Much wisdom was imparted to both the aspiring Shaolin monk Kwai Chang Caine (David Carradine), as well as the listening audience.
The following are selected samples of sage sayings from the show's scripts that were distilled from the precepts of Confucianism, Taoism and Zen.
Disciple Caine:
Master our bodies are prey to many needs: hunger, thirst, the need for love. Shall we then seek to satisfy these needs? Master Kan:
Only Acknowledge them and satisfaction will follow. To suppress a truth is to give it force beyond endurance.
-- Episode No. 1
Master Kan:
All life is sacred. Thus the joining together of man and woman is always honored. Apart, there is no life; but from such union, life may proceed. Young Caine:
Then life must be always defended? Master Kan:
The thorn defends the rose. It harms only those who would steal the blossom from the plant
-- Episode No. 4
Master Kan:
Seek always Peace. Wear no path for the footsteps of others unless the soul is endangered. We are linked by our souls. To endanger one, endangers all, but when one is endangered, then the soul must become a warrior.
-- Episode No. 5
Master Kan:
Deal with evil through strength-but affirm the Good in man through trust. In this way we are prepared for evil, but we encourage Good. Young Caine:
And is Good our great reward for trusting? Master Kan:
In striving for an ideal, we do not seek rewards; yet trust does sometimes bring with it great reward-even greater than Good. Young Caine:
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