On Lineage, Apprenticeship, and the River Beside You

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In the modern world, being a part of a formal lineage covers a spectrum of possibilities. At one end, you have people who are formally training within a lineage for long enough to be accepted as a serious student, and be given the complete system of practice. At the other end, students may be training with teachers who hold a lineage, but haven’t yet invited their students to train at the depths which are possible. And, sometimes, the lineage itself is not very deep.

Some people, born into a famous lineage, do not bother training as much as needed, but use their fame for the usual opportunistic choices. Others train diligently, train with everyone they can, test themselves, and carry a lineage like a sacred talisman, meant for those who can carry its gifts and its weight into the future.

A Multi-Generational Relationship

I often introduce the context of a lineage as a multi-generational relationship.

That sounds obvious, but the West doesn’t hold social – familial – collaborative relationships in the same way as most of the rest of the world. Indigenous cultures and previous Chinese social norms, both honor these relationships as the most essential opportunities to keep your people, and yourself alive.

In modern life, shifting alliances happens all the time. Not that long ago, in tradition centred cultures, everyone sought generational ties, and shared obligations. Family clans around the world, still have obligations towards of from every other clan.

A functioning lineage that has successfully competed with other comparable lineages will gain respect. Both as a specialized craft, and as a necessary component of the aliveness and capacity of your village. That social responsibility and respect subsequently ensure your family’s livelihood, which means a great deal.

These are very pragmatic cultures. Most of the oldest cultures, including those that have lasted until today, hold a natural skepticism for anything that has not proven itself over a long time. Skills that became long-term traditions were chosen for being effective, making certain outcomes more efficient, and in some cases, more Spiritually profound than what everyone else has tried so far.

What a Lineage Offers

I can only speak from my experience. Training within a family or village tradition, be it martial, spiritual, or the healing arts, will always offer more than it asks.