Conflict is inevitable. We should take that as a given. We can try all we want to create Utopian relationships, but conflict will eventually arise. People attracted to the pacifistic teachings of philosophy sometimes fail to see that conflict has also been studied since ancient times. We who follow the wise ways make use of whatever comes our way-and that includes conflict.
Conflict is an inevitable part of life and relationships- even an enemy is someone in a relationship with you. Therefore, all relationships are open to positioning and timing, and that inevitably implies strategy. The first rule of those who follow the ancient wisdom of strategy is to expose as little as possible. The second rule is to preserve life. The third rule is not to let go-for simply to break things off before the right time is clumsy and loses the benefit of the relationship.
The first technique warriors taught their students was not punching, or kicking- it was not even blocking. The first techniques they taught was how to fall. No matter how great the master is and how high the hopes for the student are, a great many defeats come before winning. It is foolish to assume that one will never be hurt or thrown during a fight. This applies to life and our ability to learn and adapt from it. Therefore it is wise to practice falling, so that you will be prepared and protected. Those who ignore this step may have courage and strength, but they will not survive change.
If you want to have a stable stance it is good to understand instability. If you want to have balance it is good to know just how far away the ground is. In fighting as in spirituality one learns about others by learning about oneself. Even with the lessons of falling learned, it is still a long climb up the pinnacles of life. The higher you climb the farther you have to fall. It's best to ask yourself how great your desire is- and how strong you are before you boast about how far you will climb.
