Thoughts on International & Global Education
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Musings on Japanese and Ryukyu Budo
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International & Global Education
![]() The Singular Focus of Budo: Unravelling the Wisdom of an Ancient Japanese Proverb. In a world incessantly rushing towards efficiency through multitasking, the ancient Japanese proverb, "二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず" (Nito wo oumono wa itto mo ezu), offers a stark, contrasting wisdom. Literally translated as "One who chases after two hares won’t catch even one," this proverb eloquently captures the pitfalls of divided attention, a lesson highly relevant to both the martial way of Budo and our contemporary, fast-paced lifestyles. Understanding the Proverb. The proverb originates from a simple observation in nature. Hares, being swift animals, require focused and persistent effort to catch. If a hunter splits his attention between two hares, he is likely to catch neither, as each requires full commitment to pursue. When transcribed into kanji, the proverb is rich with cultural and philosophical undertones: - 二 (ni) means 'two', - 兎 (to or usagi) translates to 'hares', - 追う (ou) means 'to chase or pursue', - 者 (mono) denotes 'person', - は (wa) serves as the topic particle, often translated as 'is' in English, - 一 (itto) means 'one', - 兎 (to or usagi) again for 'hare', - を (wo) is the direct object marker, - 得ず (ezu) translates as 'not obtain' or 'not catch'. Through its structure and choice of characters, the proverb is not only a linguistic artefact but also a mirror reflecting the intrinsic values held by the culture — values that underscore the importance of focus and dedication. Budo: The Martial Way and Singular Focus. Budo, the Japanese martial way, encompasses more than just physical training; it is a path towards self-discipline, character improvement, and ultimately, self-realisation. Traditional disciplines under Budo, such as Karate, Judo, and Kendo, stress the importance of 'Do' (道), which means 'the way' or 'path'. Each style of martial art teaches that mastery comes from persistent and undivided attention to one’s practice. The idea is not merely to learn techniques but to cultivate a way of being that embodies focus and mindfulness. Relating to our proverb, the pursuit of Budo teaches that chasing two paths — splitting focus between multiple disciplines without commitment to one — may lead to proficiency in neither. It exemplifies the principle that true mastery requires undivided attention and dedication, resonating deeply with the proverb's message against the futility of divided pursuits. The Modern Dilemma: Multitasking in a Rushed Life. In our contemporary society, multitasking is often celebrated as a skill indicative of productivity and efficiency. From juggling emails and meetings to balancing personal and professional lives, the modern individual is often caught in a relentless pursuit of multiple goals simultaneously. However, this constant division of attention may be counterproductive. Research in cognitive psychology suggests that what we often think of as multitasking is in fact 'task-switching', and it comes with a cost: reduced concentration and potential for errors. By trying to catch 'two hares', we risk catching none, leading to tasks that are half-completed or poorly executed. Applying Ancient Wisdom. The wisdom of "Nito wo oumono wa itto mo ezu" serves as a poignant reminder of the virtues of singular focus. By prioritising and dedicating ourselves fully to one task at a time, we can improve our efficiency and the quality of our outcomes. Whether it’s a project at work, a personal goal, or the practice of Budo, giving our full attention can lead to better satisfaction and success. Conclusion. The ancient proverb thus proves timeless, urging a reconsideration of our multitasking habits. In Budo, as in life, the pursuit of excellence through focused endeavour stands as a counter to the scattergun approach modern life often demands. By embracing the wisdom of pursuing one hare at a time, we can navigate our fast-paced world with greater purpose and effectiveness, ensuring that we not only chase but catch what we truly seek. Indeed this proverb leads me to another one which I may have invented: slow down, to speed-up. But that is another story Okinawan and Japanese Budo
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James M. HatchInternational Educator who happens to be passionate about Chito Ryu Karate. Born in Ireland, educated in Canada, matured in Japan Archives
January 2025
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