When the going gets tough,
the tough get calmer.
From Warrior of Spirit Handbook, George Breed
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
tengugeijutsuron
From Trevor Leggett, Zen and the Ways.
(Click for closeup)
The warrior, the horse, the pursuing enemy, the precipice, the rushing torrent. Calm and relaxed while wide awake. This is Life. "Always spur a running horse."
Monday, June 22, 2009
warrior woman
Whatever you give a woman, she's going to multiply.
If you give her a house, she'll give you a home.
If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal.
If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart.
She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.
So, if you give her crap, you will receive more shit
than any one human being can handle.
--George Carlin
If you give her a house, she'll give you a home.
If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal.
If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart.
She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.
So, if you give her crap, you will receive more shit
than any one human being can handle.
--George Carlin
Sunday, June 21, 2009
stagger li confronts satan
I continue to write the story of the warrior Stagger Li and his journey to Hell to recover his lost innocence, a small child held captive in Hell's very core. Here is a small sample of the latest unfolding. Stagger Li has confronted that old Christian and Islamic nemesis, Satan, who says:
"As long as you see me as 'other,' I will remain the evil one, the cast-off one, the despised, ignored, and hated. If you see me as you, I will be redeemed, no longer 'other' and its defiant desperation. The paradox, the danger, is that I will become even more powerful if you accept me; you will become my minion and I your master. The only way out for you at that point is love. Love the evil that you are without being overcome by it."
"You mean I incorporate duality, allowing twoness to merge into not even one."
"Easier said than done," said Satan.
"No. Easier done than said," smiled Stagger Li.
"As long as you see me as 'other,' I will remain the evil one, the cast-off one, the despised, ignored, and hated. If you see me as you, I will be redeemed, no longer 'other' and its defiant desperation. The paradox, the danger, is that I will become even more powerful if you accept me; you will become my minion and I your master. The only way out for you at that point is love. Love the evil that you are without being overcome by it."
"You mean I incorporate duality, allowing twoness to merge into not even one."
"Easier said than done," said Satan.
"No. Easier done than said," smiled Stagger Li.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
zen no-mind and beowulf
"The hero observed that swamp-thing from hell,
the tarn-hag in all her terrible strength,
then heaved his war-sword and swung his arm:
the decorated blade came down ringing
and singing on her head. But he soon found
his battle-torch extinguished; the shining blade
refused to bite. It spared her and failed
the man in his need. It had gone through many
hand-to-hand fights, had hewed the armor
and helmets of the doomed, but here at last
the fabulous powers of that heirloom failed.
Hygelac's kinsman kept thinking about
his name and fame: he never lost heart.
Then, in a fury, he flung his sword away.
The keen, inlaid worm-loop-patterned steel
was hurled to the ground: he would have to rely
on the might of his arm. So must a man do
who intends to gain enduring glory
in a combat. Life doesn't cost him a thought."
-- Beowulf (Translated by Seamus Heaney)
The sword matters at first. That fails.
Then pride matters, name and fame.
That gives way to fury which provides adrenaline,
but that is not enough. Then he relies on himself
and the might of his arm. He's getting there.
His intention to gain glory drops away
and he finally moves to the realm of no-thought,
which is the same as the realm of heart-mind.
At that point, the battle outcome is decided.
To external eyes, all appears hopeless.
Inner vision reveals that the fearsome opponent,
the tarn-hag, is now as one dead.
the tarn-hag in all her terrible strength,
then heaved his war-sword and swung his arm:
the decorated blade came down ringing
and singing on her head. But he soon found
his battle-torch extinguished; the shining blade
refused to bite. It spared her and failed
the man in his need. It had gone through many
hand-to-hand fights, had hewed the armor
and helmets of the doomed, but here at last
the fabulous powers of that heirloom failed.
Hygelac's kinsman kept thinking about
his name and fame: he never lost heart.
Then, in a fury, he flung his sword away.
The keen, inlaid worm-loop-patterned steel
was hurled to the ground: he would have to rely
on the might of his arm. So must a man do
who intends to gain enduring glory
in a combat. Life doesn't cost him a thought."
-- Beowulf (Translated by Seamus Heaney)
The sword matters at first. That fails.
Then pride matters, name and fame.
That gives way to fury which provides adrenaline,
but that is not enough. Then he relies on himself
and the might of his arm. He's getting there.
His intention to gain glory drops away
and he finally moves to the realm of no-thought,
which is the same as the realm of heart-mind.
At that point, the battle outcome is decided.
To external eyes, all appears hopeless.
Inner vision reveals that the fearsome opponent,
the tarn-hag, is now as one dead.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
hand strikes
Idly amusing myself the other day while sitting in Heritage Square in downtown Flagstaff where all us geezers and geeks hang out while others are imprisoned in their work cubicles, I counted eleven major strikes with the hand:
- heel of hand (upward strike to nose or jaw)
- first two knuckles of fist (traditional Isshinryu punch)
- all four knuckles of first joints of fingers (good for loosening another's teeth)
- index finger supported between thumb & other 3 fingers folded in (good for eyes)
- thumb knuckle atop fist (side swing into temple or around back into kidney)
- bottom of fist (downward strike to mid-sagittal suture atop head)
- chop (excellent for collarbones)
- back of fist (good nose breaker)
- thumb tip and finger tips joined for a "peck" strike
- claps on ears (possible ear drum rupture)
- spear hand (drive into solar plexus & other assorted areas)
Credo: Warriors of Spirit
As Warriors of Spirit, we follow a path of integrity.
We continuously endeavor to live in accord with the principles
of generosity, lovingkindness, and aware wakefulness.
We feel a deep kinship with all life and know deeply
that all that exists is a manifesting of the Source,
an outpouring of the Wellspring.
Like warriors of old, we are here to ensure the welfare
of the community, human and otherwise, all our relations!
We train to become increasingly awake and aware.
We explore the depths and vastness of our inner space.
We notice our cognitive and emotional obscurations
and look to release ourselves from their grip.
We look to let our fear of lack turn into a lack of fear.
We do this through deliberate generosity.
We combat greed by clinging to nothing.
We make No Clinging our motto.
We engage all that arises with sincerity, with compassion,
with relentless intent, and with full surrender to our Source.
We live our lives in the Creative Fires of Love.
We continuously endeavor to live in accord with the principles
of generosity, lovingkindness, and aware wakefulness.
We feel a deep kinship with all life and know deeply
that all that exists is a manifesting of the Source,
an outpouring of the Wellspring.
Like warriors of old, we are here to ensure the welfare
of the community, human and otherwise, all our relations!
We train to become increasingly awake and aware.
We explore the depths and vastness of our inner space.
We notice our cognitive and emotional obscurations
and look to release ourselves from their grip.
We look to let our fear of lack turn into a lack of fear.
We do this through deliberate generosity.
We combat greed by clinging to nothing.
We make No Clinging our motto.
We engage all that arises with sincerity, with compassion,
with relentless intent, and with full surrender to our Source.
We live our lives in the Creative Fires of Love.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
ultra ki
We live a surface life, but within us and around us is the Deep. The Deep, both which we are and which we fear, manifests through us and as us in a variety of energetic formings. One of these is the Warrior.
The Warrior can cut loose with great explosive force, which leaves no one the better, including the Warrior, who sits now amidst ruin, his only consolation a sociopathic retreat into numbness.
The "taming" of the Warrior in at least one past age has been to have him bow his knee to the feminine. This works only temporarily and has its dangers -- the feminine too has problems. Every womb has teeth and the will to use them. Giving up the masculine for the feminine (or vice versa) is not the answer for the Warrior's unrest and his quest.
The Warrior can be encompassed and thus brought to equilibrium only by the Deep Itself. The Deep calls to the deep with immediate resonance and answer. Right action occurs, within and without. The Warrior's deep internal life is in equilibrium with his wide external life, like two oceans that have met and are the same.
The Warrior can cut loose with great explosive force, which leaves no one the better, including the Warrior, who sits now amidst ruin, his only consolation a sociopathic retreat into numbness.
The "taming" of the Warrior in at least one past age has been to have him bow his knee to the feminine. This works only temporarily and has its dangers -- the feminine too has problems. Every womb has teeth and the will to use them. Giving up the masculine for the feminine (or vice versa) is not the answer for the Warrior's unrest and his quest.
The Warrior can be encompassed and thus brought to equilibrium only by the Deep Itself. The Deep calls to the deep with immediate resonance and answer. Right action occurs, within and without. The Warrior's deep internal life is in equilibrium with his wide external life, like two oceans that have met and are the same.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
warrior monk
"If you are prepared to cut open your belly,
you can shave your head." -- Suzuki Shosan, Warrior of Zen
you can shave your head." -- Suzuki Shosan, Warrior of Zen
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
JOURNEY'S END -- Japan, December, 1959
1) Japan Landing
We had already driven our radio jeeps off the LST. So I got out my trusty camera.
2) First View of Fuji
I walked away from all the landing hullabaloo down a dirt road through some trees and there it was! Fuji! Something fell into place inside me. I felt complete, as if a circle had been completed, a circuit of energy re-opened. I took the photo and returned to my Marine duties.
3) Mount Fuji
Later, we drove inland and I took this shot.
4) DeSoto, Ewing, Breed at Fuji Camp
THE JOURNEY continues (Okinawa to Japan, 1959)
The sea creates a sense of smallness and a deep sense of calm --
1) DeSoto
2) Ewing (Hindu)
Endless waiting for Japan to appear --
3) DeSoto on the Rack
4) Ewing Racked Up
5) Breed in Rack-oon Position
Part Two of "THE JOURNEY." Stay tuned for Part Three.
Altruism's Bloody Roots
"By favoring acts of battlefield selflessness,
Stone Age warfare might have accelerated
the development of altruism."
"By favoring acts of battlefield selflessness,
Stone Age warfare might have accelerated
the development of altruism."
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Presenting THE JOURNEY (from Okinawa to Japan) --Time: 1959 -- Starring: Hindu, De Soto, Breed -- Supporting Cast: 3rd Marine Division & 7th Fleet
From Top to Bottom --
1) Malone, DeSoto, Ewing
2) The Boys
3) Our New Home, LST 854
4) Rocking & Rolling
5) Barf Barrel
6) Barfing Virtuoso
(Click for Closeups)
Do not miss the next exciting episode! Soon to be shown on your favorite blog!
Monday, June 8, 2009
thought zombies
The over-arching consciousness mode of this era (which according to some is ending -- we are thinking in centuries here, not in years) is conflict-based. Though pervasive, regardless of philosophical or religious bent, it is best seen in the Western culture in Christianity, which in itself is going through a struggle.
The thought system or consciousness mode of Christianity is based upon conflict. The Father has emanated in two Sons, one a Son of Light, the other a Son of Darkness. The two Sons are locked in struggle -- a cosmic battle. The Dark Son has taken over Planet Earth, thus forcing the Light Son to assume human form and die, which is part of a plan to capture the Dark Son and put him in an eternal Guantanamo where he is tortured forever along with his followers. Meanwhile, the Light Son and his followers will be enjoying themselves in an eternal Shopping Mall with unlimited credit and access to chains of the best restaurants. Sound familiar? We play out our theology, our consciousness structure, every day.
Given that scenario, that thought system (out of which capitalism was born), hand-to-hand combat is valued, cherished, even necessary. Hugh Hefner puts on his pajamas and lounges in a bevy of boobalicious babes. We martial artists put on our pajamas and fight evil; evil being anything that we feel threatened by, though to paraphrase Bruce Lee and Pogo, the evil is in ourselves.
My point is that as long as we do this good versus evil dance, we are victims of a consciousness structure that is long past due for transformation. Thought zombies.
Our era will eventually give way to one beyond chopping our individual and societal world into divisive pieces. Though it seems impossible right now, befuddled as we are by the current dualistic, duelistic consciousness that lies like a fog upon this planet, our consciousness will shift and we will move beyond good versus evil. Some in this consciousness state already walk the planet.
The slam-bang warrior emerges from conflict consciousness. The warrior of spirit emerges from universal consciousness.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
stations on the path of transformation
The alchemists did us all a service. Not only did they help give birth to present-day chemistry, they gave us something of equal, if not more, importance: an outlining of a path of transformation. Just as some Christians make use of the symbology of the stations of the cross, and as the Sufi Al 'Arabi writes of distinct stations on the spiritual journey, so the alchemists give us descriptions of the stages in the process of "turning lead into gold." We are the lead looking for transformation into untarnished wholeness. This is the path of a warrior of spirit.
Here, very briefly, is an outline of phases of the process of alchemical transformation.
The process of transformation is painful and often difficult (we make it that way), but even more so is the process of non-transformation. Leap into the fire. Dissolve in the water. Coagulate into a strong center. Become like the wind of spirit. Let all that is putrid die. No clinging. Move as one.
Note: Thanks to my warrior friend, Brad Olson, for directing me to Edinger's book. I have been studying all works I could find on alchemy for decades. This one is a powerful one indeed.
Here, very briefly, is an outline of phases of the process of alchemical transformation.
- Calcinatio -- Going through the fire. All dross burned away. Desires consumed. No possess-ions.
- Solutio -- Becoming like water. Dissolving and being reborn. Wu wei. A continuous process.
- Coagulatio - Coagulate. Come to earth. Embody.
- Sublimatio -- Becoming like air. Rising above. Wider view. Eagle of spirit. Invisible and unpredictable as wind.
- Mortificatio -- Death. Putrefication and rotting of all that is worthless. Going to ashes (necessary condition for re-birth of fire, Phoenix rising from the ashes)
- Separatio -- Dismemberment; adjourning the ego meeting, setting all its members free. Letting go of all clinging.
- Coniunctio -- Union.
The process of transformation is painful and often difficult (we make it that way), but even more so is the process of non-transformation. Leap into the fire. Dissolve in the water. Coagulate into a strong center. Become like the wind of spirit. Let all that is putrid die. No clinging. Move as one.
Note: Thanks to my warrior friend, Brad Olson, for directing me to Edinger's book. I have been studying all works I could find on alchemy for decades. This one is a powerful one indeed.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Ki Principles / Practices
1. Keep one-point. Not only does this refer to moving from and practicing maintaining one's physical center of balance, it also means to claim, and open out of one's unique place or positioning in the universe. No one else, no matter how hard they try, can see precisely from your point of view. You are unique. Honor your uniqueness. Your body is like a bookmark, holding YOUR place in this ongoing, emerging story we call life. In olden terms, a keep was the stronghold of the castle, its most interior point where all treasure was kept. Keep one-point. Sit in the seat at the center of your soul.
2. Weight underside. Your position in life and as life is solid, unless you keep yourself disturbed and all up in the air. No matter what others say, no matter the nature of circumstances, maintain deep spiritual weight. Root and ground in love. On the physical plane, this means no one can toss you around.
3. Relax completely. This universe and all in it is our Source embodying. Our Source is giving us mouth-to-mouth resuscitation at all times. Our Source is an ever-replenishing Wellspring. Our Source is in our favor. You can relax. Completely. "Be still as a mountain and move like a great river."
4. Extend plus ki. Extend positive energy. Radiate. This does not mean the "put on" radiance of personal energy. This means universal energy. To allow the energy of the universe, of our Source to flow through, the little self must be relinquished, must be let go. Open to your larger self -- no longer holding yourself in separation, but opening in relationship with all that is. Radiance automatically occurs.
When you practice (and practice is a key word here) any one of the four, the other three will shift into play.
2. Weight underside. Your position in life and as life is solid, unless you keep yourself disturbed and all up in the air. No matter what others say, no matter the nature of circumstances, maintain deep spiritual weight. Root and ground in love. On the physical plane, this means no one can toss you around.
3. Relax completely. This universe and all in it is our Source embodying. Our Source is giving us mouth-to-mouth resuscitation at all times. Our Source is an ever-replenishing Wellspring. Our Source is in our favor. You can relax. Completely. "Be still as a mountain and move like a great river."
4. Extend plus ki. Extend positive energy. Radiate. This does not mean the "put on" radiance of personal energy. This means universal energy. To allow the energy of the universe, of our Source to flow through, the little self must be relinquished, must be let go. Open to your larger self -- no longer holding yourself in separation, but opening in relationship with all that is. Radiance automatically occurs.
When you practice (and practice is a key word here) any one of the four, the other three will shift into play.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Ki Motto and Four Major Principles
Sensei Koichi Tohei presented this Ki Sayings booklet to those of us at his 1974 summer training camp in Fullerton, California. I may present further pages with a commentary.
(Click to enlarge)
Ronin
I wrote the following in a format inspired by
the writing of a 14th century unknown Samurai.
I have no home. The universe is my home.
I have no clothes. I stand naked in the universe.
I have no sword. Spirit is my sword.
I have no horse. This breath is my horse.
I have no dog. My mind is my dog.
I have no map. Infinity is my map.
I have no heart. Life's rhythm is my heart.
I have no mind. Vast openness is my mind.
I have no security. The unknown is my security.
I have no intelligence. Awareness is my intelligence.
I have no enemies. Attachment is my enemy.
I have no ruler. The ruler of rulers is my ruler.
I have no place to go. Here now is my place to go.
I have no family. All sentient beings are my family.
I have no apology. Unswerving intent is my apology.
I have no sorrow. Laughter is my sorrow.
I have no gratitude. Joy is my gratitude.
Here is a translation of the 14th century document.
I have no parents; I make the heavens and the earth my parents.
I have no divine power; I make honesty my divine power.
I have no means; I make submission my means.
I have no magic power; I make inward strength my magic.
I have neither life nor death; I make the Eternal my life and death.
I have no body; I make fortitude my body.
I have no eyes; I make the flash of lightning my eyes.
I have no ears; I make sensibility my ears.
I have no limbs; I make promptitude my limbs.
I have no design; I make opportunity my design.
I have no miracles; I make the Dharma my miracle.
I have no principles; I make adaptability my principle.
I have no friends; I make my mind my friend.
I have no enemy; I make incautiousness my enemy.
I have no armour; I make goodwill and righteousness my armour.
I have no castle; I make immovable mind my castle.
I have no sword; I make no-mind my sword.
the writing of a 14th century unknown Samurai.
I have no home. The universe is my home.
I have no clothes. I stand naked in the universe.
I have no sword. Spirit is my sword.
I have no horse. This breath is my horse.
I have no dog. My mind is my dog.
I have no map. Infinity is my map.
I have no heart. Life's rhythm is my heart.
I have no mind. Vast openness is my mind.
I have no security. The unknown is my security.
I have no intelligence. Awareness is my intelligence.
I have no enemies. Attachment is my enemy.
I have no ruler. The ruler of rulers is my ruler.
I have no place to go. Here now is my place to go.
I have no family. All sentient beings are my family.
I have no apology. Unswerving intent is my apology.
I have no sorrow. Laughter is my sorrow.
I have no gratitude. Joy is my gratitude.
Here is a translation of the 14th century document.
I have no parents; I make the heavens and the earth my parents.
I have no divine power; I make honesty my divine power.
I have no means; I make submission my means.
I have no magic power; I make inward strength my magic.
I have neither life nor death; I make the Eternal my life and death.
I have no body; I make fortitude my body.
I have no eyes; I make the flash of lightning my eyes.
I have no ears; I make sensibility my ears.
I have no limbs; I make promptitude my limbs.
I have no design; I make opportunity my design.
I have no miracles; I make the Dharma my miracle.
I have no principles; I make adaptability my principle.
I have no friends; I make my mind my friend.
I have no enemy; I make incautiousness my enemy.
I have no armour; I make goodwill and righteousness my armour.
I have no castle; I make immovable mind my castle.
I have no sword; I make no-mind my sword.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Suggestions For A Warrior's Library
Austin, James. (1999) Zen and the Brain: Toward an Understanding of Meditation and Consciousness. MIT Press.
Breed, George. (2004) Embodying Spirit: The Inner Work of the Warrior. iUniverse, Lincoln.
Chia, Mantak. (1985) Taoist Ways to Transform Stress Into Vitality. Healing Tao Books.
Chuen, Lam Chan. (1991) The Way of Energy: Mastering the Chinese Art of Internal Strength with Chi Kung Exercises. Simon and Schuster.
Coelho, Paulo. (2003) Warrior of the Light. HarperCollins.
De Caussade, Jean-Pierre. (1975) Abandonment to Divine Providence. (John Beevers, Trans.) Image.
Deshimaru, Taisen. (1982) The Zen Way to the Martial Arts. (Nancy Amphoux, Trans.). Arkana.
Friday, Karl. (1997) Legacies of the Sword: The Kashima-Shinryu and Samurai Martial Culture. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.
Fauliot, Pascal. (2000) Martial Arts Teaching Tales of Power and Paradox. Rochester, Vermont: Inner Traditions.
Furuya, Kensho.(1996) Kodo, Ancient Ways: Lessons in the Spiritual Life of the Warrior / Martial Artist. Santa Clarita, California: Ohara.
Gebser, Jean. (1985) The Ever-Present Origin. (Noel Barstad with Algis Mickunas, Trans.) Ohio University Press.
Gichin, Funakoshi. (1973) Karate-Do Kyohan: The Master Text. Tokyo: Kodansha.
Gichin, Funakoshi. (1975) Karate-Do: My Way of Life. Tokyo: Kodansha.
Gleason, William. (1995) The Spiritual Foundations of Aikido. Rochester: Destiny.
Hanh, Thich Nhat. (1987) The Miracle of Mindfulness: A Manual on Meditation. Boston: Beacon Press.
Haruo, Yamaoka. (1976) Meditation Gut Enlightenment: The Way of Hara. San Francisco: Heian.
Jou, Tsung Hwa. (1991) The Tao of Tai-Chi Chuan. Warwick, New York: Tai Chi Foundation.
Kabat-Zinn, Jon.(1990) Full Catastrophe Living. Delacorte.
Kabat-Zinn, Jon. (1994) Wherever You Go, There You Are. Hyperion.
Keating, Thomas. (1993) Intimacy With God: An Introduction to Centering Prayer. Crossroad.
Keating, Thomas. (1999) The Human Condition: Contemplation and Transformation. Paulist Press.
Kongtrul, Jamgon. (1996) Creation and Completion: Essential Points of Tantric Meditation. (Tr. Sarah Harding) Boston: Wisdom.
Leggett, Trevor. (1978) Zen and the Ways. Boulder: Shambhala.
Leggett, Trevor. (1995) Realization of the Supreme Self. New York: Kegan Paul.
McCarthy, Patrick. (1995) The Bible of Karate: Bubishi. Boston: Tuttle.
Mitchell, Stephen. (1992) Tao Te Ching: A New English Version. Harperperennial.
Musashi, Miyamoto. (1982) The Book of Five Rings: Gorin No Sho.(Bradford Brown, Yuko Kashiwagi, William Barrett, Eisuke Sasagawa, Trans.). New York: Bantam.
Nitobe, Inazo. (1979) Bushido: The Warrior’s Code. Burbank: Ohara.
Payne, Peter. (1981) Martial Arts: The Spiritual Dimension. Crossroad: New York.
Sato, Hiroaki. (1986) The Sword and the Mind. Woodstock: Overlook.
Shi Ming, with Siao Weijia. (1994) Mind Over Matter: Higher Martial Arts. (Thomas Cleary, Trans.). Berkeley: Frog.
Shosan, Suzuki. (1994) Warrior of Zen: The Diamond-Hard Wisdom Mind of Suzuki Shosan. (Arthur Braverman, Trans.) Kodansha.
Skoss, Diane (Ed.). (1997) Koryu Bujutsu: Classical Warrior Traditions of Japan. Berkeley Heights, New Jersey: Koryu Books.
Stevens, John. (1984) The Sword of No-Sword: Life of the Master Warrior Tesshu. Boulder: Shambhala.
Stevens, John. (1993) Three Zen Masters. Tokyo: Kodansha.
Stevens, John. (1995) The Secrets of Aikido. Boston: Shambhala.
Stevens, John. (2001) The Philosophy of Aikido. Tokyo: Kodansha.
Takuan. (1988) The Unfettered Mind: Writings of the Zen Master to the Sword Master. (William Scott Wilson, Trans.). Tokyo: Kodansha.
Tohei, Koichi. (1962) What is Aikido? Tokyo: Rikugei.
Tohei, Koichi. (1976) Book of Ki: Coordinating Mind and Body in Daily Life. Japan Publications.
Tohei, Koichi. (2001) Ki in Daily Life. Japan Publications.
Trungpa, Chogyam. (1993) Training the Mind and Cultivating Lovingkindness. Boston: Shambhala.
Tsunetomo, Yamamoto (1980) The Hagakure: A Code to the Way of the Samurai. Tokyo: Hokuseido.
Ueshiba, Morihei. (1992) The Art of Peace. (John Stevens, Trans.)Boston: Shambhala.
Von Durckheim, Karlfried Graf. (1984) Hara: The Vital Centre of Man. London: Unwin Paperbacks.
Wallace, B. Alan. (1998) The Bridge of Quiescence: Experiencing Tibetan Buddhist Meditation. Chicago: Open Court.
Wilson, William Scott (Tr.). (1984) Budoshoshinshu: The Warrior’s Primer of Daidoji Yuzan. Santa Clarita: Ohara.
Breed, George. (2004) Embodying Spirit: The Inner Work of the Warrior. iUniverse, Lincoln.
Chia, Mantak. (1985) Taoist Ways to Transform Stress Into Vitality. Healing Tao Books.
Chuen, Lam Chan. (1991) The Way of Energy: Mastering the Chinese Art of Internal Strength with Chi Kung Exercises. Simon and Schuster.
Coelho, Paulo. (2003) Warrior of the Light. HarperCollins.
De Caussade, Jean-Pierre. (1975) Abandonment to Divine Providence. (John Beevers, Trans.) Image.
Deshimaru, Taisen. (1982) The Zen Way to the Martial Arts. (Nancy Amphoux, Trans.). Arkana.
Friday, Karl. (1997) Legacies of the Sword: The Kashima-Shinryu and Samurai Martial Culture. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.
Fauliot, Pascal. (2000) Martial Arts Teaching Tales of Power and Paradox. Rochester, Vermont: Inner Traditions.
Furuya, Kensho.(1996) Kodo, Ancient Ways: Lessons in the Spiritual Life of the Warrior / Martial Artist. Santa Clarita, California: Ohara.
Gebser, Jean. (1985) The Ever-Present Origin. (Noel Barstad with Algis Mickunas, Trans.) Ohio University Press.
Gichin, Funakoshi. (1973) Karate-Do Kyohan: The Master Text. Tokyo: Kodansha.
Gichin, Funakoshi. (1975) Karate-Do: My Way of Life. Tokyo: Kodansha.
Gleason, William. (1995) The Spiritual Foundations of Aikido. Rochester: Destiny.
Hanh, Thich Nhat. (1987) The Miracle of Mindfulness: A Manual on Meditation. Boston: Beacon Press.
Haruo, Yamaoka. (1976) Meditation Gut Enlightenment: The Way of Hara. San Francisco: Heian.
Jou, Tsung Hwa. (1991) The Tao of Tai-Chi Chuan. Warwick, New York: Tai Chi Foundation.
Kabat-Zinn, Jon.(1990) Full Catastrophe Living. Delacorte.
Kabat-Zinn, Jon. (1994) Wherever You Go, There You Are. Hyperion.
Keating, Thomas. (1993) Intimacy With God: An Introduction to Centering Prayer. Crossroad.
Keating, Thomas. (1999) The Human Condition: Contemplation and Transformation. Paulist Press.
Kongtrul, Jamgon. (1996) Creation and Completion: Essential Points of Tantric Meditation. (Tr. Sarah Harding) Boston: Wisdom.
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warrior
"The one-after-another is a bearable prelude to the deeper knowledge of the side-by-side." -- Jung, Mysterium Coniunctionis
You may realize by now that by "warrior" I do not mean those who slam bullets into human meat. A warrior is one who practices the balance of maintaining his/her own center, yielding that sacred space to no one, while engaging in what the Buddhist warriors, the bodhisattvas, call right relationship; moving in unexpected, unpredictable ways while looking to do no harm.
But as that wonderful old Zen warrior, D.T. Suzuki, pointed out, sometimes the sword swings itself. The story goes that even Mr. Buddha, in an incarnation immediately prior to his riding his buddhacycle, killed a man. And Mr. Jesus certainly whacked that fig tree, and down the road a ways told his buddies that the soft times were over and if they didn't have a sword, to sell their cloak and buy one.
A warrior is one who lives by the spirit, the lifeforce. To do this, one must surrender the ego, must fall into the Ground and die. As Bunan put it, "While living be a dead man, be thoroughly dead -- and behave as you like, and all's well." As the Sufi put it, "Die before you die." It's a paradox. But the warrior lives as paradox, trusting the Mystery that births him.
You may realize by now that by "warrior" I do not mean those who slam bullets into human meat. A warrior is one who practices the balance of maintaining his/her own center, yielding that sacred space to no one, while engaging in what the Buddhist warriors, the bodhisattvas, call right relationship; moving in unexpected, unpredictable ways while looking to do no harm.
But as that wonderful old Zen warrior, D.T. Suzuki, pointed out, sometimes the sword swings itself. The story goes that even Mr. Buddha, in an incarnation immediately prior to his riding his buddhacycle, killed a man. And Mr. Jesus certainly whacked that fig tree, and down the road a ways told his buddies that the soft times were over and if they didn't have a sword, to sell their cloak and buy one.
A warrior is one who lives by the spirit, the lifeforce. To do this, one must surrender the ego, must fall into the Ground and die. As Bunan put it, "While living be a dead man, be thoroughly dead -- and behave as you like, and all's well." As the Sufi put it, "Die before you die." It's a paradox. But the warrior lives as paradox, trusting the Mystery that births him.
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