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The Black Belt
One of the best parables I've ever heard tells about a martial
artist who kneels before a master sensei in a ceremony to receive
the hard-earned Black Belt. After years of relentless training, the
student has finally reached a pinnacle of achievement in the
discipline.
"Before granting you the belt, you must pass one more test," the
sensei solemnly tells the young man. "I'm ready," responds the
student, expecting perhaps one more round of sparring. "You must
answer the essential question, 'What is the true meaning of the
Black Belt?"
"Why, the end of my journey," says the student. "A well-deserved
reward for all of my hard work."
The master waits for more. Clearly, he is not satisfied. The sensei
finally speaks: "You are not ready for the Black Belt. Return in one
year." As the student kneels before his master a year later, he is
again asked the question, "What is the true meaning of the Black
Belt?"
"A symbol of distinction, and the highest achievement in our art,"
the young man responds.
Again the master waits for more. Still unsatisfied, he says once
more: "You are not ready for the Black Belt. Return in one year." A
year later the student kneels before his sensei, and hears the
question, "What is the true meaning of the Black Belt?"
This time he answers, "The Black Belt represents not the end, but
the beginning, the start of a never-ending journey of discipline,
work, and the pursuit of an ever-higher standard."
"Yes," says the master. "You are now ready to receive the Black Belt,
and begin your work." You may not be hoping for a Black Belt, but
you might be at a crucial point. Maybe you're facing a life change,
perhaps even a painful one. Or maybe you are awaiting something you
have worked hard to achieve -- graduation, a new job, a promotion,
or even retirement.
All wise people see that changes can be new beginnings. Change need
not be feared. And, neither should we be looking for a permanent
resting place, for a full, and happy life is never stagnant.
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