Cultivate Ourselves In Order To Help Others
by Master Lee Feng San Shifu
Translated by Sophia Lui
Edited by Ric Meyers
We often hear a saying “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Why does this happen? Let us first start with the condition of the body. In terms of Qi alone, if our blood and Qi circulation is poor, it will lead to blockage in certain parts of the body. As a result, blood and Qi cannot reach certain areas, and this leads to gaps where the affected areas will not be able to get enough nutrition. When the body has gaps, the mind is also susceptible to the forming of gaps, so that one experiences the phenomenon of “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.”
Therefore, we stress the importance of integrating mind and body. If our mind is not on the right track, it will affect the body, and, conversely, an unhealthy body can drag us down spiritually and mentally. So how can we reach a state where “the spirit is willing and the body is energized and ready”? The answer is: practice.
When we practice sufficiently, we fill up the gaps in our body. “Filling up the gaps” is a military term we used in days gone by. It means that if we do not allow gaps to appear, we can balance and unify our mind and body. Through disciplined practice we improve mind-body coordination, as well as cognitive functioning. In this way, we gradually progress without risking physical and mental disturbances. If we are all committed to our own self-cultivation, yet also taking into account the good of the whole, then this would really be a wonderful world!
Once we know how to reach a state of balance within ourselves, which is the goal of “cultivation,” we will know how to help others. Indeed, we must first know how to love ourselves before we can love others. Many people are full of ideas about how to love others, yet they do not know how to love themselves. If we think about it, how will it turn out for the person who, though loving the other person very much, does not know how to truly love themselves?
Therefore, we need to cultivate, find balance, and take care of ourselves before we can truly help others and make a positive impact on the world — and not lose ourselves in the process. It is my hope that every member of the society understands the importance of training the mind and body, and reaches a state where “the spirit is willing and the body is able.” Only then can our society enjoy long term peace and stability.
“Cultivation means to create balance within oneself, support others and give priority to the interests of the whole.” — Lee Feng San Shifu