THE PRACTICE OF HUMILITY (52)
Belief in God
Will make anyone modest.
No matter how good
You are, nothing compares to
The Power of our Father.
Just thinking and comparing ourselves with the Almighty God will bring instant humility. I plan on using this as a tool to improve my golf. I just realize why, after most of us roll a birdie putt into the hole, we seem to follow it with a bogie or worse still, a double bogie. We seem to feel an inflated view of our meager abilities. Then God instantly brings us back. What if instead . . . we have a short celebration for our eagle or birdie putt . . . then reflect on how God would have played the hole. This will instantly bring us back to Earth and we don’t have to experience a disaster hole, later in the round, to bring us down. For reference, the teaching is as written by Meishu-sama:
Since antiquity the practice of humility has been stressed in Japan, and it is more important in every aspect of one’s life than people generally realize. It is of particular importance to anyone who believes in God.
I notice at times that the virtue of humility seems to be lacking in the leaders of certain spiritual groups when they promote their teachings. There are two ancient Japanese proverbs that refer to this virtue: “A falcon that catches the most hides its talons,” and, “the riper the rice grows the lower the stalks bow.”
Arrogance, conceit, pretense of knowledge, and vanity all reflect back adversely on a person exhibiting such flaws, with the result being the opposite of that desired. It is a common human weakness to want to feel important once a person begins to attract the attention of others. When people working in ordinary jobs, leading rather ordinary lives or living on a low income, suddenly become successful or achieve some level of importance, they may feel quite flattered. While simply happy and grateful at first, in time most of them begin to dream of having even more.
Up to this point things may have been going well; but problems can begin to arise, since their conceit will surely cause bad feelings. Unfortunately, such people don’t usually realize what is happening until it is too late.
God greatly dislikes vanity or arrogance. The virtues of modesty and humility are priceless, especially among our modern, civilized societies. We often see people pushing through crowded, public places, or rushing for and haughtily taking the best seats on a bus or train. These are self-centered behaviors that should be earnestly avoided.
The real spirit of democracy, true for all ages, is helping to establish a peaceful and comfortable society for everyone.
I will test out this tool this evening. I will report back with my findings.
Well . . . I am back. Humility is a powerful tool. Conceit and arrogance moves us from our balanced position. Winning the lottery. Receiving an unexpected raise. Rolling in a birdie putt. ^_^ Gratitude may help a little but not being balanced . . . wanting more (another birdie putt) like Meishu-sama wrote . . .While simply happy and grateful at first, in time most of them begin to dream of having even more. . . . Once this occurs our focus on the process is broken and we seldom experience good results. So my little experiment worked. Instant humility moves in when we realize the awesome power of God. He would eagle or double eagle every hole on the course. I am looking forward to using this on the golf course.
9/05/23 – I would like to update this post. Something just occurred to me . . . when we play golf . . . most golfers bend forward from the waist to achieve an athletic position to better swing the club. When I pray I do something similar to this. It helps me connect with everything around me. Slightly bowing one’s head also feels less arrogant and something a modest person would do.
REVERSE EFFECT (53)
Reverse effect is
The Universal law that
Keeps us humble and
We realize that reverse
Is the smart way of living.
Throughout the world we find that people often have not attained the good results they expected, even though they have worked in earnest and fully believed that what they have been attempting to accomplish was right.
In many cases this occurs simply because they are ignorant of a reverse effect, which causes things that aren’t logical to happen. This is worth explaining because I believe anyone who reads this article and grasps its meaning will receive an unanticipated benefit from it.
People at times try to make themselves seem greater than they really are in order to impress others. I have found this to occur in some of our members who have been given leading positions. Because of their pretense, these people frequently create the exact opposite impression, since others can easily see through it.
Conversely, those who are humble and reserved in their words and deeds, who are happy and content with simply being themselves, gain the respect and admiration of others.
Also, some people like to brag about what they do. But because they offend those who hear them, the created effect is the reverse of that which they desired. It is not good to be a showoff.
Being honest and pleasant always makes a good impression on others. Also, expressing a reserved opinion gives an indication of fine character.
When someone does favors for others, a patronizing attitude should never be assumed, for, doing so makes the recipients feel less grateful, diminishing the value of the good deeds.
Some time ago, the last person I would care to see asked for an interview through a friend of mine. I finally conceded to his repeated requests. He first asked me, “What kind of deity do you worship in your religion?” I said,
“Sorry, but I do not have an answer to that question.” His next remark was, “Meishu-sama, I understand you know everything that is going to happen in the future.” I said to him, “Since I am not God I cannot know anything about the future.” He seemed to be very disappointed, because he never came again to see me.
Another time, I found a piece of land that was for sale, one that I really wanted to purchase, and I asked how much it was. The owner, trying to take advantage of my strong desire to own it, set an unreasonably high price. So I let it go for a while, keeping the seller in suspense. Eventually he became anxious and came to ask my intentions. I said I did not need the land any more. He then named a very reasonable price, and the deal was completed.
Occasionally, I had visitors who intended to defraud me of some money. When one appeared, I would take the initiative and remark before he could say anything, “I need money; I am in a strained condition just now. Do you know of anyone who can lend me some money?” Upon hearing this, the visitor could not say what he had planned and would leave without bringing up the subject.
When I find among my followers someone who shows great promise for our work in the future, I sometimes take an indifferent approach on purpose. If that individual begins to serve still more earnestly and do still better work, he or she is indeed trustworthy and will be a valuable instrument for God’s Cause. A more important position can then be given.
These are just a few examples of reverse effects, but the truth they contain applies in any situation. I am sure that if you keep this in mind in whatever you do, you will find it very beneficial.
As Meishu-sama writes . . . this particular teaching can be beneficial in many aspects of our lives. I am going to list a few that come to mind as it applies to my golf game.
- Relax from the inside out in order to have a consistent and powerful swing..
- Light grip gives greater control
- Less control gives a player more control
- The game is very difficult . . . be humble
- As mentioned in another blog. Be honest
- Be yourself on the course . . . it is a good reflection of who you are today
- Efficient and deliberate preshot routine actually speeds up play. (less strokes played, less time looking for wayward shots)
- You take the reverse effect out of play when you follow the Izunome Principle. (to be explained later)
Note: Today is July 19, 2023. While driving on the 405 headed for the Center a realization hit me. Many years ago my instructor at pilot training shared an interesting technique for flying better. He said I should try a lighter grip on the control stick. Of course, it worked. I flew a better, smoother aircraft and I applied it to other things. My basic demeaner became more relaxed and even the grip I used for my golf swing became more relaxed. What I did not realize is this advice of a lighter grip would be a problem many years down the road. I believe the advice given by my instructor was incomplete. He should have emphasized the relaxation from within. When that occurs the entire body feels the relaxation as well as my fingers, hands and arms. This true form of relaxation would hopefully prevent what has happened to me and a lot of other people. This is a long story, so stay with me . . .
Yesterday, my step daughter gave me a deep tissue massage. It was a first for me and many times during the 1 hour “procedure” (better known as torture), I really wanted her to stop. I know I need to go thru it again. So I scheduled another appointment. Well, I have a dull pain throughout my body but I feel better and move better than I have in years. Now, we are back on the 405 and instead of just relaxing the tension in my hands on the steering wheel. I take a deep breath and I attempt to relax my entire body . . . all the way to the tips of my fingers. The feeling was incredible. (I may write an essay on this subject)
Here comes another amazing result to all of this. I mentioned I am moving much better. My walk is smoother, I think, and I am able to climb stairs like I did when I was younger. The weakness and sometimes dull pain in my knees are all gone. All I had to do is release the tension throughout my body. (easier said than done) I had a professional massage therapist force the tension out of my body . . . now my entire body is working like it should. Perhaps we should try total body physical therapy before replacing parts. ^_^ Now the million dollar question is this . . . how can I have a baby like face that shows exactly what is going on in my body. Once I learn to relax I want to stay that way. With a mindful connection between my baby face and tension in my body . . . I believe Qigong, meditation and assorted relaxation tools will now work because I am starting with a relaxed body.
My Journey into the Daylight Age 