THE HATCHLING

 by Phillip Starr

In the treatise on zen known as the Blue Cliff Record, an odd expression - “sottaku doji” is found. Sottaku means “a pecking noise” and doji means “simultaneously.” In ordinary conversation, this expression refers to the reaction between a mother bird and her chicks that are about to hatch. While still in the egg, the hatchling makes little pecks against the inside of the egg's shell and upon hearing this, the mother bird pecks at the outside of the egg to assist the hatchling in its struggle to enter the world.

This same expression is occasionally heard in conjunction with the martial arts of Japan (as well as other arts of that culture) because it offers insight into the relationship between the teacher and student. The search for a master or even a good teacher can be what seems an overwhelming task and the once the search has been completed, it's a mistake to think that the path before you will be smooth and easily travelled. Less so for those who attempt to learn without the guidance of a good instructor. Books and DVDs can be of service as reference materials, but one really needs the hands-on instruction of a worthy teacher.

I recall a time many years ago when I was trying to perform a particular movement in the form of baguazhang that I was learning. One leg was to be lifted to the front and then placed on the floor behind me just before I was to pivot and strike. Try as I might, I kept losing my balance. When my teacher did it, it was as smooth as flowing water. No loss of balance at all. It looked so effortless...WHY couldn't I do it? For weeks I did my best to imitate him but I still stumbled.

Then one day, he came up to me as I was frustrating myself and said, “You have trouble because your weight is in the wrong place. Put your weight here and move from here”, he said as he grasped one of my knees and pointed to my lower belly. I followed his advice and VOILA! The movement came off as slick as snot on a glass doorknob!

Later, I was angry with him for not showing me these simple adjustments from the beginning. I was really steamed until a small voice in my head asked, “If he had told you in the beginning, would you have heard him?” I realized that no, I wouldn't have truly “heard” him. I might have heard the words, but my body wouldn't have been able to translate them into physical actions. My teacher knew this and he knew just when to give me what I needed.

To walk the martial path is unlike most journeys; the road ahead is far from smooth and easily seen. It is replete with pitfalls and many obstacles that aren't always easily seen. This is why a good teacher is important. He leads but sometimes he sits and watches as the student struggles, giving a little push when it is finally needed.

In modern martial arts schools that are often filled with many students, this sottaku doji doesn't occur; the emphasis seems to be similar to managing an assembly-line. Students are taught en masse and because of the roar of modern commercialism, the teacher can't hear the hatchling pecking at the inside of its shell. He is oblivious to it. Sottaku doji requires a quiet, personal relationship between student and teacher. Without that, there is little chance that the hatching will ever be truly born.