lumberjack must periodically sharpen his saw, I would encourage you to take the time every day to sharpen your saw. By taking the time every day to do something to take care of yourself, you will find that life becomes easier. You will be more efficient and productive and you will become more content and fulfilled. When we nurture and develop our personal self respect we will also now be capable of expressing true respect or Rei to others. Without taking the time to show respect for ourselves we become useless to those around us. Life must begin and end with Rei.
KAIZEN!!!!

"Respect is the act of organizing your thoughts and actions around the existence of someone or something".
Dr. Michael Foley

"Respect is love in plain clothes."
Frankie Byrne

"Self-respect is the cornerstone of all virtue."
Sir John Herschel

Respectfully,


Steven M. Erickson
Sensei.Erickson@KiInspiringThoughts.com