T'shuva/Crane Philosophy (part 3 of 3) [Kung Fu Expressions #3]]

“Returning to the Source: T’shuva and the Lessons of the Crane – Part 3 of 3”

The path of the martial artist is wrought with distractions. Even when performing the simplest training tasks our minds are apt to wander. When this happens we must return our intention to the training at hand. The act of returning the mind to its proper focus is an example of the Jewish concept of T’shuva, (return or discovery of the spiritual source) as well as the crane philosophy of Hung Ga (conserving the essence).

Similarly as we move through everyday life there are many things that can and will distract us from the true path. The commitment we once had to train or practice the principles of Hung Ga can fall by the wayside of worldly clamors and responsibilities. When this happens we do well to remember the lessons of the crane. For if we lose sight of ourselves, and our purpose we may find that our very essence slips away and we are not even aware of it.

I speak from experience. For four years my training was constant and I participated in many school events. As time went on I found myself enrolled in law school, working a full time job and married to an amazing woman. Despite these possible distractions, I always remained loyal to my Sifu and my training, often coming to school at 10 p.m. to train by myself or with my brother Sam. Then the crucial test came: I sustained a serious injury to my right shoulder that took me away from kung fu for the past seven months. Unable to physically train, I lost my way and gave up an important guiding force to me all these years. I forgot the lesson of the crane; return to the source and conserve essence.

(Original image from NSDU Magazine, Fall 2003)

Realizing how far I had gotten from my kung fu and my Sifu, I picked up the phone and called him. He welcomed me home. From that simple act of reaching out I have returned to my training. Although physically limited, I find that I am still able to do simple things like light chi gung, speaking to training brothers and participating as best I can in the school. I am returning to the core of what made me a martial artist in the first place, dedication, commitment and love. The lessons of the crane have brought me back (T’shuva). It feels good to be home again.