When I was a young kid, under 12 cable had yet to hit the scene. I remember having to get up from the couch on Saturdays and having to turn the dials of the big tv set in my parent’s basement. I think we had a total of 8 channels that we could get reception on. On Saturday afternoon the TV series Kung Fu would come on and I loved it.
A blend of Western and Karate (Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris were just hitting their heyday). It captured the hearts and minds of viewers with its unique blend of martial arts action and spiritual wisdom. At the center of this captivating series is Kwai Chang Caine, the enigmatic protagonist played by David Carradine, who embarks on a life-changing journey filled with personal growth, self-discovery, and profound lessons. Along his path, Caine encounters several legendary masters who impart their wisdom and guidance, shaping him into the martial artist and philosopher he becomes.
In every series, we would get the classic flashback to Caine getting his lessons from the masters of the Buddist Temple where he got his training. For some reason, these wise monks came to mind today so I thought I would share a bit from my favorites:
Master Po – The Blind Shaolin Monk
Caine’s journey begins with Master Po, a wise and compassionate Shaolin monk who becomes his first mentor. Despite being blind, Master Po possesses extraordinary martial arts skills and an even greater understanding of life’s deeper meanings. In this clip we get Master Po teaching the lessons of Rock, Paper, Scissors. I thought it appropriate as when I get the opportunity to coach my kids or pass some advice on I am reminded of the truths in all the fables we were taught as Kids: The Tortoise and the Hare, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, and The Miser and His Gold just to name a few. I think you will look at Rock Paper Scissors differently now
Master Kan – The Head of the Shaolin Temple
As Caine’s training continues, he encounters Master Kan, the revered head of the Shaolin Temple. Master Kan imparts valuable lessons about discipline, morality, and the ethical use of martial arts. His teachings emphasize the importance of using Kung Fu for self-defense and the protection of others, rather than for personal gain or aggression. Under Master Kan’s guidance, Caine learns the importance of humility and the responsibilities that come with his martial skills.
This clip is long but short in the message ” A wise man walks with his head bowed, humble like the dust”.
So why am I sharing this snap shot of my youth. Well, in life religion of all kinds operates on central truths and the wisdom of the masters: Rabi’s are teachers, monks of all sorts have pondered central truths and we who live in the world seem to forget the central truths that govern our lives. These teachers emphasize principles such as discipline, balance, mindfulness, empathy, and ethical conduct, which are essential for personal growth and success in any endeavor. In life, they guide individuals in finding inner peace, fostering meaningful relationships, and navigating challenges with grace. In business, these lessons promote effective leadership, ethical decision-making, and the ability to adapt to ever-changing circumstances. I love to use the movies and TV series clips as teaching points. The video certainly captures that mind and entertains and perhaps the nostalgia of our shared experience allows us to remember the central truths we all need to remember as we go about our days.
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