Before one can start to walk along the stepping stones of Budo’s path, one must first start with the basics of obtaining discipline, cleanliness, and unselfishness in order to be able to fully grasp the teachings of Budo. These are perhaps the simplest of all concepts to understand, but most difficult to become proficient in throughout daily life. However, just like in practical Budo where the first lessons taught are that of proper breathing and sets the bases for all techniques to come, these concepts are our first breaths to a new way of life through the teachings of Budo.
Discipline
Discipline as we understand it in the western world has, at times, a different understanding than that of the east. In the west, the perception of discipline is that of always keeping a good posture, not speaking much, allowing our positive actions to speak louder than words, and always doing what is considered by all to be the right thing in times of frustration and ciaos. Although these are characteristics of discipline in the east, to the great masters of Budo discipline goes beyond these points. To the practitioners of the Budo way of life, discipline is 100% dedication to the steps needed to accomplish the goals one sets forth in his or her own life. In essence, within this form of discipline lies the base, for not only the beginners of Budo, but for those at the forefront as well. Always willing to mentally and physically sacrifice for the betterment of ones own mind and body. In turn seeking improvement in the society that surrounds them, while at the same time unwavering from the personal goals set forth by them.
Cleanliness
When considering cleanliness, the general public often turns to the interpretation of the word that refers to our physical appearance and surroundings, but in fact has a much greater meaning in the wide panoramic scope that composes the Budo way of life. Of course, cleanliness in appearance and surroundings is essential in Budo, and is the first step in achieving this goal, but having a clean mind free of any cluttering unnatural or disturbing thoughts is of the utmost importance in Budo. Therefore, after discipline, the next phase in achieving a fruitful Budo lifestyle is cleanliness. For without discipline one will not encounter the drive to accomplish a stable state of cleanliness within ones own mind and spirit.
Unselfishness
Unselfishness as considered by the great masters of Budo is normally not that of sharing tangible items or doing favors for nothing in return, but more the exchange of ideas and concepts learned through Budo and the self-sacrifice to teach and help others in times of need and want. In an effort to enhance ones own knowledge and understanding of life while at the same time giving a lending hand. It is in this final phase of preparation to enter the Budo way of life that discipline and a clean state of mind and body play leading roles. Discipline is essential to strive for perfection, not only in oneself, but in their interactions with others as well. And, in order to attempt to achieve this level of perfection one must be clear in mind and spirit in order to trust oneself and those around him or her, where at times teacher becomes student and student becomes teacher. With these ideas understood and put into practice one can start to achieve a true understanding of what the pioneers of Budo consider to be unselfishness.
In closing of the basic elements that compose the essence of any serious Budo practitioner one must always remember that striving for discipline, cleanliness, and unselfishness are essential in accomplishing any of, if not all, future teachings of Budo and its way of life. Missing any one of these components, one will find themselves unable to fully grasp the many concepts that lie within Budo, and find themselves unable to conquer life itself.