9

To give a person one's opinion and correct his faults is an important thing. It is compassionate and comes first in matters of service. But the way of doing this is extremely difficult. To discover the good and bad points of a person is an easy thing, and to give an opinion concerning them is easy, too. For the most part, people think that they are being kind by saying the things that others find distasteful or difficult to say. But if it is not received well, they think that there is nothing more to be done. This is completely worthless. It is the same as bringing shame to a person by slandering him. It is nothing more than getting it off one's chest.

To give a person an opinion one must first judge well whether that person is of the disposition to receive it or not. One must become close with him and make sure that the continually trusts one's word. Approaching subjects that are dear to him, seek the best way to speak and to be well understood. Judge the occasion, and determine whether it is better by letter or at the time of leave-taking. Praise his good points and use every device to encourage him, perhaps by talking about one's own faults without touching on his, but so that they will occur to him. Have him receive this in the way that a man would drink water when his throat is dry, and it will be an opinion that will correct faults.

This is extremely difficult. If a person's fault its a habit of some years prior, by and large it won't be remedied. I have had this experience myself. To be intimate with all one's comrades, correcting each other's faults, and being of one mind to be of use to the master is the great compassion of a retainer. By bringing shame to a person, how could one expect make him a better man?

When I first began reading this passage, I was not intrigued. It seemed mundane and of no distinct conversational piece for what I have been attempting with this book and blog. However, as I read it, it became clear. This is for the modern day martial artist on many different levels.

As an instructor, you are faced with the task of tearing down the student and rebuilding them. If it were that simple, there would be so many more people out there with positive experiences in martial arts. However, it is difficult to do without destroying their spirit, their confidence, their core. True martial arts shaves away all that is not needed and strengthens what is needed. Often addressing the group as a whole and discussing a third party person with a close problem can be useful, as well.

Also, a martial artists most valuable weapon is his/her voice. We must learn to talk to people and maintain respect so that we can avoid the fight. Any martial artist worth their salt knows that any fight can and usually will end badly for someone. We need to judge character and control our own tone and wording to have the best possible outcome.

Lastly, in the last paragraph it talks about retainers to the master. Often, if we have a peer that is out of line and in danger of changing their future for the worse, peers are often implemented to help them correct themselves. A word from the master is always much harsher than from a peer. It can be likened to hearing it from your mother/father or from a sibling?