The Bigger Picture

Today I read the post by Sensei Clarke, HERE CLICK HERE ;-), and found two quotes I feel are important. My thanks to Sensei Clarke for inspiring correct thinking with these quotes.

Often we get so involved in status, ego, pride and the workings of such gargantuan tasks we lose sight of the core of follow the way of the empty hand. Mike Clarke tells is like it is and that is very good - cool. Read these two for me and tell me if they don't or do hit a resonant cord with your practice.   I especially like the reference to what a person considers for themselves, i.e. a member with all that brings with it both good and bad and a colored belt vs. what you have inside you, your true proficiency in following the way and applying karate-jutsu.

I hope I am more than either of these, a member and a belt color. I admit I have experienced both and found something missing. I am finally in a state of feeling where I am discovering what I am truly and completely - so I continue to hope.

Thanks Mr. Clarke, for the inspirations you provide today.

p.s. when I state "the bigger picture" I am not saying this in a literal sense.

p.s.s. the quotes:

"Of course, there is little kudos to be gained by just training, and you could find that a couple of decades have slipped by and no one (outside your dojo) knows who you are. But....I think that is a far better situation to be in than the place many in karate and on the internet find themselves today." - Mike Clarke Sensei of Shinseidokan Dojo Blog

"So, as far as your karate is concerned, if you're considered a member rather than a student, or a belt color rather than a person.....perhaps you need to change your situation, refocus your gaze, and get a better look at the bigger picture." Mike Clarke Sensei Shinseidokan Dojo Blog