Kwai Chang Caine meets Master Po for the first time...
"Close your eyes. What do you hear?
"I hear the water. I hear the birds."
"Do you hear your own heartbeat?" "No."
""Do you hear the grasshopper which is at your feet?"
"Old man, how is that you hear these things?"
"Young man, how is it that you do not?"
"If one's words are no better than silence,
one should keep silent."
-Caine
"Fear is the only darkness."
-Master Po
"Never assume that because a man has no eyes,
he cannot see."
-Master Po
"There are two kinds of strengths. The outer strength is obvious: it fades with age and succumbs to sickness. Then there is the chi, the inner strength. Everyone possesses it, too. But it is indeed much more difficult to develop. The inner strength lasts through every heat and every cold. Through old age and beyond."
-Master Kan
"All creatures, the low and the high, are one with nature. If we have the wisdom to learn, all may teach us their virtues. Between the fragile beauty of the praying mantis and the fire and passion of the winged dragon, there is no discord. Between the supple silence of the snake and the eagle's claws, there is only harmony. As no two elements of nature are in conflict so when we perceive the ways of nature, we remove conflict within ourselves and discover a harmony of body and mind in accord with the flow of the universe."
-Master Kan
"Perceive the way of nature and no force of man can harm you. Do not meet a wave head on: avoid it. You do not have to stop force: it is easier to redirect it. Learn more ways to preserve rather than destroy. Avoid rather than check. Check rather than hurt. Hurt rather than maim. Maim rather than kill. For all life is precious nor can any be replaced."
-Master Kan
"Weakness prevails over strength. Gentleness conquers.
Become the calm and restful breeze that tames the violent sea."
-Master Kan
"Listen for the color of the sky. Look for the sound of the hummingbird's wings. Search the air for the perfume of ice on a hot day.
If you have found these things, you will know."
-Master Po
"When the heart knows no danger, no danger exists.
When the soul becomes the warrior all fear melts
as the snowflake that falls upon your hand."
-Master Po