Empty your mind.
B r u c e L e e
Be formless, shapeless, like water.
You put water into a cup; it becomes the cup.
You put water into a teapot; it becomes the teapot.
You put water into a bottle; it becomes the bottle.
Now water can flow, or it can crash.
Be water, my friend.
I recently picked up the book “Be Water, My Friend – The True Teachings of Bruce Lee“ that I bought a while ago in Hong Kong. In it, Shannon Lee describes his father’s “Be Water” philosophy—the ideas and principles that he adopted and perfected not only to become a better martial artist but as a way to live a more engaging and fullness life. Like many self-improvement books, it is typically filled with simple concepts and practical anecdotes, yet “Be Water” offers valuable insights into Bruce Lee’s core teachings and serves as a toolkit for personal growth.
At the heart of Bruce Lee’s philosophy lies the notion of emptying your cup. This metaphor suggests clearing the mind to make room for new knowledge and perspectives. Those whose minds are already “full” are unable to truly listen or learn as they constantly compare and judge new information through their existing beliefs. It is only by emptying the mind that one can become receptive to new ideas and welcome different points of view.
Bruce Lee describes emptying the mind as the most important element in the process—a liberating power. It is the act of removing preconceived opinions and learning to live in the present moment by letting go of the past and future. It doesn’t mean forgetting the things that we’ve learned, but rather approaching new experiences without having the weight of judgement or expectation.
I’ve always seen myself as someone quite adaptable and open-minded—willing to learn, embrace change and adopt new ideas. However, it hasn’t always been a smooth journey. At times, I’ve approached new situations with preconceived thoughts that has limited what I could truly take in and learn. I’ve come to realize that adaptability alone isn’t enough. Only a clear and empty mind can awaken a nonjudgmental awareness, allowing us to fully absorb and appreciate each experience.
Adopting Lee’s philosophy requires constant practice. It’s a difficult and ongoing process—with no definite ending. We all strive to have a full, engaging and purposeful life, but this doesn’t come with shortcuts. Although Bruce Lee is best known for his physical attributes as a martial artist, he was also a deep thinker and a lifelong learner. Shannon Lee referred to him as “the eternal student”. According to Matthew Polly’s book, Lee’s personal library contained more than 2,500 books. He practiced and encouraged what he called the process of self-actualization—a continuous pursuit of learning, searching and exploring. Having the right attitude and a degree of self-reflection can be quite helpful elements in this lifelong process.
Carrying on her father’s legacy, Shannon Lee outlines the basic elements of the Be Water philosophy as follows;
- No Limitation: One of the core principles in Bruce Lee’s philosophy. Water always finds a way — even when diverted, it adapts and creates a new path. Water can be unstoppable. The lesson is to adopt the “water way”, remain fluid and to not let obstacles stopping our direction.
- Be Aware: This is the practice of being fully present and living with purpose. Just as water naturally finds its way, self-awareness allows us to be present, fully involved in experiencing and guiding our path, unlocking our full potential. To be aware is also to understand that some aspects of life are beyond our control. It is a continuous learning process of trying letting go and instead follow the natural way of things.
- Be Pliable: When Bruce Lee began studying Wing Chun, he was an exceptionally diligent and determined student. Beyond his physical skills, it was the philosophical aspect of martial arts that transformed him. In Bruce Lee: A Life, Matthew Polly highlights the influence of Lee’s master, Ip Man, who taught him to relax, calm the mind, to forget himself and follow instead his opponent’s movements. In other words, adapt in response to the opponent’s actions. Similarly, in life, we must constantly adapt to changing environments and unexpected situations. No day is exactly the same as the next one. Life is always in motion. Pliability is life, Rigidity is death.
- Have Appropriate Tension: In Jeet Kune Do, the “on-guard position” is the stance from which all techniques and movements flow. It is relaxed yet active and ready. It is about having the right balance between relaxation and tension so any response can be immediate and effective. In life, adopting the “on-guard” approach means maintaining the appropriate amount of tension to stay calm, relax and prepared for whatever challenges come our way.
- Be Purposeful: When we have a purpose, it becomes the guiding force behind our actions — something that reflects who we are and what we strive for in life. This is not easy — it’s a lifelong process. Bruce Lee advocated for a constant self-actualization as way to discovering your true self and help move through life with clarity and resilience. To self-actualize is to raise your human capabilities and to reach for your greatest potential.
- Be Whole: The yin-yang philosophy was central to Bruce Lee. Yin-yang teaches that opposite forces like hot and cold, are complementary and together form the whole experience. Water can be powerful or gentle, it can flow quickly or slowly just as life brings joyful and sad moments. To be whole is to embrace the full experience and flowing through all different states.
The book extends beyond the basic concepts summarized above. Shannon Lee explores in greater depth how to apply and embrace her father’s teachings, presenting practical methods, tools, and dealing with adversity, obstacles. A comprehensive practical guide to personal growth.
There are also numerous quotes and excerpts from Bruce Lee’s writings, offering a clearer understanding of his profound and insightful thinking. Below are some of the ones that resonated with me the most;
Inspiring quotes:
“The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination”.
“People have to grow through skillful frustrations, otherwise they have no incentive to develop their own means and ways of coping with the world”.
“Using no way as way, no limitation as limitation”.
“If you do not first empty your cup, how can you taste my cup of tea”.
“The practice of mindfulness is focusing one’s awareness on the present moment and experiencing it fully.”
“Life itself is your teacher, and you are on a constant state of learning.”
“Research your own experience. Reject what is useless, accept what is useful. And add what is essentially your own.”
“Life is not a competition; it’s a cocreation. If you must compete, then compete with yourself. Push yourself. Top yourself. Grow yourself.”
“I fear not the man who have practiced ten thousand kicks once. But I fear the man who has practiced one kick ten thousand times.”
“Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.”
“If you think a thing is impossible, you’ll make it impossible. Pessimism blunts the tools you need to succeed.”
“Believe me that in every big thing or achievement there are always obstacles, big or small, and the reaction one shows to such obstacles is what counts, not the obstacle itself. There is no such thing as defeat until you admit it yourself, but not until them!”
“When a man is living, he is soft and pliable; when he is dead, he becomes rigid. Pliability is life; rigidity is death, whether we are speaking of the body, the mind or the spirit. Be pliable”
“Walk On! Just. Keep. Going. Just keep doing your work, one step at a time, one moment at a time”
“I thought that victory meant beating down others, but I failed to realize that victory gained by way of force was not real victory. Philosophy will tell you what man lives for”
Conclusion
I’ve been always fascinated and intrigued by the life of Bruce Lee. His physical abilities and martial arts prowess were what first stood out to me and to many others. However, much less is often said about his intellect, his passion for learning and philosophical mind. Bruce Lee was obsessed with growth and self-improvement, constantly sharpening his craft. He demonstrated these principles through the accomplishment of ambitious goals and the extraordinary feats he achieved—all within a remarkably short life.
Bruce Lee’s legacy continues to this day, thanks in part to the work of his daughter Shannon. His core teachings and passion for living a full and purposeful life are a valuable guidance and inspiration for anyone seeking to grow, facing adversity, or setting up new goals. Especially during the times we live in—marked by intolerance, constant judgment, and self-centeredness—there might not be better remedy than by emptying your mind and “Be Water My Friend“