Navigating the Sea of Life: The Power Of, and From, Traditions

“Without established guiding doctrine, one is like a ship without a compass, adrift on the sea of life. Then, when you are on the brink, what will guide you to safe harbor?”

Tradition

Traditions are codified methods of success passed down from generation to generation. Formal and informal traditions arise from necessity in times of crisis and disruption, and serve to maintain the coherence and integrity of a family, organization, or institution over generations.

Discovery and Transmission

The discovery and transmission of these beliefs, principles, strategies, philosophies, and behaviors originated on the front line of life, where ego yields to the reality of the moment. However, it is possible to extrapolate and model a tradition for your own family or organization. Such a find can be of immense value in improving, and even preserving, the life of that community.

Disciplines and methodologies developed over generations and passed down more or less intact can preserve a body of knowledge, to be mastered and applied in life by entering into the practices of the tradition itself. 

A tradition may begin when some impromptu accomplishment is especially timely, relevant, effective; or just too beautiful or inspiring to let slip into the past. But new or old, traditions exist to address the ephemeral fragility of memory. So, generally, the more formal the tradition, the more sophisticated and organized the information and methodology of transfer will be.

While teaching a physical technique is easily repeatable and measurable, transmitting mental attitude or condition of existence is not. The first may be described; the second requires direct experience. If the method of transmission is not effective, the original discovery that led to success will be lost. On the other hand, through observation of examples, repetition of technique, and contemplation of oral teachings, members of a tradition have the opportunity to discover for themselves that which is ineffable.

Great attention should be applied to ensure successive generations don’t confuse the method with the goal.

How Traditions Empower

Life is challenging. The human condition is dynamic. We recognize the pinnacle of human performance either in a brief period within a lifetime, or for an entire lifetime, depending on just two elements: performance beyond perceived limitations; and the conscious willingness to sacrifice one’s own life for others.

When we must bring steadfastness and determination, like a rock against the waves, or summon the life force and willpower to rage against the storm, traditions provide the expectations, focus, and guidance; and when life is on the brink, the power; to forge ahead beyond the limits imposed by the mind. 

In the long and storied history of the United States Marine Corps, Marines do what they do for two reasons. For their brethren, and for the tradition! These beliefs and values are ingrained into each Marine through precise and purposeful training, sublimating the ego to the greater good. When the glory of combat fades, it is these very traditions that drive Marines beyond all expectations.

In monastic life, when doubt arises, again and again, it is the focus of the tradition and one’s mentors and colleagues that provide the guidance and motivation to carry on attending to spiritual development.

Dr. Angela Duckworth, in her research on success, lays bare the finding that the “grittiest” people believe they are in service to something greater than themselves. Tradition fulfills this function. While this concept may be new to the literature of Psychology, it has formed the bedrock of performance for generations seeking victory over others; or oneself.

Traditions and You

If you recognize the value of tradition and its role in the most challenging human endeavors, its value in the struggles of daily life should be self-evident. In that absolute critical moment when your decision, or the decision of your child, could have serious consequences, what will guide and empower that choice? 

In business, having to adopt new tactics or a new strategy each time a challenge surfaces costs valuable time and resources. Not having established guiding principles is like setting sail in a ship without a compass.  

Create a Tradition

Although not a quick task, creating a tradition of your own is a valuable endeavor. Start by identifying beliefs, values, and principles essential to you. Research and learn about behavior, strategy, and philosophies that have empowered people in the past and apply them: live by them. Imagine the incredible knowledge and power of the traditions you create today after three, five, or ten generations.

Conclusion

Throughout history, people of power have codified critical life lessons. One generation passed them along to the next, and traditions were born. With the dynamic nature of the human condition and the constant trials of life, having a clear and present set of guiding principles increases the opportunity for success. Without established guiding doctrine, one is like a ship without a compass, adrift on the sea of life. Then, when you are on the brink, what will guide you to safe harbor? 

The End