Sushi Deshi, 1 year in Japan

As Uchi-Deshi, you learn the practice of sacrifice, you learn to cultivate feeling of care for others, even your enemies, so that it makes you aware of details, you have to train to see everything, every intentions in a glimpse, so Takashima Sensei said. I can find some similarity with the Buddhist spirit of compassion, but the purpose is different. For the Uchi Deshi, it's about being able to react to neutralize the enemies.

We have very interesting talks about the Uchi Deshi position, I think it helps a lot to destroy your ego, because everything that you do, clean, cook, serve, you have to do with a pure heart, "Su no Kokoro", for your Sensei. And as Uchi Deshi, you don't expect to get any considerations from others for all of this. You don't feel good or bad about it, that's normal. When you sometimes get some considerations, it's pure bonus!

So in a way, being uchi deshi, at the bottom of the hierarchy, takes away a lot of social pressure about relationships with others. No more "hmm, this guy should show me a little more respect, what can I do about it?", Freedom of the mind!!!

Talking with Takashima sensei, it can also be a double edge sword, he had witness some examples of deshi being very proud and show off their uchi deshi skills with their master in front of other people. "Look how good I am". Good boy, Pat on the back.