I will fight no more forever

Bill Martino

Bill Martino

Joined
Mar 5, 1999
Messages
34,096
Many years ago when I was a young man I studied Aikido and at that time the basic precept of the art was this: THE MAN WHO NEVER FIGHTS ALWAYS WINS. It took me some time but I finally came to understand the wisdom of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido

I claim to be a Buddhist although I am quick to admit not a good one. The rules of conduct for Buddhism are about the same as for a Christian or most other major religions. Love God and thy neighbor as thyself and the Golden Rule.

But I am a product of my time and my culture. I remember WWII like it was yesterday. I served in the Navy during the Korean War. Because of this and many other things there are times when my first impulse is to do battle.

I have given myself time to seriously consider those who try to use Himalayan Imports inappropriately and I have come to this conclusion:

Life Chief Joseph, the great Nez Perce Chief and warrior, "I WILL FIGHT NO MORE FOREVER."

I know many of you who are young and have the fire of youth in your blood will disagree with this action and I can well understand your feelings. I was once young and full of fire myself. But consider this. If I spend my time trying to put out fires this is time I lose from my main endeavor which is trying to supply the best khukuris from Nepal and trying to supply my customers and friends with the best possible customer service I can give them. Plus, trying to moderate three forums to the best of my ability.

So, if you see someone use our name or our pictures do not bother to tell me about it. If they need to do this they must be lacking so we need to extend them our sympathy rather than doing battle with them. Of course, you are free to act as you wish. There is nothing I can do to stop you but I have decided I will do nothing and will remember that the man who never fights always wins!

Bill
 
OK Bill, just posted pvt msg to you, then rechecked this forum, to find your above msg. Disregard my pvt msg if you choose.

The shame of the situation is that the products sold by the other place may well be decent for the money, and a good lower cost intro into the world of khukuri's (sometimes affectionately called "crooked knives") if they are as claimed.

From my limited experience, people in the knife and gun trade do business differently than the general "caveat emptor" of the outside world. Those businesses unfamiliar with that fact may take a while to appreciate customer expectations and modify their sales approach. If they do, then welcome. If not, they won't last.

I will continue to give my business to those who have built a reputation and guard it jealously. That is you and I'm sure many more in the industry. A year from now if the other place is around and well thought of, I may give them a chance.

------------------
Russ S


[This message has been edited by Rusty (edited 09 March 1999).]
 
Many thanks, Rusty. You are typical of most of my customers and pals. From the bottom of the ladder kid who stokes the fires of the forges to Kami Sherpa, the owner of Himalayan Imports and everybody in between, we all extend our sincere appreciation to you and every loyal HI customer.

Bill
 
It sounds to me like Bill is using good heiho (Japanese for strategy) here. Karma will simply take care of the others, as it is always reliable -- so no need to fight.

Buddhists felt that it was merciful to kill a wrongdoer (like a murderer) to save him from a life of bad karma because of his deeds. Leaving a wrongdoer untouched was a way of condemning him to this life full of bad karma, which they felt was worse than death.

My compliments on your strategy here, Bill...
wink.gif


Best,

Brian.
 
Many thanks for your comments, brothers. And, namaste to you Howard.

Howard who has travelled to Nepal used the traditional greeting -- and also parting phrase of Namaste. Roughly translated this means, "I salute the God within you."

Bill
 
The fires of youth burn hot and fierce. Sometimes they burn so brightly,they consume the man wherein they burn.
As we age and grow wiser, the fire burns lower until it is a small hot ember.
It burns within us. Controlled, respected, cherished and feared.
We tell ourselves it is there for only the most dire of times. That time, which may never come, but may.
In that time of greatest need, the small hot coal can be fanned to a roaring blaze.
We all hope that we will never need the fire, but we must keep it alive. We dare not let it die.

There are only two means by which we can deal honestly with our fellow man. Reason and Force. There are those who would not reason but for force. For them, we keep the fire.
 
Bill,

As I said, before... You're someone who found his Way, to be respected by us who may travel another way or has yet to arrive to the path you travel.

peace,

sing
 
BTW, My above post, though roundabout, is intended to salute your wisdom.
If I may presume,
Namaste.
 
Bill, that is an admireable thing to do. And I agree to an extent. If a fight can be avoided it should be. However, it is necessary the people be aware of the frauds who would take their money.

While the one who never fights may win, and I don't necessarily believe this, the man who helps others in avoiding trouble or problems also wins. Therefore, to put a blurb in your web site about the fake HI khukuri's will help customers and protect you. Customers who may be tempted to buy an HI khukuri and went to Ebay, may just check out websites first and see your disclaimer about fake khukuri's and how they are not guaranteed by you etc...
 
Buddhism is a creative thing.No one can claim to be a good Buddhist.Each must follow his own path.Buddhism only provides guidelines.You are just as much defined by your enemies as by your friends.So,you must love your enemies as yourself because they are yourself.Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

------------------
 
Uncle Bill,

Even though I'm born a Buddhist, I'm not too knowledgable in that department yet. But I know if my folks, who are serious Buddhists back home, were to read your post above, they'd say that this is very Buddhist of you and mean it in the best possible way!

- Sonam
 
Thank you, nephew. Living in NYC as you do you know that it is very easy to become distracted and lose your balance or "the way."

Both of us must try to remember the teachings and the examples that have been given us and not fall prey to the temptations and pitfalls which we encounter constantly. It is not easy but we must do our best.

Knowing your parents would approve means much to me and thank you for telling me this. I appreciate it greatly.

Uncle Bill
 
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