Saturday, August 10, 2013

Bit by Bit - Chapter 19, Part 15

Trey Smith

Chi Hsing-tzu was training gamecocks for the king. After ten days the king asked if they were ready.

"Not yet. They're too haughty and rely on their nerve."

Another ten days and the king asked again.

"Not yet. They still respond to noises and movements."

Another ten days and the king asked again.

"Not yet. They still look around fiercely and are full of spirit."

Another ten days and the king asked again.

"They're close enough. Another cock can crow and they show no sign of change. Look at them from a distance and you'd think they were made of wood. Their virtue is complete. Other cocks won't dare face them, but will turn and run."

~ Burton Watson translation ~
Learning to become proficient in any endeavor takes discipline and discipline takes practice. Not just a little practice, buts lots and lots of it.

To view the Index page for this series, go here.

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