Working Very Hard – Story and Explanation

A martial arts student went to his teacher and said earnestly, “I am devoted to studying your martial system. How long will it take me to master it.”

The teacher’s reply was casual, “Ten years.”

Impatiently, the student answered: “But I want to master it faster than that. I will work very hard. I will practice everyday, ten or more hours a day if I have to. How long will it take then?”

The teacher thought for a moment, “20 years.”

The author of this story is unknown and greatly appreciated!

What Is the Spiritual Moral / Meaning of the “Working Very Hard” Story?

This story embodies the spiritual principle of patience and surrender. The teacher's response—seemingly paradoxical—conveys the importance of patience on the spiritual journey. It highlights that the more one strives for instant mastery, the farther they may get from the true essence of the teachings. Patience, surrendering to the process without haste or urgency, reveals that the depth of mastery comes not from forceful striving but from a surrendered dedication to the path.

The tale echoes the spiritual teaching of letting go of expectations and attachments. The student's eagerness to expedite the learning process reflects the human tendency to grasp and control outcomes. However, the teacher's response—doubling the time in response to the student's eagerness—invites contemplation on the spiritual significance of releasing attachments to specific outcomes. It teaches us that the pursuit of spiritual mastery demands releasing our attachment to fixed timelines or expectations, allowing the wisdom to unfold naturally without rigid constraints.

Moreover, this story signifies the importance of embracing the journey over the destination. The focus on ‘how long' it takes to master a skill reflects the human fixation on achieving goals rather than embracing the transformative journey itself. The spiritual teaching lies in understanding that the depth of understanding, wisdom, and mastery isn't merely about reaching the end goal but experiencing the profound transformation that occurs throughout the journey—a journey often enriched by patience, dedication, and surrender.

The tale carries a lesson in humility and openness. The student's desire to hasten the learning process indicates a lack of humility, presuming to know the best way forward. However, the teacher's counterintuitive response subtly implies the importance of humility in learning. It underscores the significance of being open, receptive, and humble enough to accept the wisdom and pace set forth by the teachings, allowing oneself to be guided rather than imposing preconceived notions or timelines.

Furthermore, the story embodies the spiritual principle of inner alignment and trust in the process. The student's insistence on an accelerated path reveals a lack of trust in the teacher's guidance and the organic unfolding of wisdom. The teacher's response reflects that the essence of mastery lies not just in rigorous practice but in aligning oneself with the process, trusting the guidance imparted by the teacher and the inherent wisdom within the martial system itself.

The narrative emphasizes the significance of presence and mindfulness in the pursuit of mastery. While the student is focused on the future and the goal of mastering the martial system, the teacher's response redirects attention to the present moment. It reflects the spiritual truth that true mastery unfolds in the present, through dedicated and mindful practice. It encourages students on the spiritual path to embrace each moment of practice wholeheartedly, recognizing that the depth of mastery comes from being fully present and engaged in the learning process.

Personal Reflection Questions

Spiritual stories are an opportunity to reflect on your own life. Here are 10 questions you can use to go deeper with the teachings in this story:

1. Reflect on the student's eagerness to master the martial arts quickly. How does this desire for rapid progress resonate with your own approach to learning and personal growth?
2. Consider the teacher's initial response of “Ten years.” What insights can you draw from the idea of patience and the gradual nature of mastering a discipline, especially in the context of your own pursuits?
3. Explore the impatience expressed by the student, wanting to accelerate the learning process through intense effort. How does this impatience align with or challenge your own tendencies to seek quick results in your endeavors?
4. The teacher's adjusted response is “20 years” when the student proposes even more rigorous practice. What message might the teacher be conveying about the true essence of mastery and the paradoxical nature of striving too hard?
5. Reflect on the concept of time in the story. How does the teacher's use of years as a measure of mastery prompt you to contemplate the significance of time in your own journey of learning and self-discovery?
6. Consider the dedication implied by the student's commitment to practicing ten or more hours a day. How does this level of dedication resonate with your own commitment to your passions or pursuits?
7. Explore the teacher's measured and calm demeanor in responding to the student's urgency. How might adopting a similar calmness in the face of impatience contribute to a deeper understanding of your own life's journey?
8. Reflect on the paradoxical nature of the teacher's responses. How does the idea that pushing harder leads to a longer path challenge common assumptions about effort and achievement in your own mindset?
9. Consider the student's initial inquiry about mastering the martial system. How does your own desire for mastery in various aspects of life influence your expectations and perceptions of the time required for significant achievements?
10. Contemplate the wisdom encapsulated in the teacher's words. How might the essence of the story guide you in finding a balance between determined effort and patient acceptance on your personal path of growth and learning?