Power of ShuHaRi: Lessons from Japanese Philosophy for Lifelong Learning

Many of us must be aware of Japanese management concepts like 5S (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain), Kaizen (continuous improvements), Gemba Walk (where managers walk through and monitor any place where value-creation work happens) and more. These practices have consistently shown us the way to practical and meaningful approaches in the corporate world and thus have become universal pillars of success.

But what's truly fascinating is that these concepts are not confined to the boardroom—they resonate powerfully in our personal lives as well. From the pursuit of IKIGAI, which represents the search for one's life purpose, to the art of Wabi Sabi which teaches us to embrace imperfection and transience, we can find guidance while seeking deeper understanding of our journeys.

However, there’s yet another, lesser-known Japanese concept that holds immense value, both in our personal journey and the corporate world: ShuHaRi. First propounded by a master of Japanese Tea Ceremony, ShuHaRi’s philosophy is rooted in martial art form Aikido. ShuHaRi in a nutshell encapsulates a transformative journey:

• Shu - "Obey": In the beginning, it's all about observing, learning, following the script
• Ha - "Detach": As experience grows, embracing change and innovation becomes vital
• Ri - "Transcend": Using intuition, creativity and mastery to move beyond the seemingly obvious to explore new frontiers, techniques, processes

I have been?discussing ShuHaRi with team members. The interesting conversation always is about the varied interests they pursue beyond work and their progress. One of them is an exponent of Tabla and spends his weekends learning it under a Master. The other has a blackbelt in Karate. Both of them shared the same sentiment - progressing from the "Shu" stage to "Ha" takes considerable time and commitment. Achieving Ri is a dream. It is this awareness, instilled in any art form, that makes the students pursuing it remain humble for they know that mastering the form is an endless journey rather than a final destination.

This also reminds me of Sylvie Guillem, a renowned French ballet dancer who has had a remarkable and influential career in the world of dance. However, she was known for pushing the boundaries of traditional ballet and exploring new forms of movement. One of the most notable aspects of Sylvie's career is her transition from classical ballet to contemporary dance which allowed her more artistic freedom. Throughout her career, Guillem not only showcased her incredible talent but also demonstrated a commitment to artistic exploration and innovation, leaving an enduring impact on the world of dance.

When I think of the masters who have spent their lives honing their craft and continue to do so, I can’t help but think of them as lifelong learners, which the above story so beautifully captures.

Let us all try to be like ‘perpetual learners’ - easier said than done, but definitely worth a try. And keeping ‘ShuHaRi’’s philosophy in mind is one of the many ways of going about it.

#ShuHaRi #JapaneseCulture #ManagementLessons