Zen Principle (Californiyay #2)

“Those who know do not speak; Those who speak do not know”-Zen Principle

I’ve been scratching my head for a minute figuring out what to write about… I decided fuck it, so I grab this book that I’ve been reading bits of titled, “The Way of Zen” by Alan W. Watts and see what I find. The book is an older joint from the 1950’s that I found in a used bookstore for $2.50 and I will break down my interpretation of the above Zen principle as a starting point. I love learning from other religions, especially those from different cultures, because it allows me to marinate on a new perspective about life.

Now I was raised in a household as the youngest of three sons, so I’ve grown up with people putting me in my place/fighting for every inch/rocking hand-me-downs till they were faded with holes/but more or less learning humility since day one. But the idea of being humble in the rap game is filled with irony. Part of being a dope emcee is having a killer instinct, a braggadocios swagger, and a second to none attitude. More or less the exact opposite of being humble. Yet in any highly competitive arena people who are truly successful know through experience that arrogance is the seed of insecurity.

It never ceases to amaze me how when I’ve spoken with people who are extremely successful in their fields like Wendy Day (www.rapcoalition.org), Michael 5000 Watts (Swisha House), or Lyrics Born (Quannum), there is a common thread of extreme humility between them. These are people who are at the highest levels of the independent music game but still they continue to stay humble & work harder than ever. Sometimes there might be a misunderstanding that once someone “makes it” there is no longer a need to grind as hard, but I’ve witnessed the complete opposite. Only when people earn their opportunity to shine does the REAL work begin.

It’s harder to STAY on top than it is to REACH the top, and this proves the point that being humble is a necessary aspect of being successful. Popping off with the mouthpiece by name-dropping, bragging, hating, or talking sideways slick never pays off in the end. It only makes you look like a fool. And as the great 2PAC put it in his definition of T.H.U.G. L.I.F.E. “The Hate U Give Little Infants Fucks Everyone.” So there it is-keep your mouth shut and let the actions do the talking.

Peace & God Bless.

Piseas