How do you currently strive to balance power and compassion in your daily life?

Use the "devil's hand and Buddha's heart"

As a long-time martial artist, I have come across the phrase "Kisshu busshin" or "devil's hand and Buddha's heart" many times. This phrase represents the balance between power and compassion at the core of martial arts and life in general. Nagamine Shōshin, a highly respected Karate master, quoted this saying, and it has since become a venerated dictum among Karate practitioners.

The "devil's hand" refers to the power and strength we can wield in any situation. This power can manifest in martial arts through physical strength, speed, and precision. But it can also manifest in the form of mental fortitude, the ability to stay focused and composed under pressure. In life, this power can manifest itself in the form of confidence, determination, and the ability to take control of our circumstances.

But just as important as the "devil's hand" is the "Buddha's heart." This refers to the compassion and empathy we should strive to cultivate. In martial arts, this compassion can manifest in humility, respect for our opponents, and the understanding that we are all connected. In life, this compassion can manifest itself in the form of kindness, understanding, and the ability to put ourselves in other people's shoes.

This saying originates from medical jargon used by doctors and surgeons, who perform seemingly cruel things with their hands but do so with a compassionate heart to save the patient. It is like the cure for a malady that necessitates unusually harsh or brutal means. Kisshu busshin can be interpreted as: "The means as severe as that of the devil, but the heart as warm as that of the Buddha."

In life and martial arts, it can be interpreted as: "Always be compassionate and peaceful like a Buddha. But when forced to defend yourself, destroy as unmerciful as a devil." or "Practicing deadly techniques while maintaining the spirit of humanity."

It is essential to strike a balance between the "devil's hand" and the "Buddha's heart" to be effective martial artists and lead fulfilling lives indeed. We must have the power to take action and make things happen, but we must also have the compassion to understand the consequences of our actions and act with wisdom. The practice of martial arts helps us to develop both the "devil's hand" and the "Buddha's heart."

The phrase "Kisshu busshin" or "devil's hand and Buddha's heart" can be applied not only in martial arts but also in daily life. In everyday life, we often encounter situations where we need to use power and strength to take control of our circumstances and make things happen, whether at work, in relationships or in other aspects of our lives. However, it's also important to have compassion and understanding for others and to act with wisdom. Striking a balance between these two aspects of ourselves is crucial for leading a fulfilling and successful life.

One way to improve our ability to balance power and compassion in daily life is through the practice of martial arts, specifically Tai Chi. Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese martial art known for its slow, flowing movements and emphasis on relaxation and breathing. The practice of Tai Chi can improve our physical strength and balance, as well as our ability to focus and stay calm under pressure.

But Tai Chi is also known for its emphasis on compassion and understanding. The practice of Tai Chi can help us to develop a sense of inner peace and to connect with our inner selves. It can also help us to be more aware of our emotions and to control them positively. This can translate to our daily lives by being more aware of our emotions and reactions and responding with compassion and understanding in difficult situations.

In addition, Tai Chi can also improve our ability to strike a balance between power and compassion in daily life by teaching us to be more aware of our surroundings and the people around us. It can help us to be more aware of the needs of others and to act with kindness and understanding.

Physical altercations are relatively rare in everyday life, but daily frictions with coworkers, family members, and other people are common. These frictions can take many forms, from minor disagreements and conflicts to more severe issues such as bullying, harassment, and discrimination.

These daily frictions can significantly impact our mental and physical well-being. They can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression and can negatively affect our relationships with others. They can also negatively impact our work performance and our ability to be productive and successful in our personal and professional lives.

The principles of "Kisshu busshin" or "devil's hand and Buddha's heart" can be especially useful in dealing with these daily frictions. The "devil's hand" can help us be assertive and stand up for ourselves when necessary. But it's also essential to use the "Buddha's heart" and to approach conflicts with compassion and understanding. This means listening to the other person's perspective, trying to see things from their point of view, and finding common ground.

The practice of martial arts, specifically Tai Chi, can be particularly helpful in dealing with daily friction. Tai Chi can help us to develop the ability to stay calm and focused under pressure, which is essential when dealing with conflicts and disagreements. It can also help us to develop the ability to control our emotions and respond to situations with compassion and understanding.

In conclusion, while physical altercations are rare daily, daily frictions with coworkers, family members, and other people are common. These frictions can have a significant impact on our well-being and our relationships. The principles and practice of martial arts, like Tai Chi, can be particularly useful in dealing with these daily frictions, effective communication skills, empathy, understanding, mindfulness, and meditation. These tools can help us to navigate conflicts and disagreements positively, and to maintain our mental and physical well-being,

It will also improve our ability to balance power and compassion in daily life by developing our physical strength and balance, our ability to focus and stay calm under pressure, and our awareness of our emotions and the needs of others. Integrating these principles into our daily lives allows us to become more effective, fulfilled, and successful individuals.