On Truth and Fabrications: Reality and the Lies We Tell Ourselves

It was like any other day of the week towards the end of her quarter at school. My girlfriend, Sandy, was telling me about a story she read for her German Literature class about a young woman in a small town somewhere in Germany. The young woman had a boyfriend at the time but their relationship had remained quite innocent. The main antagonist in the story was the local judge for the municipality. This judge came one night to the girl’s room and threatened to ruin her family if she did not allow him to lay with her. However, the boyfriend came in and saw the man, proceeded to chase down the judge as he fled while knocking over a vase. The boyfriend never got a good look at the man, but was able to hit him. As the story continues, each one brings about their own truths by which they base their own reality on all the while the true reality – that of the evil judge raping the young girl – remains a secret until the judge confesses.

We are all at some point bought in to believe that what we individually perceive is the reality of everyone else. This is alluded to in great detail by Plato’s Allegory of the Cave in which we see people chained up viewing images on a cave that are two to three times removed from their actual manifestations. Plato comments that this is how most of us live our lives everyday. While it may not be as extreme as what Plato describes there are many instances in which we are not experience reality in the world around us. Chief Sealth touched upon this many times during his sermon about the basic beliefs of his people:

“Our dead never forget the beautiful world that gave them being. They still love its winding rivers, its great mountains and its sequestered vales, and they ever yearn in tenderest affection over the lonely-hearted living, and often return to visit and comfort them” (5).

This idea of a reality that we cannot sense through our five senses is something that is not totally outside the realm of science these days. With the development of alternate dimension theories and the like, it is not hard to understand what men like Plato and Sealth were saying regarding transcendent realities.

Since we are unable to truly see reality as it is, that may mean the ideas and values we hold are nothing but relative to the perceptual relationship we have our own reality. Through observing, we can assume that the morals of the judge from the story are faulty in the sense that he causes suffering to the family, thus we infer at some point that perhaps what is not relative towards human beings is the idea of suffering. If it is anything that is universal for humans (and by extent other creatures) is that life is a struggle in some degree depending on the individual. Therefore, this would have to apply as a universal value system where we would not bring about any intentional or preventable suffering upon one another. Martin Luther King, Jr. was an activist and rhetorician from the mid-1900s who fought for the rights of his people in a time and place that had been source of great injustice. In his classic deductive style King says that a “just law is a man-made code that squares with the moral law, or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law.” The “law of God” he refers to is that universal human law because it is something that transcends culture, race, religion, or ideology. It is the law outside of relativism regardless of who is in charge in the mundane reality of everyday life.

As a martial artist, I feel there is something that needs to be reconciled with when it comes to a non-violent attitude towards life. It has often been my conundrum in life to walk the path of a “peaceful warrior”: not willing to hurt someone but able to do so if the situation calls for it. I have often struggled with the idea, and as I develop further in both areas of my life I am often led to feel the need to reconcile the difference between the two. It is my opinion that Machiavelli provides the beginning of the answer to that very question. Niccolo Machiavelli had at one time been a statesman in the free Republic of Florence. However, it was not long when a powerful family named the Medici took over the republic and turned it into a monarchy. Machiavelli, probably like other politicians, had lost his office when the Medici came to power and was subsequently exiled from his home city-state. In an attempt to gain favor with the Medici family during his exile he wrote The Prince, describing the way in which the Prince of the Medici should rule over his kingdom. Machiavelli in principle contrasted with the absolutism of Plato because Machiavelli based his writings on historical figures, and experience. Machiavelli came to the conclusion that people “have less compunction about harming someone who has made himself loved…But fear is held in place by a dread of punishment, which one can always rely on” (65).

This relative philosophy is largely based on what works for the given situation. Machiavelli was largely influenced by what he found true at that moment, and when it did not work it was best to try something else. This means that it’s more importantly to look towards the end of one’s objective and whatever means may be used to get there. This is especially useful in combat, where if two combatants were fighting, and one had certain principles that prevented the use of certain tools than it would be figured that this combatant had a greater chance of losing in that situation. Since it is important in combat to have trained every part of oneself, the absolutism of Plato is useless to those that must defend oneself. Machiavelli felt that maintaining certain ‘good qualities’ all of the time would do more harm than good, however, “appearing to have them will benefit” one (69). This application of ‘good qualities’ will put those at ease but allow oneself to have certain moral relativism in order to live life without being always taken advantage of.

Therefore, what Machiavelli provides us is a framework in which to balance the two aspects of a “peaceful warrior.” Yet, it is not complete because to just say ‘I can do it when I need to’ may not always be the best medicine for the disease. Restraint is a necessity in life because that is where one can cause more problems in the end. There two other qualities that are necessary to have, and not just appear to have as Machiavelli had suggested; those qualities are wisdom and mindfulness. Without either of these qualities combined with restraint, the “peaceful warrior” finds himself in far more trouble than necessary and is not looking at the whole reality outside of his perceptions.

When we dwell on these aspects, it’s important to return to the story from the beginning about the judge and the young girl. Allowing ourselves to just assume a reality without the proper wisdom and mindfulness often sets up a house of cards where the structure is an illusion built on a faulty base. These blind assumptions then cause the suffering to others that violates the very “laws of God.”

Simplicity is the Key to Brilliance

I find it interesting in life how the good times and the bad are often so enmeshed, and yet separate from one another. Yesterday, as I was cleaning out from under my bed, I found a great deal of papers, letters, and other such items from the time I had spent in the monastery. That time seems like it was a life-time ago, and that I was a different person. Sometimes, I think I had perhaps been a better person than as well.

I had spent much of my teenage years practicing martial arts just for the sake of practicing it. I had no real intention of ever using it in a self-defense or combative form, and found myself more intrigued by the zen aspects of the practice. This is what eventually led me into a Buddhist practice to begin with.

Nowadays, with all the school I have to do, the working out and training; I wonder if I have strayed to far from that person, that man I was becoming. I am not a religious man by any means, and never truly considered myself a Buddhist even when I was ordained as a novice monk in a Buddhist tradition. However, I was, at one time, a diligent practitioner who saw some real progress and transformation. My biggest struggle (and perhaps my Zen Koan!) was the common ground between a Zen practice and a martial arts practice that deals with real-life combat scenarios.

I had a friend who would often tell me that he felt I didn't have it in me to kill someone. Although I would disagree with him, I think that now I would have to agree. Deep down I honestly care about people, and at times (too many) I may not show it but I have felt a great deal of empathy and compassion for people in my life. The problem is that I have feel I have lost the mindfulness and wisdom that should go along with that compassion.

When I left the monastery I was told that it is very difficult to practice without a sangha (community of practitioners), but I disagreed. Oh, did I discover how wrong I was! The set schedule made it much easier to come back to oneself, and the peacefulness of a monastery is only the beginning of the True Path!

Where does one begin again? Anew? Those are my questions, and the answers lie within the questions.

All The Good People

On certain days, and certain times, I have a few chances to reflect on the things in life. Often I spend time driving, from home to work, work to school, and any other combination of those three. As I get older I spend less time listening to loud music that does nothing for me or my intelligence. On occasion, then, when I am not listening to an audio-book, I think about life and the people who live it. Since I do not hold any real religious views, or any belief in a god, I often have to look at people with a realistic set of eyes. In looking, though, I see that all people -- according to my belief -- are naturally good.

A great deal of experiences occurs to an average human throughout their short life. The first twenty years is spent maturing into a full grown adult where we often have to learn what is necessary in order to survive after those twenty years have come and gone. Most of us are nurtured and cared for by parents who usually wish to see us do better than they did, accomplish more in life than they had the chance to. They love us, and no matter how they express that, we feel that love as a form of security in life. Now, there are some individuals who do not have access to such parental love, but this is how most individuals truly gain their basic moral ground. I think religious morals are a separate entity when it comes learning morality from one’s parents. It may have a particular religious spin to it, but it is not religion to a child; as children do not know the difference. Therefore, we gain a natural sense of goodness at a very early age that leads onto adulthood.

It is in my opinion that many animals in the Animal Kingdom have a greater improved sense of morality than many humans. It’s not that I think animals really can philosophize, but that because they have no need to end their species and would rather see it is propagated to future generations. The greater an animal tends to be towards its fellows so it survives. It many ways, we as humans are the same way in the sense that when we do not try to over-think the matter we allow ourselves to live in greater harmony with one another. Although animals really lack higher brain power and cognitive function, then learn by instinct much in the same way we can. However, we have our reasoning skills that allow us to find a better way as well.

Therefore, I think it is natural for us to want to be good people and not try to hurt one another to a great extent. I have learned in the recent years that we are not forced to do anything in life. There is no-thing that forces me to go to school, or work; to maintain friendships or commitments but myself through the choices I make. I make the choice to be a good person just as most people do because we do not live in society alone. If we thought we could do whatever it is we wanted, with no consequences, than we should. However, since we can only make choices with consequences than we must make the best ones for ourselves and those around us.

Mistakes Are Always Forgivable, if One Has the Courage to Admit Them

On Tuesday, they had the season premiere for the Biggest loser. I like to watch the show for the contestants transformations regardless of the fact that I do not agree with how the trainers go about getting them through that transformation. However, I have to write something about the past show. I knew it was going to be a problem the moment they wanted these 16 morbidly obese individuals to run one mile. Most of these people have not done anything even remotely close to WALKING one mile much less running it.

The result of the show was the one guy who had already previously been on the show and has lost over 100lbs already (but is still 300+) won the race, while 2 others had to pay a visit to the hospital. According to what we saw on the show, one of the contestant, a woman in her thirties was still in there after a week. If I ever sent anyone to the hospital, I think (and maybe hope) that I would be fired for attempted manslaughter through exercise.

These people need help that much is obvious; however, they need smart training. I know many members at the posh club I work at who have no idea what to do when they come to a gym, and I know trainers who think what they do on the Biggest Loser is what you should do, and that it is divine inspiration.

Now last night, while I was watching the Ultimate Fighter, they brought Kimbo Slice on. Now, we've known for sometime that they were bringing him on the show, but I am surprised at how excited Rampage Jackson was in adding him to his team. The man is a the ultimate one-dimensional fighter that seems to have improved little since his inevitable fall from mma-grace last year.

I am so far least impressed with this group of potential fighters. Quite a few of them are football players, who are probably well-conditioned athletes (and used to full contact), but MMA is not football. I predict that the wrestlers will be the dominant force this season because all of the guys had shoddy standup.

Take it easy.

Busy, Not Forgotten....

There have been a lot of strange, and negative things occurring in my life lately. I've been mostly away from blogging because of school, and as well having my computer's video card going out. However, I keep ticking, and I have kept up with my running and training all around. The only thing that has suffered is my JKD training, however. Now that my school schedule has changed, though, I am able to train at Ekata 2-3 times a week again.

Today I lifted after my client:

Hang Jump Shrug 4x5x170
Forward Lunge 4x6x135
Good Morning 4x6x165
DB Shoulder Press 4x6x45
Bent-Over Row 4x6x115
Barbell Torque 4x10xbar+10

My "finisher" was a countdown using Kettlebell Swings, and Rope Oscillations.

As I get closer to the half-marathon race, I decided that it would be best to do a Strength routine so that I can focus more of my energy for the increase in mileage.

Take it easy.

Good Day Everyone

These past couple days have been filled with so much; and it all culminated in it's finality this morning as I dropped off my girlfriend and her mom at the airport for their flight to Germany.

Yesterday, on Friday, I had two clients in the morning. Both were great and I was glad to have seen that go as quickly as it had. I then went of to Jeet Kune Do class at Ekata Martial Arts and Fitness (www.ekata.net) at noon for the Friday class that I assist in on a regular basis. It was a great class which focused on self-defense against an armed (gun-wielding) attacker. We had a few police officers in the class which is always refreshing because you know how vital this is to their safety, and everyone elses as well.

After class I went home, showered, and ate lunch. After all of that was taken care of I packed a few things and then drove to Sandy's for the night.

As always we had a great time, we hung out at home first and then went and got pizza. We ate with her parents, and then when it cooled down a little we went to the Americana in Glendale, CA and had some tea and talked. We took random pictures of one another with our phones, and enjoyed being together. She truly is the love of my life.

It was hard to sleep last night and we probably only got a couple hours at best. The 4am alarm came sooner than desired but we had to get up, get dressed, and head to the airport.

LAX was well...LAX. Anyone who's been there understands that statement. It's unfortunate that they have such a terrible terminal though because we didn't even get to wait together before they boarded the flight. As soon as I no longer could see them, I left. I got a couple calls from her on my way home which was nice. I stopped by Walmart to pick up a few things, gatorade for the long runs, more chocolate milk mix. Stuff like that.

When I came home I talked to Sandy a few times before she boarded her flight for Detroit, MI. After we got off the phone for the last time I went for a 3-mile run.

Lately, I've felt that it was necessary for me to have something to strive for on a physical level. Since Sandy doesn't like the idea of me fighting in kickboxing or MMA, I had to come up with something else.

One day I was talking with some people at work and one of them suggested we run the half-marathon here in SCV. Now, I've always wanted to participate in some sort road race, and even got so far as to sign up for one but had gotten sick before being able to do it. Therefore, I decided to start training for the half-marathon. I feel very excited about it actually, and think that I am even looking to one day run a full marathon if things work out well with the half.

So I've been doing a lot of research and started building up my mileage in order to run that distance with getting completely destroyed in the process. So today, I ran 3-miles in 37min, and that's with one minute walk breaks every five minutes with hard running, and a two minute cool-down walk at the end.

As time goes on I will write up what I am working on with both my mileage and my strength and conditioning. As a side note, I am NOT following some high-rep resistance training routine nor am I CUTTING OUT my lower body exercises. It boggles my mind that people think that because you are running that you do not have to "work on your legs." If anything that is MORE of a reason to work on the lower half of your body. And I don't just mean the leg press, leg extensions, and leg curl. I mean squats (front and back), deadlifts, romanian deadlifts (stiff-legged), good mornings, lunges (all variations), and so forth. IF YOU ARE GOING TO RUN LIKE AN ATHLETE, THAN YOU SHOULD TRAIN LIKE ONE!!!

Well, that's it for now, more tomorrow.

Take care!

Recent Activities....

It has been awhile since I've first posted; it's been a combination of being too busy with school, work, life, and just plain forgetfulness. As I type this I am actually supposed to be getting ready to go see Sandy before I go to Physics class.

Sandy.

I am so proud of my girlfriend because she recently graduated from UCLA with not one, but two Bachelors degrees in Linguistics and Germanic Languages. It was a beautiful ceremony that really still did not describe the effort and sacrifice she had to make to achieve what she did. I guess the important thing is that I know, and that's why I am proud to have her in my life.

Earlier today, I had one client at 7am and then lifted myself.

I warmed up by light-heartedly, and quite spontaneously, grappling with a co-worker; and then skipping rope for three minutes. Then for lifting:

Power Snatch: 4x5x105lbs
Side Squat: 4x10x135lbs
Single-leg Hip Extension: 4x10xbodyweight
Close-grip Bench Press: 4x10x105lbs
Standing Unilateral Pulldown: 4x10x37.5kg (82.5lbs)
Stability Ball Weight Roll: 4x12x10lb med ball

It was a great workout and the last in the current 3-week cycle. After lifting I foam rolled and then did some stretching the TRX suspension ropes.

Well, I need to go get ready to leave, but I will attempt to keep writing here so that others can read. Also feel free to comment.

Take care.