Cattāri Brahmavihārā

I’ve had a habit of self-deprecation for as long as I can remember. And, although I do it partly for it’s comic effect, it is primarily a defense mechanism. What I have been finding out during this martial arts/combat sports’ journey is that it is a pretty silly thing to do. Here’s why:

When you train any amount with a coach, sensei, professor, etc. and you’re putting in the work you don’t want to then devalue your efforts and the effort of your instructor. It’s disrespectful and untruthful. And, in cases where you meet someone who literally beats the snot out of you, it’s not simply that you suck but note that your opponent was much better.

And when you lose what do you do? Whether it’s the kilesas or a boxer, you review what happened, how and why you failed and you start training to shore up those weaknesses.

May I never surrender in my fight with the kilesas and may I see every activity as training lesson in the Dhamma.