The dojo is not a place to play, it is a serious place of practice. The balance achieved in the dojo between Sensei and Deshi or Senpai and Kohai are governed by both loyalty and respect. Loyalty infused with respect is the foundation on which a dojo relationship and culture are built. One must be loyal to themselves, the dojo, the Sensei and by contribution to self our family, associates, neighbors, etc.
Chusei and Soncho are the hallmark of a traditional dojo culture and belief system. Once a practitioner or deshi has established and developed over time the loyalty bonds and the continues to nurture that relationship by correct and right behavior then the relationship is forged of steel and endures all types of hardships, trials and tribulations.
Love and other emotions are fleeting, ebbing and flowing and constantly in flux, chaotic and sometimes confusing. It is loyalty with underlying respect that builds the foundation of the dojo and warrants consideration in training and practice.
I can love a person, then hate them, then love them all in the same moment but loyalty with a foundation of respect once built remains standing through all the emotions that fleet through our lives at every moment every day. To develop such a foundation, such a strong bond of support and allegiance that speaks to the quality of loyalty bestowed on another person, someone or something is awesome.
Nicely put an oh so true...
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