Be Like Water
A Life Changing Good Wish…
As long as conditions allow, water can stay in flow, overcome obstacles, and if cannot, overcome barriers with its continuity.
That’s why a very beautiful wish like “Be like water” has been encountered as a part of sacred wisdom.
In this article,
You will find both the rationale behind Bruce Lee’s philosophy of “Be like water my friend”, and the rationale behind why Sufis call each other “Be like water my Saint”
In conclusion,
You will witness how these two examples, which initially seem very unrelated, actually stem from a very similar wish at their core…
Bruce Lee:
Many people know Bruce Lee for his action films; indeed, he was also a martial master, martial arts instructor, actor, director, screenwriter, and producer.
On the other hand, he could be regarded as a modern-day philosopher…
For instance…
Did you know that while Bruce Lee continued his film career, he also graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy?
In other words,
It wouldn’t be a fault to say that Bruce Lee was not only a master of his body; but also, a person who brilliantly used and developed his mind…
Bruce Lee was a master of martial arts with ancient philosophies such as Kung Fu, Karate, Aikido, and Tai Chi having received his foundational teachings from Wing Chun.
And…
One of his most famous sayings was “Be like water, my friend” …
Of course, when we say “Be like water” we’re not referring to being slippery or fickle…
In essence,
“Be like water” means
- Abandoning whatever is unproductive,
- Making choices that are beneficial for both the individual and the whole,
- Clearing the mind of things that don’t serve you, and
- Not to deal with unnecessary obstacles with get stuck in them.
It said to “Be like water” because it is the water that always chooses to flow…
Be Like Water My Saint
Sufis also wish each other “Be like water, my Saint” …
This similarity arises not from a mere coincidence, but from a shared sacred teaching origin.
Sufis say “Be like water my Saint” because it is the water’s nature that tells us a philosophy…
Water Chooses the Path of Least Resistance to Flow
If a rock appears in the water’s path, water doesn’t struggle with it, doesn’t fight against the rock either; but rather flows around it.
Inspired by this nature of water, Sufis say:
“Don’t insist on trying to engage with anyone who constantly puts obstacles in front of you.
If you do, you’ll be staying in the same place with them.
Flow around them like water, and continue on your way…”
Just think once…
The water flowing from the mountain encounters an obstacle that can’t flow around the rock…
Then what does water do?
It accumulates, and accumulates, then at a time overcomes the barrier.
And in case that doesn’t work, water patiently starts to drill the rock drop by drop.
However, it’s not the power of the water that manages to drill through the rock, but the continuity of the drops.
And that’s what we call patience…
Patience doesn’t mean sitting idle without doing anything. Patience is being able to imagine the rose within the thorn, the day within the night…
Shams of Tabriz
The nature of water teaches us that even the impossible can be achieved.
However, for this, one must be patient and persistent.
The water that drills through the rock undoubtedly continues on its path.
Water always flows, knowing that as it flows, it cleanses itself…
Water Is Never Afraid of Change
Remember that water is never afraid of change…
Despite human beings claiming to love change, actually feel quite uncomfortable with it.
Indeed, how beautifully water illustrates the change.
Sometimes it becomes rain, sometimes snow, sometimes ice, and sometimes vapor…
When it becomes vapor, it rises to the sky,
And then descends again to the ground as rain…
Water is Harmonious
Just like in Bruce Lee’s teaching of “Be like water, my friend” …
When you pour water into a teacup, it takes the shape of the teacup.
When you pour it into a bucket, it takes the shape of the bucket…
Water adapts to its surroundings, but its nature never changes!!!
It adapts to everything, to everywhere.
Remember, those who always adapt to nature are the ones who survive.
Because those who adapt are flexible while those who resist change are rigid…
The storm can uproot the strongest, toughest trees, but it can’t do anything to flexible saplings, or grass.
That’s why those who are flexible, those who adapt are the ones who will survive…
Water Surrenders to the Flow
Water flows and is in surrender…
Because it knows that all rivers eventually flow into vast seas and oceans.
After doing its best, surrendering to the flow of life is actually this…
Sufis say water flows and finds its way;
If you live like water, you will keep yourself in flow and always find your path…
Why do Sufis Say “Be Like Water My Saint”?
Water is clear, is transparent, it is what it is…
It’s the one who always shares as well.
It’s always nourishing.
It nourishes people, animals, nature, in short, all living beings.
Water initiates life and vitality.
Where there is water, there are plants, animals, humans, there is life…
That’s why Sufis say to each other, “Be like water, My Saint” …
To Make a Long Story Short…
There’s no such thing as being happy all the time.
Within the flow of life, there’s as much sorrow as there is happiness…
There’s peace as much as there is restlessness…
We’ll experience them all.
Because it’s night, there’s also daytime.
There’s black so there’s white.
So…
Don’t think of this contradiction you’re experiencing as a discomfort or problem…
In today’s world, we’re moving so fast that our souls are left behind.
On the other hand, it’s best for me, for you, and for each and everybody to stay in the moment indeed.
Keep yourselves in the flow,
And,
Experience the balance of life, and BE LIKE WATER…
