The Tao of Gokui - three

When you praise worthy people, you make other people envious and quarrelsome.

When you value rare things highly, you turn honest people into thieves.

If you show people exciting things, you will make them covetous and greedy.

In-Yo or Yin-Yang, the two sides of the one. Balance, finding that equality that generates energies that connect with heaven and earth; sun and moon; humanity and Tao. Letting one side or the other take a dominant role causes the mind and body to unbalance itself resulting in a troubled mind and a sick body. This is not conducive to health; this is not conducive to optimal action in the fighting arts; this is not conducive to a level of energy that brings about mind-body-spirit unity or "one".

The wise rule by keeping the peoples' hearts empty (of desire) and their bellies full.

Keep the mind empty and the heart full. Wholehearted action results in true living with benefit to the spirit-mind-body oneness. The desire to achieve belts, trophies, accolades from others lessens our connectivity with the Tao; the Universe; it empties our true heart corrupting the mind leaving the spirit diminished with the bodies energies lowering to dangerous levels.

Remain full of the highest energies provided by the connection to the Tao. Let karma take you like a feather on the wind to higher levels of connective-ness. Make the spirit-mind-body "one".

Making their bones strong and their ambitions weak.

Present Moment is to have an empty yet active mind. The energies will have a free and open connection to you allowing growth, health, and well being with out brings dysfunction, disease, and death; both physical and/or spiritual.

Since the people are free of avarice and desire, even the most cunning grifter has no opportunity to corrupt them.

Being free from the ego; free from the past; free from the future; remaining in the "now"; to be present and with the mind-of-no-mind connects us through serious-continuous-intent training and practice into one of undefeatable spirit-mind-body.

No judgement; no labeling; no emotional influences; nothing but intent and action in life as in combat (although one is sometime less final then the other).

By using the "act without action" principle, everything just falls into place.

Action shall not be brought forth by emotional mind-ness. Let any action come from the ability to not act with out mind-no-mind; that which connects us to the all encompassing energy of the Universe sometimes called the "Tao".

Resistance

Look at life as a "collection of energies" which travel various paths, meridians, and/or strings/wires through out the cosmos/universe.

When it runs with out any resistance it travels freely and unencumbered. When it meets resistance, resistor usually blocks a degree of energy, then it slows. This is balanced energy that shifts to the Yang or negative side of life.

When we experience resistance in any of its forms it can be felt as "irritation", "impatience", "anger", "depression", "sullen resentment/resentment", to "despair". All of these resistors cause disruption in the flow of "Ki" resulting in disease or dis"ease".

It stops all of the positive energy from entering. Identify the causes of resistance and destroy them. Allow the positive to enter until the spirit-mind-body achieve balance. This is the Art of the Way! Just let it all go, remain in the now, be present.

Every time you feel resistance look upon it as your life saying, "Attention!" and then pay attention. Offer no "resistance".

The Tao of Gokui - two

When people see beauty, they think, "that's beautiful".

Thinking of something as beautiful makes you think other things are ugly.

Calling something "good" forces you to call some other things "evil."

One must just let the moment provides an "experience". It is neither beautiful or ugly but "is". To allow it to touch your soul so you may experience its presence in the moment is not something we can achieve or make but what is with out reservations.

Experience it in the present moment gives it nothing, expects nothing from it, has not cause or effect but just experiences the moment where it resides.

If we simply "are" and in the "present moment" with out labels and "thinking" then nothing can cause us either difficulty or comfort for being is just chance when in reality chance is allowing the Tao to be "one" with your moment; "NOW".

The ideas "difficult" and "easy" support each other.

"Long" and "short" define each other.

"High" creates "low"

"Tone" creates "noise"

"Before" creates "after"

"Have" creates "don't have"

In-Yo, duality. Bringing duality into the "one" to reach enlightenment. The mind remains fixated on the names and effects of things. Accepting what is and remaining in the present moment means to not give credence to things as either difficult or easy; they are just what they are and noting is as personal as our ego's would have us believe.

In the present moment the mind has no before or after. In the present moment we have only that present moment so we can neither have or have not what others have or have not for everyone in the now has exactly what everyone is supposed to have or have not.

This is why the Sage acts without effort and teaches without words.

New things are created and the Sage just accepts them.

Things fade away and the Sage accepts that too.

The Master does not know that he/she is one. They instinctually take action with out effort. Their actions teach is much if we view it with out "labels" or "with out naming". The essence of Sensei or one who comes before yet remains solidly in the now.

To remain in the presence with out "naming" but just "experiencing" allows creativity so Sensei accepts with out question but with understanding that transcends into the Tao or the Way and the Way.

Sensei accepts that things move from the now into the not now and does not allow the mind to dwell on it. He/she remains present and accepts that as well.

A Sage can have things without feeling they "own" them.

Sensei through present moment practice achieves with out trying to hold it but accepts the knowing as a fleeting moment that is just there.

Achieving a level of something that may remain yet as the moments travel the path they may leave so you can never own the moment for it belongs to something far greater so we call it the Tao.

The Sage does things without putting an emotional stake into the outcome.

Present moment mind is one where we experience it as it is a part of that moment thus it is what it is and trying to influence it with the mind, words, naming, is like rowing against the currents when allowing it to follow and flow with the current keeps the ego from creating and emotional attachment to what is. It will pass beyond this moment so let it.

The task is accomplished, but the Sage doesn't seek credit or take pride in the accomplishment.

Allowing the answers to come naturally and instinctively from the Way and the Tao gets it done so you can let it travel to the past un thought of and with out its influencing your present moment. It is gone from your moment "let it go".

Because the Sage is not attached to the accomplishment, the accomplishment lasts forever.

That moment is forever yet it does not occupy the present moment unless you allow the ego to influence the mind into past thoughts or possible futures. Neither exist until they are in the moment. The past is what it is and never returns to the moment while the future is merely something that could be and only becomes when it is the present moment and until it becomes the moment it is nothing; it is void of the now.

The Tao of Gokui - one

(1) Chapter One

The "Tao" is too great to be described by the name "Tao".

If it could be named so simply, it would not be the eternal Tao.

The "Way" is the Tao when it comes to the practice of such as karate-jutsu-do, cha-do, or other "things". It comes from the intent of one's endeavors. Like the Tao the Way can be named yet the name can not convey the immensity of practicing/following that path. We strive as humans with ego's to "name" things we can not fully understand. The true goal is to live the Tao thus live the Way where the unnamable becomes clear, over time and with effort and intent.

Heaven and Earth began from the nameless (Tao),

but the multitudes of things around us were created by names.

The singular forms of the physical such as Japanese flower arranging are just one of the "Multitudes" of things we have created with a name that satisfies our needs to name and categorize yet "over time" we can discover more as these multitude when practiced singularly with seriousness and intent open the door to the Tao or the Way.

We desire to understand the world by giving names to the things we see,

but these things are only the effects of something subtle.

The subtleties of any Way effects us in our life through training and practice that are not apparent until we achieve a level that is the "present moment". Only then does enlightenment become "available". Grasping this with the mind; giving it names; categorizing it only lets it slip away. Let go to achieve understanding.

When we see beyond the desire to use names,

we can sense the nameless cause of these effects.

Letting go and being present is the only door that the Way or Tao can return us to the now. The string is cut by the words as names and reconnecting the strings can present moment touch the Tao.

The cause and the effects are aspects of the same, one thing.

They are both mysterious and profound.

At their most mysterious and profound point lies the "Gate of the Great Truth".

Failure to understand and accept what is natural and nature causes us to miss the "one". The "one" is veiled by our ego's desire to remain outside of the "now". The mysteries of the Universe need not be "understood" but "experienced"; "accepted with out question"; be a part of it "now".

Remaining in the moment opens the door; letting go of the complexities of the minds grip on understanding the profound mysteries of the Universe means remaining present.

1. A person's heart is the same as heaven and earth (person-heart-same-heaven-earth).

Forrest Gump's heart was unfettered as was his mind. He remained simply in the moment and dealt with life as it intersected his path on Earth. The influences of many things rippled with energy connecting to his present moment in life providing all he needed.

His ability to connect his heart and soul to the heavens and earth provided all of his needs and desires. He experienced the Tao though both good and bad, hard and soft, his natural change to his path as directed by the way, taking in opportunities as presented in the moment.

Tao-te-ching | Kenpo Gokui | The Way...

Greetings and Salutations All:

In the next series of postings I want to explore the connections I can "see" in the Tao Te Ching as it might apply to both Isshinryu's Kenpo Gokui and the "Way of the Empty Hand".

Since this is my first attempt in this type of comparison, etc. I would truly appreciate any feedback that will assist me in continued discovery.

This is my goal, to discover the Way; to discover the Tao.

Present Moment

We speak of "heaven and earth" as well as the "sun and moon". Many talk of various ways this applies to practice and life all leading to the development of being there in the now, being there in the present moment.

The classics tell us this does not mean that we deal with past events that are still relative to the moment yet it does tell us that we can "compartmentalize it" into a file outside of the minds present moment and then allow the natural flow to bring it out when and only when it must be dealt with in the moment.

When I contemplate heaven and earth I visualize both following the path set forth by the Universe. How they both follow a rhythm and cycles. As they travel the path they both spend not time "thinking" of the path they just left nor where they are headed as to their future. As in all things there is a path we are all destined to follow and we must allow ourselves to follow it.

This is the same with the sun and moon. The earth follows its path and naturally accepts what ever comes from the influences of the Universe which is the relationships all four have. The Heavens are influenced by the path traveled by the sun and moon. The stars are influenced by the path of our entire Universe. The earth receives from all and the blending of same assists earth in following its path.

When the sun, moon, and earth reach a certain position they are in that moment. A next moment puts them into the next position for that moment. The sun, moon, and earth deal with what occurred in thier past only when it becomes an influence in the present moment it occupies at that exact moment.

This is the Tao of the Universe. This is the Tao of the Present Moment.

Forrest Gump

My momma always said, "Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." - Forrest Gump

Both Tom Hanks (as Forrest Gump) and Peter Sellers (as "Chance" in Being There) took on rolls in two movies I have always felt provide insight into such things as living in the "present moment" and "the Tao". They both portrayed simple souls yet provided a simple complex way of life we all should strive to achieve.

These two characters, because of their simple minds, were naturally open to the influences of nature and the Universe. Both lived exclusively in the present moment. We, on the other hand, are sometimes trapped by our ego's and the minds tendency to "chatter" about the past and future while keeping us so engrossed that we have forgotten natures natural state of being in the present moment.

This does not mean we should be with out the natural abilities but to achieve a way of life that allows us to be open and receive the influences that come from the Tao. Only by living as they did, in the present moment, can we achieve such a level of enlightenment.

Some of my favorite books outside of the many translations of the Tao are some that use the Tao view to help us understand the complexities of Tao and Present Moment Living.

1. The Tao of Pooh.

2. The Tao of Star Wars.

One singular form of training that provides us with moments in the present is the "Way". The Way is another form that allows us to see the potential of the "Tao" which in reality brings us to an understanding of the "present moment".

We sometimes are in awe of those who somehow "create" a thing that when seen by us provides us "the wonder" of creativity. When asked about how they "came to achieve such things" most will say that "it just came to me". This is an example of what I speak of here. Achieve a state of present moment.

Study this carefully. The Kempo Gokui in Tatsuo Sensei Isshinryu is merely a window into the possibilities. We as humans sometimes need only a small crack in the wall that will allow us to remove the veil that blinds us to the present moment. This is the kenpo gokui; one such crack in the wall.

p.s. I once gave thought to writing my own interpretation of the Tao-te-ching using Forrest Gump and/or Chance, "The Tao of Gump" or "The Tao of Chance". Maybe one day if I can achieve that level of creativity.

Mind Manipulation

As I practice the "Way" I seem to "notice" more than I did before. I have noticed that we as a "species" are "crap"! We suck and one reason we "suck as a species" is because of the mind we possess.

Because we lack a certain ability to "see" beyond things that can influence our behaviors by certain social actions we do things that are detrimental to us as humans, our surroundings, society, and most important of all our environment (the one we directly interact with, the community, our country, our Earth...).

We as a species in general are so easily persuaded to do things that common sense tells us we should not do. We do these things to our detriment, i.e. our psychological and physical.

Others of our species use coercive persuasion to steer us in a direction that is not always good for us; not good for humanity; not good for our environment; not good for the Earth and not good for the Universe/Nature, etc.

Through the singular practice of Isshinryu Karate Jutsu Do I have just started to "see" and "hear" and "feel" and so on things that transpire around me that we hidden from me before. It is like I have a veil around my mind that prevents me from seeing the real world. As I practice and train my mind and body it results in a spirit that is a bit more open to the truth of the Way or "Tao".

A good example of the last few years is my diet. What I consume for fuel. I actually felt that I ate well and healthy but as my mind opened a bit to perceive the reality of it I found that what I thought was healthy/good was in reality poor. It turns out that as I begin to "see" and "perceive" reality that our species, a part of it that looks to "profit", has created a food chain meant to addict us to eating heavily the types of food that is unhealthy, i.e. causes weight gain, etc.

Our minds are the most important aspect of training and practice for to train and practice to open the mind to the immediate or physical that comes from karate jutsu do provides us a light that allows us to see deep into ourselves and the reciprocal action is the ability to "see" more within and then without.

Our species uses such things as "mental confusion", "suggestibility", non-physical punishments, social attitudes, attack of self concepts, attempts to instill powerlessness, undermine confidence, attack self-esteem, manipulation of information and language, and then the psychological threat of a secular nature.

One of the most difficult opponents we can confront is our psychological mind, the ego. Our species uses our own ego's to use subliminal tactics/strategies to take us where we should not go.

These altered states of mind are so pervasive that we seem stuck. It is the most difficult "addiction" even more so than "herion" (which I believe is also used to keep the mind easily receptive to the power of suggestions).

These, and other, reasons are why I stress the study of such things as the I-Ching and the tome's of the Kenpo Gokui which I believe help us to achieve psychological independence. Even tho initially the practice of karate jutsu do is seemingly rigid in its transmission of the traditional teachings that if we study the gokui in conjunction with the physical we can achieve a level of proficiency that allows us to think "freely" and "unencumbered" by influences or at least provide us the ability to achieve a level of proficiency that lets us "see" the "truth" and then make decisions in life that are beneficial to us, our families, our neighbors, our communities, and the world.

Only through this type of practice and training can we some day achieve that level of Psychological Freedom that will allow us to live life in the present moment with peace, tranquility, and serenity.

The Thrid Eye or Second Sight

"The eye must see all sides." - Kenpo Gokui

We see this as a practical aspect of the fighting arts. To see in the fighting arts means that we are totally aware of all that occurs around us and we use our sight to see the possibilities so we may act accordingly. This is the practical aspect.

The esoteric aspect of this tome is to "see" with the third eye, inner eye (referring to certain eastern spiritual traditions), all the various aspects of ourselves. We must open our minds so that the inner eye (the gate that leads within to inner realms and spaces of higher consciousness), which resides according to meditative experts in the forehead, can see all sides of the human condition with out judgement.

The third eye deals with a more spiritual (Buddhism) aspect of practice and training and constitutes some of what is done following the "Way". We must look and "see" actively and openly that which resides within each of us and blocks us from reaching our full potential both mentally and physically.

We must "see" and lay open all that resides in our "ego's" so we may "see" reality vs. falsehood. The ego works hard to keep us with the chattering mind that goes here and there, past and future, and anywhere else it can other than where we all should be and that is in the present moment.

We must see all sides of our personalities. We must be able to see and overcome those traits that would lead us down the incorrect path and be able to let go so we stay balanced.

To see all sides is not just the practical aspect used in combat but also that "second sight" that helps us to see the beyond the mere practical to those traits that connect us to the heavens thus the Universe or Tao.

The blood circulating is the same as the moon and the sun.

I was data mining today when I ran across a slightly different interpretation of the second "tome" of the "Kenpo Gokui".

Code 2. The blood circulating is the same as the moon and the sun.

The alternating phases of light and darkness, as symbolized by the sun and the moon, give this earth its life. Without darkness plants could not survive. Without light plants could not survive. With both, there is life. Man is the same. Without evil, man could not exist. Without goodness, man could not exist. With both, man is who he is. It is therefore dictated that light and darkness are in the blood as well as in the sky and it is that balance between the two which gives man life.

Now as to my point of view on this interpretation:

Whether the phases of light and dark in providing life to earth and its inhabitants that can be true for sunlight does effect life, i.e. sunlight gives us vitamin D, etc. Plants also require the sun to grow and flurish, etc.

As to man not existing with out evil I do have my doubts about this for I firmly believe that we all can survive just fine with out that yet when you look at the Universe there are always opposites, i.e. light/dark | high/low | good/bad | and so on...so if there is good then there has to be bad but the degree does not have to be extreme.

Now, as far as light and darkness in the blood well that one I have to take umbrage with because tho the cycles of the blood in our bodies can be likened to the cycles of the sun and moon metaphorically in reality it does not wash, i.e. light and darkness in the blood.

There is no light and dark in the sky but there is the cycles of the earth in relation to the sun and moon where depending on the rotation it can be either light or dark in the same place and lets not get into artificial light which we can get from the sun's reflection off the moon.

Anyway, I liked this take and wanted to present it here for your own analysis, etc.

Oh yea, lets not forget this interpretations reference to "symbolized" as that opens the door even wider as to your interpretation.

Have fun!

Bibliography:
Kingwood Karate School - Isshinryu (body - mind - spirit)

Oh yea, as for me I firmly believe that if humanity were focused on remaining in the present moment that we would be in balance thus removing good and bad because we would find our balance between both so humanity would be neither good or evil...

Feed the Tao

A person blood is the sun and moon with the heart being heaven and earth. Is the blood that circulates within us effected by the cycles of the sun and moon upon the earth with greater influences from the Universe?

The heavens that contain the sun, moon, and earth simply by their presence effect one another so is it not to follow that humanity who resides on the earth would receive the effects of those bodies upon ours?

Do we influence the heavens through the training of our bodies which effect our surroundings which in turn have an effect on our environments which is contained on this earth and thus have a reverse influence on the sun, moon, and heavens?

As we travel through our lives we continually come into the sphere of influence of many things to include other humans so the aura of each entity when entering into the energy field of another has some effect and that effect is determined by the frequencies of our aura or energy fields. The energy field is also called "ki" or "chi".

To achieve harmony do we not first have to create balance within thus effecting energies outside of us bringing a balance with the ripples effecting each until we influence or are influenced by the entire Universe.

To forget our connectivity; to break that bond or connection; does this not create isolation where the energy of our spirits is no longer open to the vibrations and charges necessary for healthy and spiritually enriched life?

Open the mind; open the heart; open the body; open connection to humanity; open connectivity to earth, sun, moon, and the heavens thus the Universe in all its entirety, is this not the true goal of life?

Open your mind to the possibilities and the body will follow. Forge the spirit and the body will follow. The body is the conduit to the Universe and each step-up generates greater energy and the ability to connect is strengthened. The mind-spirit-body-humanity-earth-sun-moon-heavesn-universe is the string from us to the Tao.

Through proper training we reduce/eliminate the "resistance (resistors)" so the energy of the Universe can flow back and forth feeding the Tao.

The Correct Way

If I say that my way of practice is the "one true way" am I not stifling my own way, am I not stifling my ability to expand and grow, am I not stifling my mind, and am I not "closing" my mind to the possibilities?

There is not an "absolute" correct way, there is not one true correct style of any martial or fighting art.

No matter who you are or what style you practice; you are and it is not the one true way but just one more "bottle" in a huge collection of "bottles". "All bottles are good!" - Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei.

Let us not "close" our minds to the infinite possibilities by categorizing life into silo's with thoughts of which is correct, which is the true one, or which is what ever but "open" our minds to all possibilities. Let that take us to the level of being "open" to all the possibilities of life.

Go beyond the mere physical, go beyond the mere mental, and expand yourself to embrace the infinite of the Universe! (try anyway :-)

Success

"A crucial measure of our success in life is the way we treat one another every day of our lives." - P. M. Forni

A maxim to live by in life and through the study of others as found through the teachings of Tatsuo Sensei and by the interpretation of the kenpo gokui. To study our connectiveness with others is a tome of the gokui and one that Tatsuo Sensei would speak of often in conversations.

Tatsuo Sensei felt it important that one study the customs of others to learn about them and their lives so we may communicate effectively. How we do this is important!

The practice and study of Reigi/Reishiki is one singular form within the singular form of the Way of the Fighting Arts that has much to teach in this regard.

We must practice and live the Way with our whole heart. We train the mind so that the "ki" circulates with out barriers and restrictive blockages caused by the effects of such as fear and stress. Only through this type of practice may we teach our minds and bodies to do this as indicated in the gokui, if you study it seriously.

Our success as Martial/Fighting Artists who follow the Way of the Empty Hand find that how we treat ourselves and others determines our overall success. Success with others as well as success in balance our minds and bodies for optimal health and well being or to reach nirvana.

How we deal with ourselves and others is determinate in whether we strike first with our fist or strike first with courtesy and kind consideration for others. Is this not the epitome of following the "Way"? Is this not finding the value in others through learning about them vs. just being an island on the sea of the Universe.

If we just go to a "class" for the sole purpose of getting exercise and having fun with others with out taking on the responsibility of actually learning about ourselves as well as others who may practice with us are we not neglecting the "Way" and does that not make this kind of practice nothing more than dancing?

Consider this with heartfelt seriousness. Reigi/Reishiki is based on respect, restraint, and responsibility...to practice diligently leads to a person who has thoughtfulness, effective self-expression and communication, and a wider range of benign responses leading to tranquility and peace.

Validate others by our acts of kindness!

Violence

[...an act of aggression; ferocity: the property of being wild or turbulent; a turbulent state resulting in injuries and destruction etc.; Violence is the expression of physical force against self or other, compelling action against one's will on pain of being hurt. ...]

When it is all said and done if violence is the result then we have failed ourselves and humanity. We have soiled what is right, correct, and just in the Universe. We have fallen from the path.

When we resort to violence we are lost and the only ending is more violence. Is it not the goal or path of following the Way of the Empty Hand (or any other art form) to "NOT FIGHT" yet we seem to focus on the act of domination of others through its practice and use.

To dominate by violence is an absolute last resort and should be the farthest thing in our minds, in our practice, in our training, and in our lives.

I believe that the human condition, in the beginning, required we be a violent species as the jungle was a place of violence yet not indiscriminate and with out purpose, i.e. food and preservation of the human race.

Today, we should have evolved beyond the need to become violent or to dominate one another. If we truly place ourselves in the present moment we don't have time for it.

Yet, we continue to practice and train for the strictly physical aspects of the martial/fighting arts with focus on dominance and violence. Just watch the tele!

If I were to dream the dream then I would never see violence in word, deep, action, or in society, ever. We would have the ability to discuss and arrive at mutual consensus as to everything that would cause the remotest possibility of conflict, dominance, etc.

Am I a dreamer? I dream I am a butterfly who thinks he is a human and I flutter about always in the present moment. So I am a dreamer!

"The epitome of a true martial/fighting artist is achieving the level of ability to cause the greatest of harm yet making the conscious decision to never be the instrument of harm!" - c. e. james

Connections, Careful Now!

Vagueness can lead to misunderstandings and misuse of knowledge. Remember that knowledge is power yet of what kind is the true question.

So many ways connect us to what we know and understand. Lack of same begets the type of difficulties that are the reasons we have "martial arts" or "fighting arts".

I can extrapolate almost anything from the gokui for it is a matter of loosely connecting such things in our physical world to the not so physical. It can sound plausible! It can read like it has meaning and connects go the gokui as well as any other aspect of the "arts".

The true question, "is it real or memorex?" Is the string that connects strong enough to bind one thing to another? We should ask ourselves this type of question or questions to help us differentiate between the "true way" from the "fictional way".

Is this the reason why so many Isshinryu practitioners hold on so tightly to their perceptions as passed to them by Sensei? Are my mindless meanderings a true connection to the meaning of the Way and gokui?

Always question yourself! Always question others! Always question what you hear, read, see, smell, taste, and touch for it may or may not be real.

Are you a butterfly dreaming you are a person or are you a person who is dreaming you are a butterfly?

Resistance

Resistance is futile! So say the "borg" of the Star Trek series.

The gokui speaks of balance in all things, it speaks of the sun, moon, heaven, and earth with possibilities when they are teaching us about cycles, rhythm, balance, spirit, and so on.

I find in my studies that to "resist" the natural flow of life opens us to many not so pleasant things ranging from mental and physical ill health to attracting "bad things" in life. I also find that when I am in balance of mind, body, and spirit with connectivity to the "Tao" that my mental, physical, and spiritual being is balanced and through that profound emanation of positive energies attract like energy resulting in a better life experience.

Although the gokui references the more esoteric views of such things as life balance it does provide one who is ready and open to experience the true nature of the Universe in a myriad of ways. This is one of many paths to forging the spirit through the experiences of the mind and body. This creates the "one" and to allow ourselves to let go and rid ourselves of resistance opens us to greater experiences in life.

The ties that bind us to resistance are partly connected to the "past" and "future" thoughts while distracting us from the joy of the present moment. Our "ego's" strap us down and tell us that we must resist this since the past and future are told to us as our identities when our true identity is one of the moment experienced with out restraint by past, future, or the ego's continuous chatter of what it "thinks" is best for us.

Reality is the moment we experience "NOW", not yesterday and most assuredly NOT tomorrow.

Perspective

[cognitive] position: a way of regarding situations or topics etc.; the choice of a or a reference (or the result of this choice) from which to sense, categorize, measure or codify experience, cohesively forming a coherent belief, typically for comparing with another.

one's "point of view", the choice of a context for opinions, beliefs and experiences.

What we subject ourselves to with influences of varying sources and degrees with a solid dose of the power of suggestion. It is related to our life experiences with emphasis on importance from slightly to life changing.

It is something we come to from how we individuals "look" at something. Look meaning visual with interpretation due to our cognitive perceptions. It is "our" own "point of view". It deals with what the individual wants, needs, and/or feels.

In order to "get" someone to do something you need to appeal to that persons point of view to surmount obstacles that perspective influences created in that persons life. This will include something like, "What is in it for that person".

Apparently humanity or "Man" requires something in return or what is "good" for that person in order to adjust or modify that persons perspective on anything in life. We motivate by coming from a particular perspective that will meet or exceed a persons perspective.

Being able to see the other person's point of view is one of Henry Fords advice towards being successful in business. "If there is any one secret of success, it lies in the ability to get the other person's point of view and see things from that person's angle as well as from your own".

All this to convey the importance of the "gokui" in practice as well as life for it alludes to such human perspectives of the individual to enlighten or illuminate is such a way that the individual readily accepts and assimilates some "thing" into their lives.

The gokui is vague in many ways as well as fluid in its influences on the individual as to perceptions and perspectives. Failure to open the mind, body, and spirit to such concepts as the gokui can mean stagnation, being stuck in a "rut", or remaining distant from the moment thus being stuck in a perspective that is completely influences by the "ego" of the past or future with no ability to remain present or in the moment.

One must use the gokui as a means to turn the "eye" of the universe into one's soul which is through that persons perception which can be a fluid as the gokui when growth is allowed. To choose to allow fluidity of perceptions leading to fluidity of perspective which is a way to codify your experiences, to form a particular belief that is also fluid.

One studies the gokui to understand the reality of the moment and no where else can we create this type of ability than through the study of the singular form that is understood as the "way".

The gokui is that singular tool that trains the mind in a singular purpose to achieve continuity that connects it with the strings of energy that is the now or the present; a present moment that is in the now as is the Universe, Sun, Moon, Earth, and humanity (which encompasses all things both animate and inanimate).

Don't let the ego strap your perspective into a brick wall where you continually pound your head but a diaphanous curtain that can be seen through, penetrated, and then re-hung at the next level of life.

Remember that humans are distinct and separate while remaining connected and to allow fluidity in perspective also allows for unrestrained connective-ness to all.

"Attitude"

Defined: "a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways"

The "attitude" of a practitioner can mean the difference between learning or just fighting. Attitude means more than that.

Taking an attitude in:

- keeping an open mind for every lesson of life.
- practicing with heart and honesty.
- taking a deeper view of life's lessons.

To have proper attitude takes a good deal of discipline. Attitude is the doorway to life's education and our singular practice of the "Way" provides us the vehicle to follow that road. Proper attitude constitutes:

1. Modesty in all things.
2. Truth and justice in honest practice.
3. Depth of life.

Our mind leads our bodies and spirit so we shall practice to control the mind so the body will follow. The mind shall be:

1. thankful and appreciative.
2. reflective and contemplative.
3. modest and moral.
4. indebtedness and obligation.
5. adaptive and willing.
6. open and receptive.
7. devoted and helpful.
8. dedicated and continuous.
9. diligent and humble.
10. calm and serene.
11. vital and energetic.
12. kind and considerate.

The balance between the mental, the physical and the spiritual is extremely important in making the person a quality person. One of right attitude; one of right beliefs, right feelings, right values, and right disposition. We can become properly balanced through the practice of the fighting arts with proper attitude!

What the gokui adds to our practice is the method of creating a "true" and "moral" character than transcends the need to use the physical to dominate another.

A persons "heart" can be any character one decides upon in their life with sole responsibility to that person. We strive in our practice to achieve a level of "heart" that reflects the type of personality and character that is balanced between good and evil creating a vibration that brings both into balance much like the connections and cycles of the sun and moon which provide balance to "earth" and "humanity".

By creating a character of good, positive, harmonious, moral, and balanced provides us with the ability to blend with our world and society or others with the ability to send the right energies that attract and change other energies into one with the Universe.

Character

"the inherent complex of attributes that determines a persons moral and ethical actions and reactions"

Good or evil; positive or negative; in-yo; yang or yin; center and harmony; the true "character" of the soul; spiritual vs. true; the different level of understanding of Tao...

If the True Character dominates, one will not initiate any confrontation or kill because it is all good and no evil. What one will do is to seek a solution so that both will live in peace if there is any difference or enmity. If the Spiritual Character dominates, one may take revenge and do evil or even kill.

If the Materialistic Character dominates, one will initiate confrontation and may act like an animal not knowing what is right or what is wrong. The human conscience is lost and has no direction of love and brotherhood in this world.

Do ya think...

Do you think if we spent more time on the "gokui" training we might not find ourselves in "fights" or situations that lead to "fighting"?

A Marine once said to me, "Marines train hard so they don't have to fight!"

Do you feel that if we truly lived up to the "Way" of the empty hand that we would find that we don't have to fight and that our lives would "repel" the energy vibrations that attract conflict like iron to a magnet?

Hmmmmm, interesting!

The Need for Validation

Def. Validation: To declare or make legally valid; to mark with an indication of official sanction; to establish the soundness of. Synonym is confirm. - Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition

Apparently the human species has this inherent need to be validated. We seek validation for a job well done, that we are attractive, we are valued by those we see as our betters, and we want to be wanted by others. Some require very little validation while others require a good deal of validation to feel good about themselves or ourselves.

Why do we require validation from others who we feel is the authority on the particular such as the fighting arts where rank is viewed as a form of validation along with who presented you with that rank or level. We seem to need confirmation from authoritative (or what is perceived as authoritative) sources before we find comfort in our level of proficiency and this goes to many other "things" in life.

Validation apparently originates in our childhood and it may be from a lack of attention or the resulting feeling of not being valued by those we perceive as important authority figures, i.e. parents, etc. We tend to seek to quench that thirst as we grow up.

When you study the list of personal experiences that indicate the need for validation you understand it a bit more such as a feeling of uncomfortable around others, trying to do to much for others while ignoring yourself, etc.

In the end seeking validation from other sources and persons other than "yourself" will always leave you unsatisfied thus always seeking it; a vicious circle. Only you can satisfy your own need for validation!

Ok, now you see that our view of rank in the fighting arts may just be an extension of our own personal need to find validation in what we practice. It is merely a venue for our ego's to satisfy the inherent need and the fighting arts colored belts along with the need to have a particular organization and/or person see us as something we should already see within ourselves.

Here is how we as fighting art practitioners can utilize the singular practice of an art such as Isshinryu Karate-jutsu-do to not only take control of ourselves through the suppression of the ego's influences by training and practicing until we have a level of self-esteem that tells us that we are satisfied with ourselves, that we are good, moral, and decent; that we see ourselves as proficient in all we do especially through the "Way" of the fighting arts.

Only by centering ourselves from within do we achieve the abilities inherent in the practice of the "Way" that allow us to control the ego; to remain ever present; to remain always in the moment; and to choose the moment when we shall deal with everyday life matters.

This is the ultimate goal of training in the fighting arts; in the "Way of the Empty Hand"; and any other way or art form.

THOUGHTS---------->>>

Humans have many needs that are generally met by other humans - like needs for connection, reassurance, love/warmth, intimacy, acceptance, companionship, meaning, inspiration, challenge. If you're alive, you need other people - that’s just part of being human. The great part is, other people need you too!

Where this drops a bit is the degree of need for others especially in regards to validation which in this instance is attached, like so many other things, to our own self-esteem. We are social animals so to speak so we do need a degree of contact with others. This is so true if you believe that we are all connected in this universe by strings of energy, i.e. my string theory.

Where that need becomes an issue with each of us is when the degree of need becomes something that causes us to seek it out like an obsession resulting is a loss of balance within. The loss of balance be it in the mind or as the body follows the mind it also has adverse effects on the body resulting is stress and the physical issues that causes.

We need to find balance within or we never find balance without or outside in the world. If our needs are in the extreme and not balanced then we suffer the results so we must find balance.

This is where that singular practice can achieve that balance. We open our minds in the training hall to allow our ego's to lie in stasis so our minds can "see" reality. We then are receptive to our own faults and try to bring them into the realm of perfection (understanding that the trip is the true goal for perfection is imperfection). If we achieve this in our art form it will naturally have positive influences on our minds and in every day life. We achieve balance in life through the practice of the singular form of fighting art.

In the end our self worth does not depend on others nor does it depend on any type of rating, ranking, or perception of another. Learn from authoritative sources so you can grow within and then let your self provide all the self-esteem you already possess.

Money and All its Trappings

Phew, a really touch subject especially since a good deal of the practitioners of a martial/fighting art are commercial in one form or another thus rely on incoming funds to stay open.

Let me begin this post by saying there are many, many dojo out there that change fee's for the privilege of guidance in the art of karate-do. Although I have never charged a dime for my efforts in training/practice with others it is not a bad thing.

What changes it are ego's and the almighty dollar or plain old "greed." This is a world that runs on money.

It is so prevalent in the arts that many fork over the money regardless of the facts about any one dojo, style, or organization such as associations. It may fall under that recent post of mine on, "The Power of Suggestion."

After all we are raised by a commercial society that worships the dollar. It just goes to show that to make money brings about happiness and contentment ( NOT! ). We do sometimes believe this to be so.

Ok, this site is on the kenpo gokui and the concepts that Tatsuo Sensei conveyed in his teachings. Don't get me wrong for Tatsuo Sensei made a good living on the Marine contracts with Special Services. He worked his demonstrations and asked his Marine students to assist in getting and retaining those contracts so his motivation, at least in part, were commercial.

Regardless he did speak of the kenpo gokui and the other religious influences used to create Isshinryu so he was not totally consumed by money and its power over everything. Now as to his first born son that is a different matter.

The IWKA is about money. I can't help but believe this simply because of my own personal experiences with Kichiro Sensei, the IWKA through him, and the IWKA here in the States. Every time I inquired about something or other the first words I would here is, "It will cost about this or that much to do that."

I once decided after many years to get some perceived authoritative body to validate my level or dan grade. When I asked the IWKA about certifying my rank, at the time Go-dan, they said they would not recognize Go-dan but would allow me to be a Sho-dan at such-n-such a fee and that they would expedite the rank up to Go-dan by going through each level for such-n-such a fee.

I was even told that if I could get all my dojo practitioners to join they would allow a small reduction in the fees which equated to little over about five percent. Not much incentive to me. They led me to believe that if I did that, paid my fee's, and attended all IWKA functions be they seminars, tournaments, etc that I would be a high ranking IWKA member in a few short years.

The thing that baffles me the most is that most of the IWKA Sensei/dojo teach Isshinryu one way while during visits by Kichiro Sensei for seminars and/or tournaments they would change the way they practiced to suit him until he left then revert back to the way they originally do things but still send him money so he can issue a piece of paper and get free trips to the states. Go figure!

Is this the spirit of karate-do? Is this the spirit of Tatsuo Sensei? Is this the spirit of the kenpo gokui? Is this the "Way" of karate-do?