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?
Playing With Sharp Swords
I have been saying it’s important to get training for using a sharp sword or...
Learning Koryū Kenjutsu & Iaijutsu Traditionally
Sword Control
We should not let our mind or body or sword become contorted or controlled by...
Kesagiri: Anatomy of A Sword Strike
In Japanese swordsmanship, there have been many hundreds of schools. There are, however, only a...
Practice
The car at the bottom of the hill needs a sustained gas pedal to move...
Is Compassion Important In Martial Arts?
What is compassion? Compassion is a concern for the suffering or problems of others. The...
What does Budō mean?
I’d like to discuss briefly discuss what Budo or Bujutsu means. I’m not a scholar...
Budo Thoughts
There are techniques and scrolls and teachings all over the dojo. What does it matter...
Shugyō and Keiko Martial Arts Practice
Practicing and Studying There are two main words used about practicing and learning in martial...
Bujutsu Thoughts
Training in iaijutsu (or any bujutsu) means doing the same thing over and over and...
正月 Bujutsu New Years 2019
To all of you that have supported and also those that have caused trouble to...
Advance The Sword And Mind
No matter what, move. Advance. Unceasingly against whatever odds, internal or external, move towards the...
What does Bugei mean?
Bugei translates as Martial art, Military arts, or Arts of war. Bu 武 means warrior...
The Martial Arts Heart
Budo values reflection and compassion. When these are not present it is hard to develop...
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...
Budo Don’t
Don’t be in love with your weapon. Don’t be in love with your uniform. Don’t...
Wisdom Martial Arts Keiko & Buddhism
For those that lack wisdom the way is difficult. It is best to consider the...
How to learn kenjutsu?
How to learn kenjutsu? Learning anything as profound as a martial art needs a teacher....
Budō Practice Is Everywhere
Practicing without many excuses not to is a good practice.
Duping The Gaijin – Martial Arts Fraud
Some Japanese schools or individuals wish to capitalize on the ignorance of non-Japanese martial artists...
Narrow Minds Walk Narrow Paths
Narrow Minds Walk Narrow Paths There are a lot of martial arts to enjoy. There...
Budō Practice & Sacrifice
[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...