Philosophers' Corner
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Sifu Lawrence Hill ends every kung fu class by saying "Grow. Learn. Teach." Philosophers' corner stemmed from this concept. Here we create an environment where one can grow and learn about themselves by participating in discussions or asking questions on different philosophical topics of their choice. Sifu Hill has helped many students to explore and better understand aspects of their lives through similar thought-provoking discussions and emphasizing life as a journey of self-discovery.
We invite you to ask questions on any philosophical topic of your interest or on specific issues that you may be having trouble dealing with in your personal life. We will try our best to answer as many questions as we can, but please keep in mind that we might not be able to get to all of them. If you would like to ask questions or discuss matters in person or over the phone, please contact us via e-mail or stop by the school in New Brunswick, NJ. Please keep your questions concise since there is a limit on the number of characters available in question field. Grow. Learn. Teach. (Breathe!)
Material vs. Substance
I recently came across a philosophy built around a very specific inspirational method of thought. This system surmises that the universe is an impartial array of energy fields in constant flux or vibration. The same system of beliefs describes our thoughts along the same underpinning of vibratory energy. Without delineating this notion in terms of its physical implications, the basic premise holds that in order to achieve that which we truly desire, our thoughts must resonate in harmony with the universal resonance. More simply, our thoughts must vibrate on the same frequency of that which we desire to attract. If this is indeed the case, please comment on the position you find yourself on your personal journey with respect to your true desires.
I answered this question on video. If you would like to view the discussion to this question. Go to philosopher's corner and click on the link to video philosophy and go to material vs. substance. Grow, learn, teach
Apologies, a glitch in the matrix to the moving on question.
there has been a glitch in the matrix of my computer experience and I lost the question that was asked. But to the one who asked the question about. Hating where There life is now and the lifestyle that they are living. In that they were happy before all of this life change. And that they are unhappy with the life that they are living now. The basic question was? Should they stay where they are, in their existing lifestyle or should they move on?
To get back to when you where happy. Would be trying to go backwards you are not the same person now that that you were then. and moving on can be more disheartening and more shocking than you may be prepared for. Before you do anything start researching yourself more. It is possible that you may have just grown stale and this has cause you to become lazy and apathetic. Try introducing into your life some old and new passions. Start working out and introducing yourself to some new social activities. Join a martial arts school or gym. Take up biking, boating, running, scuba diving, mountain climbing, dancing, join a book club, you get the idea. And as well do some self research. Get some books on philosophy and strategy, psychology, mythology, self-help and books, spirituality. And other books you may have interest in. Like learning more about computers, math, science, history and so on. This should help you to make a clearer decision. If you do decide to move on it will not only affect you but your family and friends as well. So you should try to begin to have a closer understanding and better communication with your feelings before you make any big direction change.
If you would like to talk more come by the school or call and we can schedule some time. Good luck with your journey and the adventure you are about to partake in.
Grow, learn, teach, sifu Lawrence Hill
Elements
I read your article on elements. So how do I know what element I am? What element others are?
This is a question I am asked all the time. Someone will walk up to me and ask me, so what element am I, or what element is that person over there. Elements are used as a model to help you better understand yourself and others. Yes a little reading and background on what the elements represent is always good to know. Check out your bookstores, library, the Web. But what it really comes down to is your self interpretation. The more time and knowledge you have in this way of thinking and being the better you will understand yourself and others. So the real question here is, what element do you think you are.
Grow, learn, teach
Sifu Lawrence Hill
Friendship
I had a friend for almost 20 years who stopped talking to me. What happened was that I had an honest conversation with a mutual friend who was concerned for his well being and he found what I said to be very hurtful. At the time I was trying to help, but now he feels betrayed and I feel angry that he would throw away such a long friendship over this. How do you heal a friendship?
Your friends feelings were hurt. Even though you meant well sometimes words get away from us. And the willingness to do good can be misconstrued. You should ask yourself did you truly do all that you can do within your means to resolve this issue. If you feel you did then wait a little while and when you see an opportunity try again. You both may need some time. But too much time can be destructive to the friendship. Sometimes you need to take action for some type of closure concerning your friendship. By writing, calling, or direct contact. And by letting them know that you are truly sorry. Don't try to explain why things were said or misinterpreted. Just show that you are truly sincere in that you feel bad and you miss your friend. But sometimes the cold hard facts of life is. That no matter how long you've been friends with someone. Sometimes you just outgrow your friends. Good luck with your heart. Grow, learn, teach. Thanks sifu Lawrence Hill
what is the difference between shaolin and kung fu?
what are the philosophical differences between these two things? are the differences arbitrary? how do they differ in relation to movement? what is true shaolin and what is it supposed to do?
Kung fu to me means energy and time, application, technique, and foundation. Kung fu can be applied to anything that you put energy and time into. But in the martial art community kung fu is the foundation shaolin becomes your expression. The mind melting throughout the body. Shaolin Becomes your own creation and self discovery of physical, mental, and spiritual movement. It is the discovery and the building of one's own mythology. It moves beyond the material and into the substance and endless discovery of one's own being. To the expression of one's own physical and mental movement that moved far beyond the beginnings of your kung fu. Focusing without focusing. When kung fu becomes transparent. Then you are moving into the realms of one's own true reflection. To the creation and expression to your own shaolin. There is much to say on this subject. If you like to talk more please stop by the school. Grow, learn, teach. Thanks sifu Lawrence Hill
Meditation
Do you recommend drug-induced meditation?
no. You should read my article on meditation. But if you wish to talk more on the subject. Come and see me at my school. Thanks sifu
Spirituality
What is "Truth?"
Big Hands
truth is a matter of perception. One person's truth can be another person's nightmare. The truth can set you free but on a broader perspective can enslave others. Personal truth is a very private matter. Of soul-searching and communicating your thoughts and ideas with others. Both in the positive and the negative. Being open-minded willing to grow and change from your stand of truth now. Up sorting information and data throughout your lifetime. The truth is that truth is always changing as you walk on your path of life. Grow, learn, teach. Thanks sifu
Subject
is this the first question? and...when is the new newsletter coming out?
Thanks for asking about the newsletter. In time when my finances are better. I will start up the newsletter again. But for now I hope that this site will do the job. Grow, learn, teach. Thanks sifu
Working Sucks
I have been working 40 hours a week for many years now with only 3 weeks of paid vacations a year and about 10 sick or personal days. I feel like I am living my life to work instead of working to live. I have tried different jobs in my profession but I find the routine of 8 hour work day boring and extremely draining. I rather be spending that time traveling or doing things that I like (but I won't make any money doing it). I know everyone feels this way but I am tired of being a robot. Do you have any comments or advice on how I get rich quick and not have to work to earn a living or maybe some advice on how I can change my perception of this problem? Why is it that even though people say they hate their jobs but still stick with it? I guess I can work part-time and still make enough to survive and not buy stuff that I really don't need. I guess what I am implying is that I don't find meaning in my life where I am working a major portion of my day. Of the 24 hours in a day, I work for 8 hours plus 2 hours of commute, 8 hours sleeping, and that leaves me with only 6 hours to do what I want. Thank You.
Work is work the word says it all. You need to construct your personal time better. Train yourself to sleep a little bit less. You need to use your commute time better. If you drive get some books on tape and learn as you drive. If you train or bus you can do the same only you have much more freedom a laptop, books, food, conversation, music, and so on. Take a disadvantage and learn from it. And change it to advantage. Practiced discipline. And discipline means never convenient. You can learn a lot from working with your life the way that it is here and now. If you like to talk more stop by the school. Grow, learn, teach.
