Wow. I adore Bruce Lee.
Of all the things he says, his thoughts on the mindful moment are the most significant to me.
From his book the Tao of Jeet Kune Do:
The “moment” has not yesterday or tomorrow. It is not the result of thought, and, therefore, has not time.
Understanding requires not just a moment of perception, but a continuous awareness, a continuous state of inquiry without conclusion.
My favourite physicist Richard Feynman also spoke at length about the important distinction between knowledge and understanding – and mindful awareness.
The philosophy of Bruce Lee is totally compatible with the universe. It allows one to live in the chaotic moment and calmly be, and respond freely without relying on technique which may be exploited. The moment is chaos. We are also chaos when we exist in balance with the free moment. When we move in this moment, we live an ongoing meditation.
In his martial style, this philosophy is evident in the fluidity of response. The technique doesn’t exist as a recipe of prescribed responses, but a repertoire of muscle memory for improvisation.
This is what makes it so powerful. It’s more than a martial art style, is it a life style. It is a method of interacting with the world without preformed conclusions: in openness. It is beauty. It is profound. This is the thing which I do implement in my daily life – success is a subjective measure. Based on my values and ethics my life is a success. Material measures are invalid.
He is a great man.
-Subroneel Saha