Blog Article/Post Caveat (Read First Please: Click the Link)
“The merciless tide of modem commercialism and mechanization is rolling all over the East, so that at most no comers are left for a quiet retreat, and before long even this solitary island of Zen may be buried under the waves of sordid materialism.”
Wow, when I read this one I just had to laugh because I had just wrote an article on the commercialism and denigration of modern martial arts and karate as it would apply to those whose belief and mind-state think of these disciplines as, “Traditions and/or Classical,” in nature. Materialism along with the latest revolution, “Technological,” it would seem that all of us being inundated and overwhelmed need a more classical Zen-like environment and discipline to alleviate the building pressures of modern times.
“A period in the monastic life which is exclusively set apart for the mental discipline when they are not hampered by any manual labour except such as is absolutely necessary. This period is known as sesshin [接心].”
This has been adapted and adopted in the dojo in two forms as well described in the next quotation, i.e., what is called shugyo as well as sitting seiza for zazen before and after dojo training and practice.
“It takes place a few times, each time lasting a week, in the season known as the "summer sojourn" [ge-ango), and again in the one known as the "winter sojourn" (setsu-ango). Generally speaking, the summer sojourn begins in April and ends in August, while the winter one begins in October and ends in February. Sesshin means "collecting or concentrating the mind". Note: Are these the precursor to karate’s (MA 2) those special times of the year when they celebrate and train and practice?”
There is a term that describes, at least the annual one done in January - I think, that talks about this type of activity. It is in all probability a derivative of the Zen Buddhist Zen-do.
“There is a "lecture" (koza or teisho) every day during the sesshin (meaning thought collection [接心]).”
I also think of this in terms of what we use today called the, “Seminar,” where such gatherings and discussions abound not to forget the gathering that occurs after dojo practice with drink, food, merriment and discussions to all things martial and karate.
“During the sesshin, besides the lectures, the monks have what is knonn as "sanzen [参禅]“. To do sanzen is to go to the master and present their views on the koan they have for the master's critical examination.”
Note: Notice how the term, “sesshin,” is pretty darn close to the English term, “Session?” Group sessions often are about such discussions that bring about thought, discovery, creativity and growth - all hallmarks of learning, understanding and applying things to the arts as well as to life itself.
“In fact, we are all living under many casings of illusions and insincerities which really have nothing to do with our inmost Self. To reach this inmost Self, therefore, whereby the disciple gains real knowledge of Zen, the master often resorts to methods seemingly inhuman; indeed, far from being kindhearted to say the least.”
It may be said, by some anyway, that the goal of karate and martial arts defense begins with the battle we have with ourselves, our egos. Listen, it may be important to at least recognize this and understand that this is pretty much a normal function of our species, i.e., we live and breathe illusions, insincerities, insecurities and other cognitive dissonance misdirections so we feel comfortable. Listen up, because in truth the only true goals of the species is to survive and procreate so by surviving we have a change to procreate and when we begin procreation we are enabling the species to survive - everything else is about ego.
“To become a qualified master, mere understanding is not sufficient. A period of time must be lived, living a life harmonious with the understanding to attain a thorough knowledge of all the mysteries of the art; what he has gained in the Zendo is after all only the pointing of the finger in the direction where his utmost efforts must further be put forth; intellectual attainments must be put on trial by coming into actual contact with the world. There are no prescribed rules for this "maturing". Each must act under his own discretion as he meets with the accidental circumstances of life. The idea is the "maturing", as has been properly designated, of one's moral character.”
Ahhh, our modern times have so many masters and you have to wonder where and when this apparent disconnect happened. In Zen Buddhist Zen-do this is critical and it was adopted and adapted to martial arts and now karate. This speaks to the philosophical principles of such disciplines and can often be missing in most modern dojo. This form of study and practice works in Asian dojo but not so much in the West because their entire being and culture is already set and has endured for centuries so that one can perceive and correct apply things while the West requires every single thing explained, in detail. Yet, to master something does require a lot of these traits and principles and the only method of maturity is time and experience - if you are lucky. I see a need for a dojo to teach more in this arena as guidance, i.e., to point the finger, provide some insight then allow each individual to seek out knowledge, analyze it to synthesize an individual way and then live it with honor so that it matures the person and becomes that person.
“The Zendo’s guiding principles, such as the simplification of life, restraint of desires, not wasting a moment idly, self-independence, and what they call "secret virtue", are sound principles of the dojo and the arts and ‘secret virtue’ means not to waste natural resources; it means to make full use,economic and moral, of everything that comes your way ; it means to treat yourself and the world in the most appreciative and reverential frame of mind. It particularly means practicing goodness without any thought of recognition by others.”
One word, “Honor.”
“All the training of the monk in the Zendo, in practice as well as in theory, is based on this principle of 'meritless deed". Poetically this idea is expressed as follows:”
The bamboo-shadows move over the stone steps
as if to sweep them, but no dust is stirred;
The moon is reflected deep in the pool, but the
water shows no trace of its penetration.
A way and method through contemplative seiza zazen before and after as adapted and adopted from ZBZendo so that each may, over time, come to realize their true nature and path - lofty and doable ideology don’t you think?
Bibliography (Click the link)
“In order for any life to matter, we all have to matter.” - Marcus Luttrell, Navy Seal (ret)
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