Suspend Certainty

Real learning begins when we let go of the certainty of “I already know.” That phrase, though comforting, often becomes a wall that blocks fresh understanding. The mind that is too full cannot receive; just as a cup brimming with water cannot hold more, so too does a rigid mind fail to welcome new insights. The first step, therefore, is humility.. the willingness to admit there is always more to learn.

When we loosen our grip on fixed beliefs, curiosity comes alive. Every lesson, every experience, becomes an opportunity to discover new layers of meaning. What once seemed ordinary now feels alive with possibility. This openness allows us to recognize connections we might have missed, to break old patterns, and to see ourselves and the world with renewed clarity. True growth is not in adding more facts, but in reshaping the way we perceive and engage with what is before us.

In silat, this principle is vital because the moment a practitioner believes “I already know,” growth stops and the art becomes rigid. Every movement, from the simplest stance to the most advanced jurus, has layers of meaning that only reveal themselves when approached with humility and curiosity. By emptying the cup, the student allows each correction, each repetition, and each encounter with an opponent to become a source of fresh insight transforming from mere technique into a lifelong journey of refinement and self-discovery.

I once thought my sports silat knowledge was decent enough, that mastering competition techniques and physical conditioning gave me a wothy understanding of the art. But when I stepped into the traditional route, I realized there was a deeper world waiting one that wove philosophy, culture, and subtle principles of movement into every jurus. What I had considered “good enough” was only the surface; through the traditional path, I began to see silat not just as a sport, but as a living wisdom that shapes character, discipline, and a lifelong way of being.

In practice, this means entering each learning space with the posture of a student rather than an expert. Whether reading a book, listening to a teacher, or facing a challenge in daily life, approach it as if it has something vital to reveal. Ask, “What can this teach me?” instead of “Do I already know this?” By applying this mindset, we transform ordinary encounters into moments of growth, making every day a chance to expand, refine, and deepen our understanding.

As cliche as it sounds, the wisdom "To empty your cup" is to stay real—open, humble, and unpretentious. It means never letting pride or the illusion of mastery block new lessons, no matter how much you think you know. By keeping space within, you remain authentic, adaptable, and always ready to grow.