Lotus Position and the Attributes of the 5 Fingers

by Crazy Ivan

Mad busy at the HQ today so I had 4 choices.  I could not add a blog today, I could add a tiny little short one, I could wait until late tonight, or I could grab one of the many essays about Myachi I've written in the past and pass it off as new.

I chose the latter, though I might still opt for choice number three as well.  Until then, I hope you enjoy this abbridged excerpt from the introduction to the Myachi Martial Arts training manual.  Enjoy!

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There is a common glyph used in Myachi depicting the back of a hand with its fingers outstretched.  At the tip of each finger is a Chinese symbol representing one of the five most important aspects of Myachi Mastery.

The position of the hand in the illustration in question is referred to in Myachi as the Lotus Position.  This is considered the most important hand position in all of Myachi.  Note the position of the fingers, each spread slightly apart, creating a gap of half an inch to an inch.  The thumb placement is also very important.  Note that it is extended slightly from the hand and at the same level as the rest of the fingers.  It is the same position ones hand would be in if they laid it across their chest as they would to pledge allegiance.

This is the position you should use when catching a Myachi, as it is the optimum way to maximize the surface area of the hand.  Using the Lotus Position, you will find it much easier to master the basics of Myachi; catching, throwing, controlling and doing tricks.  Of course, some tricks, throws, catches and control moves will utilize different hand positions, but the Lotus Position will be used far more often than any other.

To properly emphasize the importance of this position, each finger has been assigned an attribute that correlates with the art of Myachi.  You should learn the corresponding attributes to both reinforce the importance of those attributes and to reinforce the vital importance of proper Lotus Position. 

Below is a description of the attributes of each finger in the order they should be taught.

The Thumb: Discipline

In Myachi, the thumb is the most important digit.  The most common problem new players will encounter is a tendency to let there thumb droop down next to the hand, dramatically decreasing the surface area of their hand and making catches and tricks much more difficult to perform.  When teaching people the game, you will find yourself constantly correcting this flaw in form.

In the illustration, the Thumb corresponds to Discipline.  It is the first attribute of Myachi, and the most important.  All things achieved in life will be achieved through discipline, and it is only through discipline that one can achieve the remaining attributes.

The Index Finger: Respect

The first finger on the hand corresponds with respect.  This teaches players that respect for others must come first.  Myachi offers you a constant chance to learn and practice sportsmanship.  There are enough aspects of the game that everyone will find themselves at the head of the crowd in some disciplines and behind in others.  This will afford you the opportunity to learn to be humble in their victories as well as in defeat. 

The importance of respect cannot be stressed enough, and therefore precedes all the other fingers. 

The Middle Finger: Confidence

In the illustration, the second finger on the hand corresponds to self-confidence.  Once one learns discipline and respect, the most important thing one can learn is to trust in oneself.  It can be said that the primary goal of Myachi is to build self-confidence.  Of course, it is properly relegated to the third attribute, showing that respect and discipline must come first.

It is unlikely to think that people will not be reminded of another popular correspondence to the middle finger.  There is no place in Myachi for this gesture, obviously, but it is a good illustration.  If discipline and respect don't come first, this finger is just plain offensive.

This lesson is meant as a preemptive one.  Myachi is all about building your confidence, but it's important to remember that as you gain self-confidence you should be careful not to allow that confidence to become arrogance. 

The Ring Finger: Patience

The third finger on the hand is certainly the most logical choice to represent patience, as its cultural correspondence is with the bond of marriage.  In that this finger represents an eternal bond, it is a perfect representation of patience. 

Obviously, some of the challenges that you encounter in Myachi will test your patience.  Many of the tricks you will learn can only be mastered through rigorous practice, which can only be maintained with endurance and patience.

It is no coincidence that this attribute follows confidence, as confidence is in many ways the harbinger of patience.  One must accept that with enough time, one will master the challenges that lie before them and this assumes a certain trust in oneself and ones abilities.

The Pinky Finger: Determination

The final finger on the hand represents determination.  In many ways, this attribute is repetitive of the last, in that both look toward the same fundamental quality.  However, it is important to draw a distinction between the two.  While the need for patience cannot be overstated, patience without determination can turn into idleness.  The last attribute is determination precisely because it stresses action.

If one were to fall into the trap of having confidence and patience without determination, one might simply expect their problems to fix themselves.  One might simply wait out the challenges of life, confident that they will come out none the worse for wear.  But by stressing determination, we put the onus on the player to overcome their challenges through action and force of will.

Conclusion:

Obviously, these lessons refer to more than simply the art of Myachi.  The goal of Myachi Mastery is far more than increasing ones ability to play Myachi.  As you learn, you should reflect constantly on how these lesson plans reinforce the basic virtues outlined on this glyph.

If you want to achieve true mastery of the game, look at the graphic at the top of this entry and memorize it.  The goal should be to know the 5 attributes “Like the back of your hand”.