16th November 2010
"Style is being yourself, but on purpose."
-Patricia Fripp
Continuous improvement is a personal choice and it cannot be forced on someone. You may want to stop learning at any point of time but the learning never ends. Over the last fortnight I have been reading Jim Collin's Built to Lost and I would like to quote a small conversation between a martial artist and his master just before the graduation for the Black Belt. It goes like this:
`Before granting the belt, you must pass one more test' says the sensei.
`I am ready' responds the student, expecting one final round of sparring.
`You must answer the essential question: what is the meaning of the black belt?'
`The end of the journey', says the student. ` A well-deserved reward for all my work'
The sensei waits for more. Clearly, he is not satisfied. Finally the sensei speaks. `You are not yet ready for the black belt. Return in one year'.
A year later, the student kneels again in front of the sensei.
`What is the meaning of the black belt' asks the sensei.
`A symbol of distinction and the highest achievement in our art', says the student.
The sensei says nothing for many minutes, waiting. Clearly, he is not satisfied. Finally he speaks. `You are still not ready for the black belt. Return in one year.'
A year later the student kneels once again in front of the sensei. And again the sensei asks: `What is the true meaning of the black belt?'
`The black belt represents the beginning – the start of a never-ending journey of discipline, work, and the pursuit of an even ever-higher standard'.
`Yes, you are now ready to receive the black belt and begin your work'.
The above passage made me to think deeply on my own goals and the results I have reached! I really started thinking the real purpose of whatever I have done and ponder over the same in the light of the above passage!
N C Sridharan
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