09th Dec 2007
What is Shugyo by Joseph McKee
What is Shugyo? People talk about “going the extra mile” or “giving 100 percent” or countless other platitudes that suggest the idea of doing or performing more than just the bare minimum required of any particular situation. This, in an incomplete sense, is Shugyo.
There is a Japanese term, Giri, which basically translates to obligation, or the fulfillment of one’s obligation. This implies doing or performing particular acts because one has to. Shugyo, on the other hand, implies voluntary actions undertaken simply because it’s the right thing to do. Not out of a desire for personal recognition or personal gain but the exact opposite.
In the Dojo this means helping one’s Sensei or fellow students simply because it makes the dojo a better place. This could include cleaning the dojo, folding Sensei’s hakama or carrying his gear, helping with instruction, or giving a fellow student extra practice time to help learn a technique or prepare for a test.
On a personal level, Shugyo is giving of one’s self selflessly, with no expectations of something in return. This allows the Aikidoka to train with a spirit that is free of the constraints of selfish considerations. The student can then give more completely of himself, and in return reach a higher level of physical and spiritual achievement. It’s almost paradoxical that the more one gives of one’s self, and the less one thinks of one’s self, the more one can develop physically and spiritually, and the more one is able to gain true wisdom.
This is the most difficult and most necessary lesson involved in Aikido training. And as I stand on the threshold of this momentous occasion in my life I am evermore grateful for this opportunity to train and learn and develop. For it is truly only through giving that one can receive enlightenment and develop true wisdom.
Joseph McKee is a 1st kyu student at Soshinkan dojo in Burbank, IL.
