Читать книгу Bruce Lee Artist of Life. Inspiration and Insights from the World's Greatest Martial Artist онлайн

9 страница из 77

In thinking about the enormity of the work that Bruce accomplished in his short life, I am drawn to the idea that the energy of the soul is never extinguished with the passing of the physical body. Even as a young man, Bruce often described “a mysterious power” within him that motivated the paths he chose in his lifetime. I find it to be an exceptional trait that Bruce was able to recognize and value the mysterious gift that burned within him. He knew instinctively that his life had purpose, and even as he allowed the wisdom of the ages to speak through him, he simultaneously directed his self-will toward the attainment of his visions.

Bruce often said that it is not what happens during one’s life that makes the difference between people, it is the way one chooses to react to those circumstances that tests the mettle of a life well lived. Tracing the dominant patterns in Bruce’s life illustrates the crucial points of choice, and, perhaps, the guidance of the mysterious power which directed his path. It was not an accident that Bruce began the study of gung fu under Master Yip Man, who instilled in him the greater meaning of martial art beyond the physical. It was not happenstance that prompted Bruce to study philosophy at the University of Washington, but the desire to infuse the spirit of philosophy into martial art. It was not by chance that, in crafting his acting skills, Bruce refused the path of the image-makers and, instead, worked to expose and express his true self. And, always, the choice of continuing self-education through voracious reading and prolific writing led Bruce down the path of expanding and broadening his potential.