The ancient Spartan maxim, “with it or on it” is a very stark reminder that we must be fully committed to whatever battle we are waging. The full meaning of this phrase that Spartan mothers used to say to their sons before heading off to war is, to either come back with your shield – as a returning hero – or come back upon it.
There is no middle ground.
No room for wavering or debating.
No having your cake and eating it too.
When moving towards a goal, there must be no hesitation in your actions.
In the Bujinkan martial arts that I study, there is a similar saying, “Hell gapes beneath the upraised sword, step in to heaven.” This may seem like crazy advice, after all who in their right mind would step forward when faced with an opponent armed with a 3 foot razor blade?! But in training, through experience, one comes to understand and realize that the safest place when facing an upraised sword, paradoxically, is to move forward and step closer, thus finding “heaven”.
Again and again throughout warrior cultures, from ancient Greeks to Japanese Ninja and Samurai, we see this idea of complete and utter commitment, 100% determination in moving forwards towards our goals, no matter what they are.
So how about you? How committed are you? How much do you talk about taking action rather than actually taking action? Do you step forward into heaven and achieve your goals when confronted with difficulty and adversity? Do you walk the razor’s edge in life, or just in your mind?
It’s time to step forward. Take action. With it or on it.
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1 Comment
Dave C (NE Philly)
November 11, 2011This is my shield.
I bear it before me in battle.
But it is not mine alone.
It protects my brother on my left.
It protects my city.
I will never let my brother out of its shadow.
Nor my city out of its shelter.
I will die.
With my shield before me.
Facing the enemy.
–A Spartan Oath
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