Energy and Time

Some may be surprised to know that the term "Kung Fu," doesn't mean "martial art" or "fighting." Properly translated it means, "Energy and Time," and with those two elements all things are possible, as with apply them to our life.

As most of you are probably aware by now, David Carradine transitioned yesterday. Though to some he was a "TV Character," he actually was my introduction to Buddhist thinking and being. It was a weekly show that consistently demonstrated the practical application of Buddhist principles, in day-to-day life. He regularly showed how with "Energy and Time," we could cut through and solve our problems. That's what the story was about.

Here's just one exchange between The Master and Student characters that's worth noting:

Young Caine: You cannot see.
Master Po: You think I cannot see?
Young Caine: Of all things, to live in darkness must be worst.
Master Po: Fear is the only darkness.

Elegant and true. There are times that I can personally recall being so fearful and anxiety ridden by situations I was facing that I was blinded (mentally) and could not see or notice options, solutions or exits, to what I was facing. But watching Carradine each week, I got a sense of human being faced with difficult challenges and finding a principle centered, character driven way of cutting through them. It was nothing short of amazing to me. It was great story-telling.

Perhaps not so well know is the fact that David Carradine was in a movie called, "Circle of Iron," which was written by Bruce Lee. The story focused on "Cord," (A seeker) the central character facing a series of physical and mental challenges which if he was successful would be granted access to look at "The Book," which would grant perfect enlightenment for those who read it. David Carradine is a kind of mentor. His character doesn't even have a name (interestingly enough).

Eventually, with some nudging and encouragement Cord reaches the book. When he looks inside, every page contains a large mirror, wherein as he turns each page, he clearly see's the reflection of himself. He laughs and understands, "There's no enlightenment outside of myself. It's within and connected to every single thing in this universe."

Those are good memories for me. I liked and enjoyed those characters a lot. The location that I place him within my mind is one of fondness. The unique wave of his life has been fully absorbed into the larger ocean of Being. In closing.

I feel that David Carradine's own words would be best to end this post today. It is attesting to what he attained through "Energy and Time."

"If you cannot be a poet, be the poem." David Carradine 1936-2009

Rest Well in the Dharma,

Jaye Seiho Morris, Curator
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