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Re: Ten Articles of Faith, 8 and 9 full verses

Hello Sir,

8. Face combat only in justice and with honor. Be able to distinguish between good and bad with fairness and rightfulness.

I think an article like that is a perfect backdrop to educate young people on what justice and honor are. When I was a kid, someone did insult my mother and I clobbered the guy. I thought that was honor. It certainly seemed like the honorable thing to do at the time.

As an adult...I have mixed feelings, frankly. I remember the look on the guy's face who said the comments and how satisfying it was to wipe it off. Never had any trouble from him again and the encounter did leave me with a sense of pride and honor. Others viewed it the same.

On the other hand, in today's world, a kid could get expelled or perhaps even sued. Furthermore, allowing another to provoke me with words is a sign of a lack of discipline and control. The english refer to insult wars as "barracking", and the one who loses his temper loses the encounter.

So my daughter I will teach the verbal art of self defense - how to disarm people verbally and just walk away. Who knows how a physical encounter can escalate? I grew up in a nice area. Perhaps in another area, I would have been jumped and severely thrashed for my efforts. It's the unanticipated consequences that are the killers in life...

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Ten Articles of Faith, 8 and 9

as i recall, and i'm pretty sure this is correct, though it was some years ago, it used to read in entirety:

"be discreet in killing - kill only in justice and with honor."

i agree with master tenedorio's interpretation of its current reading. to me, "be discreet" means to use the utmost DISCRETION, and never to take an action that was more than the minimum necessary to surmount an obstacle. if a strong look and a kihap is enough to cow an attacker, why beat his face in?! and when it came to "kill or be killed," use all the mental power you have at your disposal to ensure that it truly is just that type of situation.

as for the latter part, the interpretations of "justice" and "honor" can be varied, but someone calling your mother a nasty name is not a slight to one's honor - it is just some moron trying to get a rise out of you. one displys one's honor by letting such a one alone, not by twisting his head around.

in moo do,
pj steyer

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Ten Articles of Faith, 8 and 9

Greetings Master Steyer,

"be discreet in killing - kill only in justice and with honor."

Given Japan's history as an occupying force, this article takes on vivid meaning. I am in complete agreement with your analysis, sir. Especially with respect to the knucklehead who'd insult one's mother. That is a very real possibility for a young student in school. It's also not unheard of in the corporate world, sadly; but to let the words of another determine our fates and behavior...that to me is not a sign of discipline. It means our buttons are readily accessible for the world to push...and to that extent, our actions and, therefore, destinies are not within our own control.

"...the mind is the primary actor..."

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Ten Articles of Faith, 8 and 9

I knid of relate #9 5 years ago on November 9th when I open my studio. No matter what I did the county always found something new to keep me from opening. I was losing the battle. Instead getting more angry and giving up I chose my battles wisely. When they said I needed a permit for a water fountain, I responded by getting a Water cooler which does not require a electrical permit or plumbing permit. When they said I needed to pay a bond to the state for being facility for excercise, I got a business liscense for Teaching tutoring and education which does not require a bond with the state. I fought the infamous dade county with justice and honor. Now 5 years later I am getting ready to open a second school and go through this all over again. This time my battle will not be as long.

IN MOO DO
Dave Tenedorio

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Ten Articles of Faith, 8 and 9

Hello Sir,

Interesting example! Reminds me of a famous Winston Churchill speech:

We Shall Fight On The Beaches

Excerpt:

We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender...

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Ten Articles of Faith, 8 and 9

thanks for the comparison.