In life, there are times when someone's advice feels like interference, and times when you are flustered when an action you have already calculated is pointed out.
Here, through an anecdote about the Japanese Kabuki master 'Kanya,' I would like to share a profound message regarding 'where true skill is perfected.'
One day, Kanya was about to step onto the stage in the role of a commoner setting off on a long journey.
To express the weary journey, he deliberately tied the straw sandal laces loosely.
Just then, a disciple approached and whispered.
"Master, your straw sandal laces are undone. You need to tie them again."
Kanya smiled, replied "Thank you," and immediately fixed the laces on the spot.
The surprising thing happened after the disciple disappeared from sight.
Arriving at the entrance to the stage, Kanya crouched down again and loosen the shoelaces he had just tied, returning them to their original loose state.
A reporter who had been watching this scene asked him after the performance.
"Teacher, why didn't you teach your student earlier that 'this is acting'?
The student must have misunderstood your profound intentions."
Kanya's answer makes us clap our hands in admiration.
"There is always an opportunity to teach skills.
However, not crushing someone's pure kindness and consideration on the spot is a far more important matter.
peacefully accepting the warm hearts of others—isn't that the proper way for a human being to act?"
First, character comes before skill. No matter how outstanding one's acting ability (skill) may be, it cannot surpass courtesy toward people (character). The value of a 'great person' shines only when you become a 'decent person' as defined by Korean sentiment.
Second, choose 'warmth' over 'rightness.'It is not the attitude of a master to embarrass the other person's kindness in order to prove that you are right.
Third, the essence of communication is listening and acceptance.If someone says something out of concern for you, you need the composure to accept it gratefully, even if it differs from your plans.
We sometimes mistake the kindness of others for 'intellectualism' in order to show off 'our expertise.'
If someone tells you today that your shoelaces are untied,
why not happily fix them, even if that was your intention?
A true master is not the one who receives applause on stage, but the one who wins people's hearts behind the scenes.
