SHIO MACHI JAYA -
Teahouse of tide-waiting
(click image to enlarge)
This is what a sign hanging on a seaside cottage read. It marked the spot where Miyamoto Musashi waited for the tide to turn before riding his boat to duel with Sasaki Kojiro. His wait there may have been key to his eventual victory.
Historically important as this may be, this sign offers a valuable lesson. If we are to be masters of life, we need to know when not to take control as well as when to take it. There is a point when we ought to wait.. Sometimes, the waiting is necessary for finding the moment that is most favorable for oneself. Waiting for the green light before crossing the street is simply prudent.
Waiting is not always utilitarian, however. Waiting may mean "non-action" as a key to harmonizing with the way things are. To be victorious, the sword fighter cannot act as the outcome of calculations of benefit vs. cost for that would be too slow. This is intentional action. The sword fighter's actions need to come instead from non-intentional mind, the mind of merging with the way of things. This is what Musashi developed in his training. Waiting means abeyance of the assertive ego. Dancing with the way of things, the master is always relaxed, not trying, not effortful, always powered by the ocean-world of changing conditions. We need to see each object in our lives as this sign that says. Here is where you need to yield to the ebb and flow of conditions and becmes a master who knows the point in time to strike and not strike.
We all need to find the Shiomachi Jaya and have a cup of tea.
by Robin Fujikawa