Let me read something to you. "When the true warrior goes into battle he does not concern himself with his past or with recollections of his former greatness and strength nor is he concerned with consequences of the future or with thoughts of victory or defeat or pain and death. The greatest warrior knows himself and has great confidence in himself. He is simply conscience of an opponent. He is open and fully aware of the situation without thinking in terms of good and bad. What makes him a great warrior is that he has no opinions. He is simply aware, whereas his opponent, being emotionally involved in the situation, would not be able to face it. Because he is acting truly and staring through that fear, he is able to attack the enemy with effect." It's a quote from Chogyam Trungpa... and it's a wonderful description of a warrior in the midst of battle. It has the feel of "heart, faith and steel" quote. When I think of a warrior, I think of someone who aspires to the path of warriorship, never really seeking to put a name on what or who they are. They're traveling a path and sometimes other people perhaps look at them and say, "See him. He reminds me of what a warrior is." I believe that a warrior lives by doing the best he or she can everyday. Trying to help people when they can, when it's appropriate. There are times when it's not appropriate. A warrior develops himself first. Begin by finding who and what you are. Develop your self, then you can start to think about helping other people. Steven Barnes, an author, once wrote, "What is there to a man that can break bones but cannot heal them." He told me that thoughts like this have caused him to change his whole view of the martial arts and thereby changed his training. He is someone that aspires to this warrior path.
Ultimately, I think a warrior is someone who seeks the path, embraces personal growth, and shares this growth with those around them.
