Gratitude

When a deshi enters the dojo, the first thing they do is bow. They bow to the room, to the shinza, to the other students. Before they begin to train with a partner, they bow to each other. The Japanese word for this bow is “rei.” A closer look at the word, however, shows that its primary meaning is “gratitude.” A bow without gratitude is an empty gesture.

As we bow towards the shinza, we remember those who came before us – our parents, our teachers, our mentors – and with our bow we thank them for what they have done. As we bow to our training partners, we thank them for taking the time to train with us, for putting their bodies through the trials and stresses of training, and for offering us the opportunity to improve and progress in our studies.

The next time you step into the dojo, take a moment before your bow. Consider who or what you are bowing to, and why. Consider what they have done for you and how they have helped you to be where you are. And when you bow, feel gratitude in your heart.