Energy On Demand

The young monk went to the elder monk and said: “When will I achieve enlightenment?”

The elder monk smiled at the boy, who was known to be somewhat lazy in his studies and meditations. “Do you really want it?”

“I think so,” the young man said.

“Then come with me. Let’s see.”

He took the young monk down to the river, grabbed him by the back of his neck, and thrust the young man’s face into the water! The young monk struggled mightily, but the old man gripped him like a hawk. Just as the young man was about to pass out, the elder monk pulled his face back up and let him suck in a breath. Then stuck his head back under.

Then pulled him out. And stuck him back. Again and again, until the young man was almost exhausted. Then the elder monk pulled him out and threw him onto the river bank, where he sobbed for breath.

“What did you feel?” the old man said.

When the young man had sufficiently recovered he said: “I…I would have done anything for just one more teaspoon of air!”

The old man smiled. “When you want enlightenment THAT much…you will be ready.”

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Much of martial arts is based on the notion that you have the right to survive, to fight for your existence. To be here. To love yourself. To grow and evolve into a fully realized human being. It starts with the “Belly Brain”, the foundation of existence. Your animal life drives. There are two core ways we…