RESPECT

Gichin Funakoshi, considered by most to be the father of Karate-do, introduced the concept of Rei as his first guiding principle of the martial arts. Master Funakoshi defines Rei as an expression of respect for others that originates from a firm foundation of self-respect.  He goes on to say that "Karate-do should begin and end-with Rei."  Why is the concept of Rei so important to the martial arts?  First and foremost, Master Funakoshi states that without respect for yourself, you cannot express true respect for others.  And, if you don't show love for yourself then you cannot show love for others.  Master Funakoshi believes that when you are unable to express true respect or Rei through the practice of the martial arts, then the practice of martial arts is nothing less than contemptible violence.  As martial artists, we strive to have our practice of the martial arts be an open expression of respect or Rei for each other, rather than just a physical form. 

The importance of respect is introduced to students at our martial arts school The Center for Humane Living through the act of bowing.  New students are taught to bow when they enter the dojo, upon leaving the dojo, when greeting a black belt for the first time each day, at the beginning of class, and at the end of class.  It is emphasized to all students that the bow is a sign of respect and is the most important movement in the martial arts.  Taken literally, when you bow to someone, you are telling that person that he or she is more important than you.  By humbling yourself to the person you are bowing to, you begin the journey of understanding the concept of Rei.  At first, new martial artists often feel awkward and uncomfortable with the act of bowing.  They might feel embarrassed since in Western cultures, this is not a usual greeting; they might feel insecure because they, as the lower-ranking belt, are expected to initiate the bow; or they might even be afraid that they are doing the bow incorrectly and inadvertently showing disrespect to the Sensei. As time passes, the martial artist grows, and with this physical growth comes spiritual growth and an accompanying improvement in his self-esteem.  The martial artist now finds the act of bowing an honor, as his sense of respect for his Sensei and the importance of the gift that he is being given takes on new meaning.  What began as a meaningless traditional gesture has grown into a true act and understanding of Rei for the student.

This concept of Rei can easily be applied in our daily lives.  Today in our society, there is a general feeling that there is a lack of respect-respect for each other, for our families, for our teachers, for our bosses.  The root of the issue lies in the inability to respect oneself.  First and foremost, when an individual does not respect himself, he is incapable of giving respect to others.  If we do not practice the martial arts, how does one nurture respect within oneself?  The answer is different for everyone, but the concept of how this is accomplished is universal. 

To respect and show love ourselves, we must care for ourselves.  We must show respect for ourselves every day by carving out a small piece of our day and choosing to do something just for ourselves.  This can take the form of taking a walk, reading a book, catching up with a friend we haven't spoken to in a long time, exercising, meditating, praying, or any of a number of other activities.  It is whatever small act you do only for yourself that feeds your soul.  By giving ourselves some personal attention, we are reminding ourselves of our individual self-worth. 

The analogy that I use to teach this concept is that of sharpening a saw.  If a lumberjack spends his days cutting down trees with a large hand saw, periodically he will need to stop his work to sharpen his saw.  If he does not take the time to sharpen his saw, cutting through trees will require more and more effort.  This will slow his progress and likely result in muscular fatigue, frustration, and anxiety.  However, if the lumberjack takes the time to periodically sharpen his saw, his job will become easier.  He will be able to complete his work with less physical effort and more efficiency.  The outcome is a more productive individual with an increased feeling of accomplishment and an improved state of psychological well-being. 

Just as the lumberjack should periodically sharpen his saw, I would encourage you to take the time to sharpen your saw.  By taking the time every day to do something to take care of yourself, you will find that life becomes easier.  You will be more efficient and productive, and you will become more content and fulfilled.  When we nurture and develop our personal self-respect, we will also be capable of expressing true respect or Rei to others.  Life must begin and end with Rei.