eBook - Ken-po Goku-i Progressing

Wow, the process is really involved editing and readying a book for publishing, even an eBook. I wanted to let those who may be interested know that I am about two thirds through the first edit by self. I plan on at least two more before I pass it along to an editor friend of mine who has graciously volunteered to assist.

It is progressing and I have hopes of getting it on to smashwords this year!

Humbleness vs. Entitlement

Humble: 謙虚な Kenkyona
Entitlement: 資格 Shikaku

Humble: 謙虚（けんきょ） / modesty, humility, modest, humble
Entitlement: ?

Humbleness: humility: a disposition to be humble; a lack of false pride ...
Entitlement: To have the right to claim something; An individual who is comfortable with an equity ratio greater than that of his or her comparison other.

Often a sense of entitlement is a product of such traits as pride and ego. It is sometimes an unrealistic sense that one is entitled to something that often puts them at a higher social level where they feel superiority. It is a belief in a special sense that one has a right that is greater than another. They tend to see themselves as a "special person."

I quote, "In a casual sense, the term "entitlement" refers to a notion or belief that one (or oneself) is deserving of some particular reward or benefit[1]—if given without deeper legal or principled cause, the term is often given with pejorative connotation (e.g. a "sense of entitlement")."

Who is to say that any person's sense of entitlement is either false or not. Do we tend to assign entitlement solely based on some legal or principle cause as stated above or does a false sense come from a lack thereof? How much is connected to a person's self-esteem? When is it normal and when is it a narcissistic entitlement?

Does a complete and utter release of self from all entitlements, perceived or granted, mean one is now of a humble nature? Is humbleness the complete opposite of a person with a sense of entitlement? Can a person truly release themselves from ego, pride and a sense of entitlement either false or not? Is some level of entitlement a human need, requirement for self preservation or survival?

Is it realistic to assume a humble state? I read stories of those who exude a humble nature and at the same time the story itself is a form of prideful validation that the person is humble and unassuming - unassuming? It sounds a bit like Yin-n-Yang where a balance of one extreme or the other denotes a person, their personality and their degree of either entitlement or humbleness.

Is it possible that a humble person is one who just gives up pride, ego and such beliefs simply because they cannot achieve validation that fits them, ergo their sense of entitlement thus causing another form of entitlement, pride and ego, i.e. I am a humble person or cause others to validate them because they now are perceived to be of humble nature?

Thought provoking.

Glass Full?

Ever get the question (a glass with water filled to the halfway mark), "Is this glass half full or half empty?" The answer speaks to the person's view or perception to the world but what if the answer was, "Technically the glass is always full."

Waxing philosophical from a martial art perspective or more accurately a Taoist, Buddhist, Shintoist, Zen view where the void, the emptiness, the area between things is also filling up those spaces. Even the vacuum of space is filling the space between planets, asteroids, stars, suns, etc. which means it is not empty technically.

The glass is always filled with something be it water, milk, beer or just air. It drops back to the quote attributed to Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei at a late night gathering of karate-ka drinking and generally socializing, "all bottles are good, they all serve a purpose." This means that although the beer or ammori is gone from the bottle the bottle still can serve a purpose holding the air that took control of the space within when the drink was removed. That space simply waits for a purpose depending on what it is refilled with ..... ;-)

So the next time someone asks the question simply say, "it is not half full or half empty, it is always full." Guess it is a matter of how one's "sees" it.

Cultural Thing: The Finger Removal Practice

I was reading about the art of tea when I ran across a reference to a story about Yoshitsune, the hero of Arthurian type legends in Japan. In one of the Japanese monasteries, Sumadera Monastery near Kobe, there hangs a tablet that has the following quote after reference to the beauty of the blossoms states, "Whoever cuts a single branch of this tree shall forfeit a finger therefor."

I immediately gave thought to the practice of the Japanese Yakuza where one who has done something that requires atonement to a senior would therefore cut off a piece of the finger. Is it possible that this old Chinese tale inspired this particular act of attrition. When you couple the many influences of China and such as Confucianism, Buddhism and Zen along with the great effort to incorporate such things into the Japanese culture and customs it is not farfetched an idea, is it?

We know that it is a custom for Yakuza so say the different cultural writings in English - translated. We don't know the origin of the practice or if it actually extended from the feudal era of great influence to Japanese culture and beliefs. It may be that even the Japanese, specifically Yakuza, know of its origins but it is an idea as to a possible source, yes? 

Additional Information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yakuza

Yubitsume [Yubitsume (指詰め, "finger shortening")], or the cutting of one's finger, is a form of penance or apology.

This article alludes to its origins in swordsmanship: "Its origin stems from the traditional way of holding a Japanese sword. The bottom three fingers of each hand are used to grip the sword tightly, with the thumb and index fingers slightly loose. The removal of digits starting with the little finger moving up the hand to the index finger progressively weakens a person's sword grip." Is it possible the idea still comes from the origin above?

It also stated, "The idea is that a person with a weak sword grip then has to rely more on the group for protection—reducing individual action." This falls into some of my studies in that one who is a bit of a rogue or individualist is not complying with Japanese culture, i.e. the group is everything and to embarrass the group, etc. is taboo. If a swordsman did something not group approved, etc. then to do this ensures in a most physical way they must remain a member of the group where group decisions and actions have to have a group consensus, etc. It would also speak to the samurai in question as a reminder that death is there when one does not conform to the group. This does make some sense I think.

Remember, all things are to be considered with caution. I kind of like my hypothesis tho :-)

See also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yubitsume

Taoism, Confucianism, Zen-ism [it has been a while, yes]

Buddhism, Shintoism and Zen-ism of Japan, greatly influenced as were the Okinawan by their interactions with the Chinese. The Chinese directly and indirectly were of great influence on both cultures. It is this that brings me to recommendation of "The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura."

The Ken-po Goku-i is that short terse reference/inference to these past/present great treatises of life but meant to be used in conjunction with the practice of karate-jutsu-do. As I read this wonderful book on the art of tea I am finding symbolism, reference and connections to practice of jutsu for the physical and great guidance for the philosophical or spiritual - the heart in wholehearted.

It is through the oldest culture of Asia and possibly the world that is the "cornerstone" to any endeavor, discipline and art be it karate-jutsu-do, cha-do or of everyday life in the pursuit of enlightenment. Pursue the studies of these ancient classics and you as a karate-jutsu-do adherent can start with the "gokui."

Tea

In my search for knowledge through the goku-i I have studied many views. Not until today have I come across a better expression of the many facets of a custom, culture and belief system. This is the "first" piece I would recommend be studied for it will connect everything into one cohesive understanding - a beginning.

This is something, similar to the go rin no sho and I Ching, that warrants many readings of which my first is occurring in the present. I can feel that my studies warrant a re-read from time to time just to open the door a bit wider and gain increased understanding.

First, I discover a greater depth and breadth to kata. Second, I lean of specific terminologies that transcend the narrow functions of the dojo allowing for a wider view of life. Third, it provides the results from the origins, i.e. Confucianism, Buddhism and Zen-ism.

Let me introduce you to "The Book of Tea" written by Okakura Kakuzo Sensei. Reading his background leaves me not doubt as to his ability to convey sometimes mystically enshrouded customs, cultures and beliefs of a society. This lead into a culture that gave birth to such as martial arts is illuminating.

I place this here as it is a philosophy illuminating understanding as in the ken-po goku-i is to karate-jutsu-do.

Bibliography:
Okakura, Kakuzo. "The Book of Tea." Dover Publications. New York. 1906, 2010.