Quendalon/Session27LiInterlude
6. “Cutting the Wavecrest”
When I was a child, training in the Way of the Sword, I would often practice “Cutting the Wavecrest.” I would stand waist-deep in the sea and as waves approached, I would cut at their crests. This serves several purposes. It develops balance and speed. Waves approach the shore at different times, in different ways. Each is unique and each requires its own particular cut; because of this, it is truer to the Way of Conflict than rote repetition of kata. As one performs the cut, the wave crashes over, upsetting balance. In this, it is a reminder that what follows the cut is as important as what preceeds as well as the cut itself. One must always be mindful of the results of their actions.
The technique of “Cutting the Wavecrest” is simple to practice but not easy to master. A swordsman who masters it can sever the crest of a wave as easily as severing a man’s head. He moves with the smooth grace and the infinite power of the entire sea.
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7. “Two Wills”
Some men are confused by their own Will. They say, “I believe that such-and-such is the right thing to do, yet a part of me says that it is wrong. Which is my True Will? Which are my base instincts?”
All men have two Wills, a True Will and a False Will. The True Will is born of virtue, of hardship and challenge, and in it lies the Way. The False Will drives a man to commit evil, to do wrong, to act contrary to the Way. How to tell if the Will is true or false?
Wisdom and virtue forge the True Will. Ignorance and indulgence in worldly desires feed the False Will. Therefore, forgo the things of the world; renounce desire. Cultivate wisdom and act with virtue. These things forge the True Will and suppress the False. Confusion will fade and disappear and all things will become clear in the Way.
Do not treasure worldly things, for they are illusions and transient. You may have riches but riches may be lost. You may have power but power may be overthrown. You may have beauty but age destroys the flower of youth. You may have knowledge but knowledge may be forgotten.
The Way is eternally created and eternally destroyed. It changes from moment to moment and never is what it was. Thus it is truly immortal. When one’s Will is in accord with the Way, therein lies enlightenment.
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8. “The Will and Virtue”
Virtue is natural, like the elements of Creation. One who is compassionate, temperate, filled with conviction and valorous, encompasses the width of the world. They are immutable and invincible as the axis of Creation.
Compassion is like the sea of the West. Water flows to find the lowest point. Compassion likewise, always flows to the most downtrodden and pitiable. Be like water in your compassion: fill the cups of those whose cups are empty.
Temperance is like the forest of the East. The trees are patient and do not hurry. They rise in stately fashion towards the sun and root themselves deep in the earth. In this way, the temperate are firmly planted and strong within their hearts. They do not rush hither and yon and when they act it is with foresight and wisdom.
Conviction is like the fire of the South. Fire burns that which it can consume. Full of energy and light, it drives away the cold. Men may use fire to create and to destroy. Conviction is the fire of the spirit, which drive men to create and drives men to destroy. The strength of conviction is the strength of fire but be wary lest you are burned.
Valor is like the cold wind of the North. Wind is insubstantial yet ever-present. It gives breath to men’s lungs. It can be gentle and simple or mighty enough to tear down cities. Valor is like the wind for it has no substance and cannot be seen, only judged by the effects it produces. A man of great valor is like a thunderstorm that can bring the life-giving rain or terrible thunder to destroy.
Together, every virtue builds the Will, which is like the Mountain that anchors Creation. All things flow from a man’s Will and the Will flows from a man’s virtues. Thus, the Way is in virtue; act with virtue and know it within one’s heart and the Will is made True. When truth is strengthened, the Way is near.
