"A person in such a hurry seldom gets good results."
- Anonymous
In today’s fast-paced world, it's easy to fall into the trap of wanting quick results. Whether it’s in sports, business, or life in general, there’s a constant pressure to move fast, achieve fast, and see immediate progress. But sometimes, the best things come to those who wait, work, and persist. This concept isn't just a fluffy motivational quote—it’s embedded in the wisdom of Zen philosophy, particularly in a story about the journey to mastery. One Zen story that beautifully illustrates this lesson is the tale of Matajuro Yagyu, a young swordsman who wanted nothing more than to master the art of swordsmanship.
The Taste of Banzo's Sword: A Zen Koan (Kim, n.d.)
Matajuro Yagyu was the son of a famous swordsman and was skilled in his own right, but his father disowned him because he lacked discipline. Matajuro went to Mount Futara and sought the famous swordsman Banzo. Matajuro approached him and said, "I wish to learn the art of the sword under you.
How long will it take me to master it?"
Banzo looked at him and replied, "The rest of your life."
"I cannot wait that long," Matajuro said. "I will endure anything to master it in a shorter time."
"In that case," Banzo said, "it will take ten years."
"What if I work twice as hard as other students?" Matajuro asked.
"Then it will take thirty years," Banzo said.
"And if I put forth every ounce of my energy to learn?" Matajuro pressed.
"Then it will take seventy years," Banzo replied. "A man in such a hurry will rarely learn quickly."
Matajuro understood the rebuke and agreed to train under Banzo, accepting whatever method the master chose. Banzo began Matajuro’s training not with a sword but with menial tasks: sweeping the floor, cooking meals, chopping wood. Months passed, and Matajuro was growing frustrated with the lack of formal sword instruction. He did not even touch a blade.
One day, Banzo crept up behind Matajuro while he was working and struck him with a wooden sword. This became a regular occurrence. Banzo would leap out at him from unexpected places—while Matajuro was cooking, cleaning, or walking—and strike him without warning. Matajuro, startled at first, began to develop a heightened sense of awareness.
Years passed in this way. Matajuro became attuned to his surroundings, reacting to Banzo's attacks instinctively. Then one day, Banzo handed him a sword and said, "Now your training is complete."
The story “A Taste for Banzo’s Sword” is a classic Zen koan that highlights discipline, persistence, and the path to mastery. While the story has been retold in various forms, its essence remains unchanged: Matajuro achieved mastery not through formal lessons but through continuous mindfulness and readiness. He learned the art of the sword in its truest sense.
Banzo implied that true mastery is not attained by rushing the process but through patience, persistence, and a deep, continuous commitment. Great achievements require time, patience, and the humility to embrace the natural pace of the learning process.
What Does This Have to Do with Sports?
As athletes, we often find ourselves grappling with impatience. Whether we’re learning a new skill, recovering from an injury, or trying to break through a plateau, we want results now. But if there’s one thing sport psychology teaches us, it’s that sustainable success is not about rushing—it’s about developing resilience, consistency, and a mindset of growth.
Think of your favorite athlete. Do you think they became great overnight? The answer is almost always no. Behind every breakthrough performance is a long road of training, setbacks, perseverance, and—most importantly—patience.
5 Tips for Embracing Patience and Mastery in Your Sports Journey
Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome
Too often, athletes focus exclusively on the goal—winning a championship, getting a certain time, or hitting a specific number. While goals are important, don’t forget that the process is where the real growth happens. Embrace every step of the journey, and be present in each moment of practice. As you improve your skills and mindset, the results will follow.
Set Realistic Expectations
Mastery is not achieved overnight. Set achievable, incremental goals that align with the time and effort you’re willing to invest. These smaller victories will help keep you motivated, but remember that the bigger picture is a long-term goal.
Trust the Process, Even When It Feels Slow
There will be times when progress feels sluggish, or you hit a plateau. In these moments, remind yourself that growth doesn’t always come in a straight line. Trust that each practice, each game, each challenge is contributing to your eventual mastery. Stay consistent, even when the results aren’t immediate.
Learn from Failures and Setbacks
Just like Banzo’s harsh assessment of Matajuro, setbacks are often part of the journey. Instead of viewing mistakes or losses as failures, see them as opportunities to learn and grow. Reflect on what went wrong, adjust your approach, and try again. This iterative process is essential to improvement and mastery.
Be Passionate and Persistent
Mastery in any field requires a deep, intrinsic passion. It’s not just about doing something well—it’s about dedicating yourself to it for the long haul. Cultivate a mindset of persistence, and remember that passion can keep you going through the toughest times. If you love what you do, the patience required for mastery will come more naturally.
A Mindset of Patience = Sustainable Success
Ultimately, the moral of Banzo’s story—and the lesson from Zen philosophy—is clear: To master a craft, you must embrace the slow, steady work required. Trying to rush the process will only lead to frustration and burnout. Instead, focus on becoming better every day, no matter how small the improvements seem. Over time, your persistence will pay off.
When it comes to sports and performance, patience isn't just a virtue; it’s a strategy. Rushing will only set you back. Commit to your craft, trust the journey, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Because as Banzo’s wisdom shows us, mastery is not about speed—it’s about depth, consistency, and lifelong dedication.
In the end, when you look back, you’ll see that the slow and steady path was, indeed, the fastest way to success.
Take a moment to think about the following:
Do you feel the pressure to rush your progress in sports or life?
How do you practice patience in your journey?
Share your thoughts in the comments!
Citations and Context
The koan appears in collections of Zen stories and teachings, such as Zen Flesh, Zen Bones by Paul Reps and Nyogen Senzaki. Its origins are part of the oral tradition of Zen Buddhism, and variations of the story can be found in different sources. While no specific historical documentation exists for the story's exact source, it serves as a didactic parable about the journey of self-mastery and patience.
Reference
Kim, A. (n.d.). The Taste of Banzo's Sword. Ashida Kim. Retrieved December 6, 2024, from http://www.ashidakim.com/zenkoans/91thetasteofbanzossword.html
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