Teach by Example

Oshieru [教える] Reiji [例示]

Lectures are fine, media sources are also of benefit and they all serve a purpose, but the best way to learn and understand is by observing others who have come before on the path you have chosen and then to emulate by doing to truly make a change within and without.

If you want to effect and effectively influence others then set the example and those who desire to emulate your actions, words and deeds will follow gladly.

It is the best way to convey advice on things because it doesn’t require others to ask for advice, for your example will influence those looking to change because, “they want too!”

Silence of word allows the language of body and mind to speak louder and with greater effect and influence, than mere words can.

If others desire clarity then they will find a way to ask, otherwise they will continue to seek the path through observation and orientation thus allowing them to affect actions to bring about change.

Words tend to be in the moment so often don’t carry enough influence to cause change but repetitiveness of action utilizes all our sensory abilities to hard wire change into our actions and deeds!

Words, when necessary, must always be followed by the true teacher, silent action, to achieve maximum change.

Words, when sought after, are merely the road signs pointing to those actions that create experiences required.

A combination of actions and sensory applications guide the heart, mind and spirit to actions that stick, becoming reflexive in nature.

Sensory as in sight, sound, touch, smell and taste cumulatively influence the three brains to encode and imprint our desired changes, along with beliefs and emotions.

“Practice what you teach!”

In the dojo, lead into new lessons with as few words as humanly possible: 

introduction.

In the dojo, follow with actions first by teacher and then deshi while teacher uses tactile guidance giving deshi time to “feel” the actions taught.

In the dojo, all follow repetitively until the mind absorbs the lesson.

In the dojo, all continue repetitive practices with tactile and demonstrated changes until deshi masters the lesson.

Words shall not be used except in dire circumstances.