After every meditation session my teacher, with his eyes still closed, would softly speak in Pali the words of the Buddha,
Sabbe sankara aniccati, yada pannaya passati, atha niggindati dukkhe, esa maggo visuddhiya. It means all conditioned things are impermanent, that when one sees this with the eye of wisdom, one becomes disenchanted with suffering. This is the path to purification. Impermanence is a good subject.
Conditioned
All conditioned things are physical and mental formations, all phenomena are not permanent and without self. A tree, the cell of a bacteria or animal, a star, even a thought. All of these are conditioned as they exist based on the conditions of other things. These arise, exist and pass. We should spend time understanding this impermanence.
Wisdom
Seeing with wisdom requires experiential knowledge. It is not through theoretical yammerings that we can understand impermanence but with applied and sustained effort through meditation and awareness. These are without base and are not reliable foundations for true happiness. This is a great source of suffering/stress (dukkha).
It is through deep investigation into the arising and falling of all conditioned things that we can understand the true nature. Seeing the truth of all impermanence as it relates to our minds during swordsmanship training and life. Do you feel permanence within and around you? What is permanent?
Ranks, Respect, and Reverberations: Navigating Today’s Martial World
In the hallowed path of martial arts, the journey has always been as significant, if...
Honesty and the Martial Arts Hermit. Being a good budō teacher and student.
When people want to find a martial arts teacher, do they often think of mister...
Secrets of Swordsmanship: In-yō. Ying & Yang
I wanted to talk about IN-YŌ 陰陽, or more commonly known as yin & yang....
The Sword of Kamma
Within Shinkan-ryū are teachings to being responsible for our actions. Admitting fault of miss-actions or...
Son lo Mismo las Habilidades de Combate y las Artes Marciales?
Porqué hacer la diferencia entre arte marcial y habilidad de combate? Pienso que las habilidades...
What is true budo?
Studying the arts of fighting leads to peace. The pursuit of martial arts has one...
Be Thankful.Be Earnest In Bujutsu & Life
Be thankful for your mistakes, failures, and blunders. They are your own teacher reminding you...
Budō Practice Is Everywhere
Practicing without many excuses not to is a good practice.
Martial Arts Creator Origin Myths of Japan
Japanese Koryū Creator myths; becoming enlightened and making up a whole martial arts system. Some...
Koryū Menkyo Kaiden & Classical Martial Arts Proliferation
免許皆伝 Menkyo Kaiden and Koryu Proliferation Mention menkyo or menkyo kaiden around some martial artists...
Budo Thoughts: Practice is life.
Practice is life. Life is practice. Enjoy them together. Enjoying morning keiko outdoors. The smell...
Duping The Gaijin – Martial Arts Fraud
Some Japanese schools or individuals wish to capitalize on the ignorance of non-Japanese martial artists...
Wisdom Martial Arts Keiko & Buddhism
For those that lack wisdom the way is difficult. It is best to consider the...
Speed, Martial Arts and Samurai Theater
What’s the difference between bugei 武芸 (martial arts) demonstrations and stunts? People are awed by...
Equanimity Of A Bushi
Under the big blue sky, Walk with purpose. せいしょうにへいほうす。青空をすたすた歩く。 Move towards your difficulties (or life...
Budo Don’t
Don’t be in love with your weapon. Don’t be in love with your uniform. Don’t...
Martial Arts Cults & Lies
I once had an interaction with someone who referred to their school as a genuine...
Is Compassion Important In Martial Arts?
What is compassion? Compassion is a concern for the suffering or problems of others. The...
What Value Is In Martial Arts Training?
Someone asked, “What value is there in martial arts training?” I reflected, what do I...
Components of Iaido Iaijutsu
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="no" hundred_percent_height="no" hundred_percent_height_scroll="no" hundred_percent_height_center_content="yes" equal_height_columns="no" menu_anchor="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" status="published" publish_date="" class="" id="" background_color="" background_image="" background_position="center...
Unleash the Potential of Your Iaido Success
We’re diving deep into the art and discipline of Iaido, a journey that goes far...
