Quote from Scientist:
I like to compare this with Martial Arts - In the beginning of my Karate training, for example, I had to follow strict discipline and rules for years - I had to learn all the forms, all the tactics of combat, how to block and how to fall properly. There was no way we could avoid going through this. Every Karateka goes through this. And none understands WHY all this happens, for a very long time!
Eventually, I got to the stage where insight came into my mind. I learnt not only HOW, but WHY to do these forms. I was standing in our dojo and 7 dan (blackbelts) were asking to perform a kata.
I performed the kata to the most of elegance sought in these forms. The next second, the dan would attack me - all synchronously - But I was continuing my kata, blocking all of them with a clear, peaceful state of mind and concentration. I was attacked from several directions, but instead of offering resistance, I just followed the flow, and I did neither lose balance, nor get hurt. None of the dan could reach me, since the kata was internalized so well that I had to endeavour no resistance, no fear, no anger and no question. I didn't even have to deviate from my performance of the kata itself. A small mission was complete, and ever since I understand the true meaning of kata and Karate itself.