Shu-Ha-Ri
In this post I will share a beautiful little compliment to the OWL tool from the introspection toolkit.
OWL stands for Optimum Way of Learning and we each have one. In the introduction to that tool I share and explore various different western approaches to learning theory that I have studies to broaden my perspective on learning.
Since releasing that tool, I have come across this concept stemming from Japanese martial arts:
Shu-Ha-Ri.
What does it mean?
There are a few different spins, but the all have a similar sentiment:
- Shu – Cultivate skill
- Ha – Practice then discard
- Ri – Completely depart and recreate
- Shu – Follow the rules – Beginner
- Ha – Break the rules – Intermediate
- Ri – Make the rules – Expert
- Shu – Learn
- Ha – Detach
- Ri – Transcend
The key takeaway for me is that to achieve mastery in anything, we much reach a level where we are unconstrained and feel free to make the rules we think work best.
In life we are only ever constrained by the confidence we have in our ability to challenge then re-make the rules.
So to be truly authentic, we must make our own rules to live our life by.
“There is no such thing as good or bad.
Just skilful and unskilful.”
– Buddhist proverb
Enjoy, for now.
Previous Posts – The Neutral Realist and The Faithful Optimist – Part 2