Gutei raised his finger whenever he was asked a question about Zen. A boy attendant began to imitate him in this way. When anyone asked the boy what his master had preached about, the boy would raise his finger. Gutei heard about the boy's mischief. He seized him and cut off his finger. The boy cried and ran away. Gutei called and stopped him. When the boy turned his head to Gutei, Gutei raised up his own finger. In that instant the boy was enlightened. When Gutei was about to pass from this... Read Full Story
Sooooo Ok. A bout a month ago, or so, I wrote to request to visit the Kyudo school in SJ. I got a VERY judgmental response from one of the people. A Sensei or husband of the Sensei or both. It really bugged me, as rudeness always does. I figured if that is how the school is no way would I attend. However rather than being a baka like that person I wanted to check things out first hand before I dropped the full judgement hammer and idiot label. Today I went…
When I arrived at the Dojo, they... Read Full Story
Kyudo practice on Sunday was short for me. I had an errand to do for LZ so I left early. It was however a good day, different for me but beneficial. The whole RSD team was there that day. We did some experiments with video taping to observe draws. It went well. I passed on the taping for myself. I had enough already I needed to work on correcting. Even though part of that is my draw, I had my own practice outline in mind. Holding the Yumi and the Ya correctly while just standing, finger... Read Full Story
Now after a few days have past, my knees have stop aching …so much! The Chinese Jow today really helped for this mornings Zazen.
A s when completing a shot one reflects on the arrow, the travel, one’s body, what was right, what is in need of improvement, the form and the formless. I’m there…
It was a great trip, visiting old friends and new ones. Learning much… As much as I like to shoot, it was great getting so much info. Good stuff about shooting better in form and spirit was priceless... Read Full Story
When Buddha was in Grdhrakuta mountain he turned a flower in his fingers and held in before his listeners. Every one was silent. Only Maha-Kashapa smiled at this revelation, although he tried to control the lines of his face. Buddha said: `I have the eye of the true teaching, the heart of Nirvana, the true aspect of non-form, and the ineffable stride of Dharma. It is not expressed by words, but especially transmitted beyond teaching. This teaching I have given to Maha-Kashapa.' Aikijutsu... Read Full Story
The real way circulates everywhere; how could it require practice or enlightenment? The essential teaching is fully available; how could effort be necessary? Furthermore, the entire mirror is free of dust; why take steps to polish it? Nothing is separate from this very place; why journey away? And yet, if you miss the mark even by a strand of hair, you are as distant as heaven from earth. If the slightest discrimination occurs, you will be lost in confusion. You could be proud of your... Read Full Story
Zen meditations are the lifeline of today's hectic and stressful world. It's not wrong to say that if you want to hold on to your sanity, hold on to the meditation techniques! This particular form of meditation involves sitting in particular postures and bringing the mind and body to a stable and peaceful condition. It induces a deeper sense of self-awareness and makes you discover your inner strength. In layman terms, you simply sit without distracting yourself and focus on the thoughts and... Read Full Story
One day Chuang Tzu and a friend were walking by a river. "Look at the fish swimming about," said Chuang Tzu, "They are really enjoying themselves." "You are not a fish," replied the friend, "So you can't truly know that they are enjoying themselves." "You are not me," said Chuang Tzu. "So how do you know that I do not know that the fish are enjoying themselves?" Aikijutsu Academy of Indianapolis Read Full Story
A monk asked Nansen: `Is there a teaching no master ever preached before?' Nansen said: `Yes, there is.' `What is it?' asked the monk. Nansen replied: `It is not mind, it is not Buddha, it is not things.' Aikijutsu Academy of Indianapolis Read Full Story
