12th Nov, 2021
A martial artist knelt before his master to receive the hard-earned Black Belt.
“Before granting you the belt, you must pass one more test,” the master solemnly told the young man.
“I’m ready,” responded the student, thinking that he would have to engage in a duel with the master.
‘What is the true meaning of the Black Belt?’”, asked the master. “
Why, the end of my journey,” said the student. “A well-deserved reward for all of my hard work.”
The master said “You are not ready for the Black Belt. Return in one year.”
The student knelt before his master a year later, he was asked the question, “What is the true meaning of the Black Belt?”
“A symbol of distinction and the highest achievement in our art,” the young man responded.
Still unsatisfied the master said: “You are not ready for the Black Belt. Return in one year.”
A year later the student knelt before his master, yet again and heard the question, “What is the true meaning of the Black Belt?”
This time he answered, “The Black Belt represents not the end, but the beginning, the start of a never ending journey of learning, discipline, work and the pursuit of an ever-higher standard.”
“Yes,” says the master. “You are now ready to receive the Black Belt and begin your work.”
“When you reach the end of what you should know, you will be at the beginning of what you should sense.”
Acquiring wisdom is like irrigating a field, you just need to clear the path for the water, then it will flow on its own.
Thinking that you know everything is the biggest obstacle to this flow.
Always be on journey of learning & stay blessed forever.