Helping Young Minds Blossom
by Master Lee Feng San Shifu
Translated by Sophia Lui
Edited by Ric Meyers
As test season approaches, many young people have trouble deciding which course to choose, because they have no idea what their passions and interests are, nor do they know which subjects they like. This not only gives them, but also their parents, a headache.
More often than not, they end up going along with the preferences of their peers, choosing what others choose. This kind of mentality is not only reflected in course selection, but also in other areas of life — which has a lot to do with the way their parents raise them.
Young people are not yet fully mentally mature. How many kids really know what they want to do later in life? We have heard many kids say they want to become president. But how many really have the capability to become president? Therefore, the future of children depends a lot on how their parents raise and guide them.
We know that every brain is wired differently and everyone is talented in their own way. Parents should not compare their kids with others, but carefully observe where their interests lie and which areas they excel in, and then encourage them in that direction. When a certain stage has been reached in their development, and their foundation is secure, then the branches, stems, leaves, flowers and fruits of their labour will appear.
At this time, they will gradually gain an inner understanding in other areas as well, so that, little by little, they hone their skills. This is the meaning of the saying that “from a small detail, we see the big picture.”
Parents should not rush, but patiently guide kids through their development. There is a saying “when we grasp the one key thing, we grasp everything else.”
This is similar to a saying in the practice of Gung fu: “the knowledge knowing which, we know everything else.” As long as we do not cease our efforts, success will not be long in coming. When the time is ripe, we will reap the rewards of our labour.
“When we see talent in a person, we should encourage its unfolding; when the time is ripe, it will bear fruit.”— Lee Feng San Shifu
