Blood Circulates Sun Moon

In my journey to understand all the underlying aspects of the physical through the practice of the singular called "karate-do" I have studied the ken-po goku-i which states in general, "The blood circulating is similar to the sun and moon. In the journey I have discovered many links, connections, that took me to the academic study of the source, India Yoga.

In reference to the "Sun" It states that the sun radiates heat which evaporates water. The vapor becomes clouds from which rain falls to the "earth." Man tills the earth and produces food which, when consumed, creates the energy that maintains vigor. Vigor engenders discipline, which develops the faith that gives knowledge; knowledge bestows learning, which brings composure and creates calmness; calmness establishes equanimity, which develops memory that induces recognition; recognition brings judgment, which leads to the realization of the "Self".

If we remain open to connections that could possible bring more meaning to our practice and to our lives then such connections are positive and beneficial. In this quote I connect to the first and second line of the ken-po goku-i, i.e. "The person's heart is the same as Heaven and Earth" and "The blood circulating is similar to the Sun and Moon."

How does this apply to karate-do or any other endeavor that leads or guides us to openness and better life practices? In the physical practice of the body through  the actions of the mind we must endeavor to create a body that is complete and at its peak which requires us to feed the body the fuels necessary to accomplish this goal. Food or fuel comes from "the breathe," "food," and "knowledge" which promotes health which is physical fitness which also influences the mind through the many systems of the body connected to the bodily functioning and vice versa.

The body follows the mind and the mind is influenced by the actions of the body. You decide in your mind what and how you will care and maintain your body and your body reciprocates accordingly in its influences to the mind.

Something to think about, yes?

Note: Sun provide energy by the light spectrum it sense us on Earth. The sun also provides heat which as the quote says influences the myriad things of the Earth where it provides sustenance to all life. Changes occur due to this relationship in water becomes gaseous/vapor rising into the heavens called "sky" creating by the changes in atmospheric pressures and temperatures clouds that rain on the Earth enriching the soils so that we may produce the foods necessary to create energy that fuels the very cells of our bodies and so on ...

Note: The body needs food containing the right balance, water helps digest and assimilate the food, food then nourishes by its assimilation into the various forms through out the body. One must find out by trial and experience which food is suitable to him/her.

Note: Our temperament is influenced by our diet because what we eat does affect the functioning of the mind. It is that state of mind that is important and proper diet will help to maintain clear and unwavering mind.

Note: The quantity and quality of food should be moderated. Respiration/proper-breathing provides the energy to promote digestion. Moderate and nourishing food is essential to maintain vigor, strength and alertness. Food is to be respected, not abused.

How does one achieve this in karate-do, by discipline. To achieve discipline the rigors of karate-do promote it and by it we can achieve discipline of the mind and spirit. This type of discipline promotes the kind that allows us to decide on our diet and then live that diet even when tempted by all the surrounds us such as advertisements, etc. This is how it starts and the singular practice of the mind and body in karate-do promotes this and the other disciplines necessary to change and promote living well, being healthy in both mind and body.

Bibliography:
Iyengar, B.K.S. Light on Pranayama: The Yogic Art of Breathing. Crossroad Publishing New York. 2010.