"KNOW THY ENEMY"

by Rev. Dr. CW Smith III

[COLUMN: Warrior's Code]

Today's modern warrior faces many different kinds of enemies. One does not necessarily have to be in the middle of the clash and bang of a remote battlefield to be a warrior. Many warriors of today carry different kinds of swords and don an endless array of armour suited for their daily roles. To be a warrior is to attune your state of mind towards winning and overcoming any obstruction to that goal. Sometimes that goal is survival, but these days a warrior often fights to gain acceptance of his or her ideas.

A warrior wins by eliminating the negative emotions one is assaulted with when faced with a critical decision. This was one of the biggest lessons instilled into us by out forefathers, the Great Grandmasters of the sacred Martial Arts. However, many people seem to forget that in their daily battles, they have ENEMIES. If there were no enemies, then anyone with the slightest bit of drive would have everything they desire.

Knowing one will always have an enemy is the first reality a warrior must always face. For every action you make. there is always someone trying to stop you. But who are they? How does one discover them? Enemies come in all forms, be they colleagues, family or overt rivals. Some seek to obstruct you and others seek to deceive and destroy you. The wise masters have always said that the greatest battle won is when the sword does not leave it's scabbard. Whenever things do not go as planned and you have given your all, pay attention to your sudden instincts. Be silent and still. Your foe will always reveal themselves because your eyes and ears will have already cut them down.