Category Archive

Zanshin ざんしん

Now that it s over I have found myself reflecting on different aspects of the adventure. When I was just getting started on day one and two. I thought to myself, well, it’s not as I thought it would be, but… I can do this! I can get through it no matter what. However I will not do this again. Partly because of our plans to go to Japan next year. Partly because I was not enjoying it. Now having completed the training.

I can see more of the value of the intensity. I would diffidently going again, with the right equipment. In fact I would like to go once more. I think it will be a good training for the Sail Passage. Yes, a week of Zen & Kyudo would be good mind and spirit training for a ocean passage. I’ll plan on working that into the schedule.

I believe this retreat qualifies as: Shigyo

Shugyo (修行) may be defined literally as “conducting oneself in a way that inspires mastery”. While the meaning of the kanji used in “shu” was originally translated as ‘using a brush to strike away the dust that obscures the viewing of a persons original elegance’, the combined kanji of “shu” and “gyo” (carrying out, walking along) is now generally translated as simply “severe or austere training”. The kanji rendered for this version of “shugyo” is most commonly associated with Buddhist asceticism, and most notably, the “shugenja” (修験者, ascetic mountain-dwelling monks).
When I read this I got a sense of what was to be. On many levels this was Severe or Austere training. As I look back I can see the overall connectiveness of the experience. It was a warrior retreat, unlike the heart zen retreat we just returned from. The underlying physical training was as intense as the spiritual. I am grateful to have been been able to attend. I see, feel, understand the link between the motion zen and sitting. Also how I want to run a retreat and the use of the sitting zen with the martial training. In my case it would be Tai Chi and Kung Fu.

Before I went on this retreat I purchased a book called “One Arrow, One Life- Zen, Archery, Enlightenment”. by Kenneth Kushner. I had planned on reading this during some free time , if there was some on this retreat. Now after attending the retreat I find the book resonates which the experience. The mind set of zazen carrying on to the mind set of a shot. The connection from grounding, to the release of the arrow. The alinement of the body with that of the bow , target, breath, arrow. The subtleties of the complementary nature of thought and action, movement and stillness. If fells in the gaps of the older book, “Zen and the art of archery”.

I see another one of these retreat as a great spirit training for my ocean passage. Even under ideal weather conditions this type of retreat with it’s, the structure, the subtile physical training, the mental forging, the connection to the earth, the release of ego in the face of something bigger is a challenge to spirit and body.

I am a bit sad that I will be unable, to attend more than one more in the future. However good things happen as well as bad, so only the Force knows about tomorrow I can only hope there is one an live where I am now and be grateful for the present.

_/\_

はなれ - Hanare

When the alignment of Kai are completed, the tension grows until the string slips away from the gloved hand and the arrow looses itself towards the target...” One arrow One Life”…K. Kushner

It was finally the last day. Part of me was glad, I was ready to go home, yet I was also sad for things to end now that I found the flow and temp were normalizing.

I was one of the first today at the Zendo. The doors to the inner room were not even open yet. I did some warm ups and chi gong whist waiting. I was re-centered… finally. I had no care of the length of sitting. I looked forward to seeing and feeling the change of Yin air to Yang, the relm of the moon to the kingdom of the sun. Today I felt the chants not just said them. I heard and felt the tones, the vibrations, the chi of the voices. The prostrating was another form of moving Zen, it was the flow of kung fu movement, it was connecting to the earth chi, the source of this body from earth to earth.

We had our usual morning sessions then breakfast. This was our most simple meal since being here, Cherrios and Banana bread. I made the mistake of not tasting things first, and put brown sugar on the cereal…made it too sweet! yuck!  I did not want to waste food, so I sucked it up

That morning after breakfast our group’s work period was to pack and “leave no trace” That was one of the code words for our presence there the whole time. Meaning, leave no mess, cleanup after ourselves. That we did with mindfulness. Always reminded me of Carlos Castinata (sp), when I read that. That was his statement on the way of a warrior.

Now it is finally time for us to to do our final practice. We were suppose to give a demo to the residents there at the Zen center. It was done with full Kyudo formality. The only sad part was my small camera data disk was full, so I could not take a video of the shooting. There were some folks there taking video, a copy should turn up I can access. We practiced, and reviewed what we learned. It went well. Everyone was pleased to be shooting under more comfortable conditions.

Lunch was good! Veggie chili, Home made apple sauce and cornbread. It was good and hit the spot. It was our final meal there at the center. I raised a question from remark made at breakfast about how good food was after doing Zazen for 2 hours. I asked at which time does it taste best. After 2 hours Zazen or working in the Garden, room, etc? I suppose in true Zen sense, both would/should be equal as each moment , each sight, each breath, each taste, is new, fresh, magical, from Zen eyes, or tonge in this case.

The demo was nice, we looked like we really knew what we were doing. Myself and another guy did one type of two arrow, kneeling shooting, and the rest of the men’s group who were more experienced did another type. I was in charge of sitting the pace for my little section as the other guy was not comfortable with it. Great I’m new at it also. Ok, ganbattemasu! I set our pace to match the other group so we all looked in harmony through doing somewhat different things. It was not really hard, being use to following Kung Fu/Tai Chi movements. Many parts where the same as what we were doing, so when we hit those I set us to match them. I could not see it, but it felt good and correct.

I would really at some point just like to shoot a bunch, just stand and shoot some 20 or 30 arrows. That would give me a real sense of balance, timing, aim, etc.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hard to believe week now as gone by, well over a week really. Tomorrow , the Lady Z will be heading out for a completely different Zen experience. Interesting, this one is next to the ocean and on the cool side. I am getting Yin and Yang in anther sense of Chi in this training period. I wanted to get this mostly done before I left. I have done so. I feel a sense of completion, of release ( Hanare). I will be adding the final entry Zanshin (Remaining Heart/Mind) for this after the holidays and our Heart Zen retreat in Monterey.

Whoa I just notice how that came out…. trippy, the remaining heart thing to heart zen

Mata Ne! またね

Day II

I am feeling lousy today!! I did not sleep much last night. I am not use to going to bed at 9:30 p.m.. Folks snoring… and SOOOO bloody hot!!. The wind pickup major last night most of the shade stuff we set up yesterday in the lower range was blown down today. It took a lot of repairs and re-setting to get things back to a usable place.

I got up at 4:20 A.M.!, ( yeah that is O-dark: 20) the others got up at 4:45a.m. We had Zazen at 5:15am !!! Sugoii ! sigh , ok, this is training…

It was LONG maybe 40 min zazen, then walking meditation, then another 30 min of sitting. Next chatting and prostrating (my least favorite). Things seemed to go on forever. YUK!!! I was feeling bad, hungry, tired and , even a little sick. I could relate to the Buddha being attacked by demons Yuk!! Again.

All this time the wind is kicking! As bad as it was and was going to be for getting things setup , it did help with the heat. I could tell already it was a going to be another day of being forged like the tip of a war arrow.

We had breakfast @ 7:00 am . Finally finally, However…All I had was a fruit salad. I do not like hate Oatmeal and eggs, So I passed on all but the fruit. Alright so here was another challenge. Make it to lunch time with only a big bowel of fruit to eat, and walking up and down mini mountain. We had short break after breakfast. Afterward we had to reset all the handy work, targets and shade we setup before on the lower shooting range, Let’s call it Lil Kyoto. Hot and in a valley of sorts. Everyone pulled together and we repaired and reset the handy work also put up the second shade for shooting Distance targets. The upper level, “Lil Edo” was for short distance, Makawara shooting. Lil Kyoto was for distance.

Finally Around 10:00 am we got ready for Kyudo…Wha hooo!
We all changed into our Kyudo gear and made our way to Lil Edo for the opening. It looked to be some 15 of us. Some new faces I had not seen, which means nothing and the old faces. Mostly everyone was friendly or at least cordial. They are a good group.

After bowing in and a couple minutes of settling the mind we began. She who does not speak was called for the first demo, whilst Onii-san gave a short talk.

Everyone got their gear on and ready & we had it.

I got a few shots in to activate the memory cells. It is a matter of constant body checks at this point for me. Remembering corrections, advice, breath, shoulder drop, expand chest, emptiness. Being “there’ being connected, yet being unattached. Flowing from yin to yang, yang to yin, big to small…release

The sun was still a bit low for the sun shade to fully cover the morning shoot area. It could have been worse. One had shade on most of the body but not on one foot, which got smoked. Anyway after a few shots, I gave up my spot so another could get a turn.
The master in Japan had said learning is part practice and part watching. I had heard “D” Onii-san say a similar statement. I found a shade spot and threw myself zen-mindfully into the watching practice part…did I say it was getting hotter?

The wind was still up, but it helped because it was HOT again today! 100 degrees or so by the end of the day. I came up with a good idea, brilliant idea of using a old windex bottle filled with water as a mister, that was nice!! A few gave me looks, and a chuckle, but then when I misted them, the smirk turned to ahhhhhhhh that feels good!!! Do me again!
I took it easy as did most people. Everyone was moving slowly, drinking lots of water & cool ( sort of) barley tea. I was wishing for some nice cold green tea. I also took advantage of the fact the bath house was the COOLEST place to be located. I took a short much needed nap on the bench in there during a break…simple pleasure, can hold great joy.

I felt grateful to locate it. Gratitude is part of the Zen Tao. So I accepted the gift of the space and as with Zen principals, I enjoyed it fully and was grateful. It was not that comfortable sitting there and even more so laying there, but much more comfortable than roasting in the Tent ( oh, called a Yurt) or some other location that I knew of there. Most other resting places were like mini ovens. Especially the Tent! Good grief! There where several who took multiple cool showers during the day. I had even for a brief moment considered, bring my sleeping bag here or at least a cushion where I could sit and type this stuff.

Another LONG Zazen session tonight. Of course that is only in my mind, because I have not over come the “time” thoughts, or heat. I really do not like those long sessions… yet any way. Tomorrow I will not wear a robe to meditation. A shirt will give me one less distraction to deal with while sitting, and not cook so much. Bummer I did not bring my light robe. It did not really matter to anyone, but me. I did not feel proper dressed for here. I got over it. Clothing, robe, no robe, like standing or sitting, legs crossed on a cushion or hanging off a chair it does not matter. This part is about the spirit.

The style of Zen practiced here is more religious in form than I care for personally. Very ceremonial, which the Japanese love to do. So when in Rome Nihon… , I got comfortable and flowed into the local favors.
The chanting can be cool. I can get into the rhythm of the chants. I do have to remain mindful not to do a harmony and trip around with counter notes. It is a Musician thing.
During walking Zen period I did a modified Tai Chi walk. It felt like the the place for it to me. The mind is the same though the body maybe different, yet as all things are connected, it fit. I wonder if that is waht is was orginally a part of Tao Mo’s 18 motion zen drills. I have now taken to look at the posturing as another form of motion Zen, body Zen practice, up and down, up and down, breath…

It is cooler tonight, a bit! The temps are suppose to get down to 65 degrees, NICE I can sleep…hopefully! I was going to go to the Bath house and write this tonight… but… It is already cooler somewhat and I’m beat, the heat drained me, walking up and down the hill. To do anything, to go anywhere, once must embrace the mountain!

Coming from a Shaolin Zen foundation, we have the mind , body , spirit balance thing going on, or try to. Here in this training it is more Mind and Spirit. However, they have I decide, their own body training path here… the Mountain. Having to walk all over it, IS the body training another from of motion Zen.

Sooo sleep time! Even if I wake up later in the night. I’m thinking to myself as I turned in @9:00pm!

Just as I thought correctly, I did awake several times. Not because of the snoring that sounded like it was right at the head of my bed. Not because of the major pain in my shoulder and back, I’d been having for a month, nor having to go to the loo from so much warm water drinking all day. Nope, … well all of that plus…I was still adjusting to the “newness”

I had however made it through 2 days. I am getting a little better controlling monkey mind jumping to the how many more days left count down. Yes, as Shisuk would say, this is training, it is not suppose to be fun. However , I think, with a Zen mind it can be… perspective! This is what I am thinking when I’m suffering. As any Zen master would say, there is no tomorrow, next week, there is only NOW…this shot, this arrow. Anything else is a delusion. Stay connected, but not attached… The biggest hurtle to shooting, to relaxing into the flow of things is the Heat. Did I say it was hot again today?

Well it was finally here, I had planned and saved for this event for a year. I had to go at least once. Although things were not perfect, the Universe worked out so I could attend with a clear mind about cost.

I had only a small idea of what to expect, it was to be an adventure, lessons in Zen, Kyudo, and myself.

I was packed and ready…Yosh!!

Day 1:
Intermediate and advance students were to arrive @10:00 am to help with the setup. It 10:15 and I was just leaving the house. I had planned on being there @10:00 but…things happen.

I figured, few would be on time, it would not take all day to setup, we would all day to do it.

Anyway after getting a sandwich & water for lunch, which turned out to be a WISE move and some gas I headed out. It was about 1.5 hr drive to Sonoma Mountain from the East Bay. I was on the road by 11:00 am it was already 80 plus degrees…it was going to be hot! Generally it is cooler in the Mountains, so I had packed more cool weather clothing than hot for that reason…wrong move.

I drove through the wine county up into the mountains, it was a nice drive, Pines, Redwoods, Elms, Grape Vines, the winding Mtn. road, the 325i & I loved it.

I got about 1 set of numbers ( addresses) from the Zen Center and the road ended…washed out! Doh!! I had heard it was out but the directions from Google did not show it. At the damage site I got out an walked across the fallen road after seeing someone on the other side.

It had been from a big storm a couple of years ago, but I did not know just where the road was damaged even through I had heard it was out. Now I know. I got directions from a local and set up to find the long way around on another road. That is after I took a break in the shade for a little bite to eat.

Finally I arrive, some 2 hours later than planned.

The upper target shooting area had already been setup,

they were now in the lower section…it was HOT!! In the 90’s now or more. It was going to be a miserable weekend, temps in the 100. YUK! I like heat but within reason.

I helped with what I could, then settled in to my space. I was staying in a big round tent like structure. There were 10 mattress in a circle around the edge of the tent. This was a first for me, that I recall of this many co-bunkers.

I was never in the service, so this type of group sleeping was new for me. I prepared myself mentally for the task ahead. As it turned out, it was not full the first night there were only three of us. By Thursday there was only 4, there were other guys with the group, but they had other sleeping arrangements. The Ladies had similar arrangments , but their tent was smaller.

Dinner finally came at 6:00 p.m., I was so tired from the heat and walking up and down , up & down the hill from the dorm to the shooting space, to the parking lot, to the kitchen. Whewww. The bath house was nice.

Only 4 years old. Private stalls, I was expecting a group boys room shower, but no. There were two bathing stalls, one with a tub, and a chair, shower. The other with just a shower.

Dinner was great veggie soup, some greens from the garden,

Couscous (sp) grain, cold herb tea. I had a big sandwich earlier also with the heat I was not that hungry.

Coming out of the dinner room I am crossing the bridge and I’m about to step over a stick on the path… The Zen sense goes off, I pause before the next step. Good thing…oh snap! the stick moves… it a snake! Next on the path to the tent there are deers they heading the other way from me…at speed. As I get closer to the tent yet more visitors a couple of wild turkeys…I’m in nature for real… feels good on a different level, even through I am feeling “off”

It is now 7:15 I’m back in the tent. I was sooo bored I figured to write so here I am. Doing my first dorm room blog. I had no idea if I would have time to do anything. I have my laptop, a book and my flute. After reading through the schedules, it looks like I will have 30 min to 1 hour of un-schedule time for myself a day…

The bell is ringing it is time for Zazen in the Meditation Hall…

Bells signal events here at the Zen Center just like a traditional Temple. The Meditation Hall is a converted barn. It is nicely done. The is a 12ft tall standing statue of Kuan Yin inside entrance in the Zendo.
After 40 min sitting, I was suffering. I was sweating like a pig, there was a fly buzzing my head and my back hurt and it was HOT! Every breeze felt like a gift form God. It was a difficult session to sit and focus.
Then a lecture afterward on standing Zen & Kyudo carrying the sitting Zen into motion. Also about slowing down and lastly about feeling comfortable with others, and why certain times are for silence as there were periods of no talking in the center.

I’m already looking forward to this being over! This is not a good thing though. I will need to ganbatte! I know it is good training, but the heat is brutal. It really puts a damper on thing, also I’m as had been said in the lecture, am not that comfortable with all the newness. This will be a challenge for me on several levels.

Ganbatte Zen-Kun!

…Yosh!

When I was a kid, staying with my Grandfather, he would not let me have a rifle like the other kids. I had to use a bow & arrow when I went out hunting with them or target shooting. When staying in the house, I’m taking about countryside here, there was some critter that use to get into my room. I did not know what it was, I stayed up waiting for it one night, and shot it. Imagine my shock when the arrow just bounced off it’s thick hide! Yeah, I’ve been into bows for a long time…

This Kyudo thing is a natural for me with that background. Another reason why my mind has been so Kyudo focused, I think also it gives me something else to think about other than finding work during a recession.

I heard more about the Tiger clan Kyudo retreat. We are suppose to be up at 5:30am and lights out for all at 10:30pm. Everything is suppose to be planned out to give maximum exposure to all activities. From Zazen to Long Range shooting. I’m hopeful there will be some free time for me to take pictures, do Tai Chi and read. In a way I am looking forward to this more than the Ch’an retreat, where we will just sitting and listen, sit and talk, sit and well…sit. There will be a little a Tai Chi and motion zen, very little and I’m teaching the Tai Chi. This will also be a good retreat, just different, I’m really pleased the Lady Z is going. We will also be close enough to visit our Nihon homies at night.

I came across an old book I had called Buddhist Yoga whilst doing some storage room clearing. I studied Yoga a lot some 30 yrs ago. I also had Yoga as a large part of my Kung Fu class for a while. I changed it to almost nothing due to time reasons. I plan on bring it back more into the Japan program. There is a large population over fifty I plan on tapping into. I figured to start with my own training. I was surprised when the Lady Z also said she would like to learn some Yoga. So back to the book. This book I read years ago, when I found it I thought it was mostly about positions. It is really very little about positions, some, but mostly about the Principle Oneness of Body and Mind. From Breathing, Skin care, and Food, to Meditation, Repentance & Gratitude. Same things we speak of in Zen Practice…

There is not a correct word for what I wanted to say so i made up the Katana for it. So on with the post.

I had Kyudo on the brain lots lately. (For those reading from somewhere non-english that meant I’ve been thinking a lot about Kyudo) I really enjoyed the lesson with the guy and got me reading some more on Kyudo from others. It is so much about connection with the mind sitting and being still and the non-duality in movement. Maybe I’m finding it more interesting because of the connection I see with Ch’an and Shaolin fist. Yet is this missing so much in most classes. With the Tiger school it is right there in your face. Not hidden down some side path you may subtle across like a secluded stream. Or something made reference to like an old story. Meditation is part of this style, it is the medium of Kyudo. This Kyudo is a Motion expression of our meditation. Kung Fu to Ch’an exactly ! Tai Chi to Ch’an, Yoga to Ch’an.

The other part of this is after meeting with Instructor S. ( InS) I could see Kyudo here as a foot in the door to Japan Kyudo. Part of my golden years study plan in Japan. Ceramics, Kyudo, Zen. I do have a foot in already from meeting with the Master there in Osaka. Which is where we will be living, how about that for the Force working. However anyway I would like some proper training, as not to embarrass myself.

Meanwhile back here in the states now… I had contacted the other person recommend by InS. From the first email contact, I did not feel, compatible vibes let’s say, from Instructor E. So after a couple of brief exchanges about time, I was pretty much told, if I was not willing to full comment to Kyudo practice on a regular basis, he did not have the patience to deal with that type of student. Not those exact words, but with that meaning. Also explained that in his 35 yrs of doing Kyudo and 10 yrs teaching, it was harder and more time eating that thought, he did not like the frustration of dealing with someone who came once in a while.

Hmmmmm.

The thing is I understand what he was saying, his way of saying, it was not my way. His philosophy on teaching is a bit different, and other areas no doubt. With that in mind, and the chi that I am picking up from his letters, it is a bad fit for a teacher /student relationship. I thanked him and said I would not add to his frustrations. Sumimasen.

So , I’m thinking, driving 1 hour to a class is not so bad once a month, I do/did it with Shifu’s classes. If I get what I need out of it, at my speed, that is more important to me that I enjoy it. The guy, who is a higher rank I went to first is looking better. Kind of sad though, I was hoping I could be friends with this closer guy, Instructor E. I think he speaks some Japanese fairly well. I was wondering if his wife is Japanese. I asked about if spoke Japanese in the intro letter, but I was ignored for an answer. For the best no doubt, if our chi clashes via email it will surely be inharmonious live.

Another part of this Kyudo brain is the retreat coming up. I am really looking froward to it. I know that it is not in Japanese training now to have the Zazen as part of the Kyudo training , but I like how the Sensei has them combined. Along with it being at a Zen temple and farm in the mountains, makes it even cooler. I would stick with just this style if I was staying here in the states. I like the non-duality approach to Kyudo. For me it no difference with Kung Fu and I understand that from my Ch’an practice. However it s a different style Kyudo being taught in Japan and that is where I am going. For now though I can just learn about shooting, like Zen beyond a style. Like Tai Chi, and Praying Mantis understanding the principals behind the motions, understanding the mind and spirit is more important than what style it is. As with Zen the style does not matter, it is about the journey.

———-

Source Material: Dan and Jackie DeProspero

Much has been written about the philosophical connections of kyudo. Perhaps most known is the book Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel. In his book Mr. Herrigel sets forth his experiences with kyudo in the 1930’s. It was a beautifully written account that has been translated into many languages, giving people worldwide their first glimpse of the art. Unfortunately, the book was very one-sided in its description of kyudo as a Zen art and is responsible for a lot of the current misconception that kyudo is a religious activity.

While kyudo is not a religion it has been influenced by two schools of Eastern philosophy: The previously mentioned Zen, a form of Buddhism imported from China, and Shintoism, the indigenous faith of Japan. Of the two, the influence of Shintoism is much older. Ritualistic use of the bow and arrows have been a part of Shintoism for over two thousand years. Much of the kyudo ceremony, the attire worn by the archers, and the ritual respect shown for the equipment and shooting place are derived from ancient Shinto practice.

The influence of Zen, on the other hand, is more recent, dating back to the Kamakura Period (1185-1333) when the warrior archers adopted Zen as their preferred method of moral training. Zen’s influence on kyudo became even greater in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries when Japan, as a whole, experienced a period of civil peace. During that time the practice of kyudo took on a definite philosophical leaning. This is the period when sayings like “one shot, one life” and “shooting should be like flowing water” were associated with the teaching of kyudo. Because of its long and varied past, modern Japanese archery will exhibit a wide variety of influences. Today, at any given kyudojo (practice hall), one can find people practicing ancient kyujutsu, ceremonial court games, rituals with religious connections, and contests of skill. The key to understanding kyudo is to keep an open mind and realize that any style of kyudo you see or practice is but a small part of a greater whole, and that each style has its own history and philosophical underpinnings which make them all equally interesting and important.

“The correct practice of Zen centers on ellimination of all attachements, including attachment to the correct practice. The True Follower of Zen, simply does Zen”…TaMo

A few days ago, maybe a week … or so, I thought about looking into other Kyudo schools in the area. There were several I found all linked to a Federation or Assoc. out of Japan. I figured why not check it out. There were a couple of things I noticed in Japan that were not happening when I attend the current class. I wanted to see where there was a difference.

It was a beautiful Sunday , warm Northern Ca day!! Wow great, Hills are covered with sades of green, and splashes of spring flowers. I have been, I think more grateful for these moments of clearity. Maybe the sitting is changing my mind… I digress

It was a pleasant hour drive in light traffic to meet the instructor. There were parts of the sky that looked like rain. I got a real sense of being back in Hawaii with all the green mountains and clear to dark skies I got to enjoy. I arrived at his house on time and meet his wife. He was playing the flute, and reading the music. I was impressed and for a flash I thought hmmm flute lessons. I did snap back to Kyudo after the flute was put away. They instructer S and the wife, seemed nice. I meet the cats, they were very shy. I was told that if the weather was good, he taught at the park and rec center, if it was not. We would shoot at home.

Since it was questionable on the weather Instructer S (IrS) deciedes we will stay at his place and shoot. Ok,…I’m thinking garage, in the back yard.. nope.. in the living room, Whoa, He has the equipment and, so after a few mintues of assembly we are ready to shoot with the Makawara Straw target. I am intrigued so little space can be use.

IrS is a knowledgable guy, 6 Dan certified in Japan. I pickup some interesting tips and corrections. There was only the two of us. He checked me out to see what how little I know and were my weakness are to be worked on. I do a couple of shots. He gives me some tips. I also ask about how to do the proper entrance to the floor and I am shown. We work mostly on my draw and grip. after some explaining and my identifing some of the same things Shisuk had said about when doing Tai CHi, what I was told sunk in more. I could relate it to something I was doing and was told to practice more of anyway by Shisuk. I also related some of how the bow grip , is similar to a mantis grip in Kung fu. One of the differences in this style, there is not much, is that they start the draw from high in front of the face. Where are thee other style starts more from an angle and tlit. I remember now Onii-san from the tiger school Said about one is the fighting or warrior style the other is the court style. I am more comfortable with the court style. It is the same as a Tai Chi opening. My body already flows to that position.

I was also run through some of the three kneeling positions and explained the sitting one. It was painful and interesting. I will need some losing up, interestingly again in another spot Shisuk tells me I need for my Tai Chi to improve, more horse stance. Hmmm ok, so I really need to work on those drills Shisuk showed me, I get a two win thing happing.I understand how Tai Chi helps my Mantis & Shaolin Fists. I did not expect it with the kyudo. Not only with the flow of the breath and chi but also the expanding end contraction of the body use of the body structure to be totally in the shot as in total in to a push or a punch Having that structure in place to support the push , the punch , the draw, starts in legs, the feet…

So over all, after I relaxed ( I’m nervous, with new people) the lesson was very good. I was shocked when I was told there was no charge!!! Whooa!! With me not working I was not going to insist and ruin his gift. So I just said that you & bowed. He said he enjoys teaching people the art Kyudo. I was impressed with his heart. My Japanese side said I need to do something for him, a gift… Too bad he lived so far, I thought to myself. I could come more often… the gas right now,…och…I was informed there was another dojo, of his style organization in my area I should look him up.

Hmmmm…cool

I was welcome to come back anytime…arigato

So which school do like better? Not a matter of like better. There is clear wisdom in walking a path that is mirrored in Nihon…with Nihon to be your path…ね

…however for now:

The True Follower of Zen, simply does Zen”…TaMo

What I did find lacking in this class and I also found in Nihon is there is no meditation in the opening. I had heard this was something the Sensei from the Tiger school added in. No matter. I am glad I found that one first it gave me a direction to go with my Kung Fu Class and training. It really helped my mind focus on adding that part into my class and training. I enjoy doing the meditation before doing activity , Yin before yang. I am also looking forward to the Retreat at the Zen Center, with the Tiger group. Even though the princess will be there and treat me like a invisible person, the style of Zen mediation practiced there is different from the one I practice, the style of Kyudo is different from the one I may end up doing…No matter

The True Follower of Zen, simply does Zen”…TaMo

I got this word from Rick Matz’s site One of my favorite blog stops.

Shugyo (修行) may be defined literally as “conducting oneself in a way that inspires mastery”. While the meaning of the kanji used in “shu” was originally translated as ‘using a brush to strike away the dust that obscures the viewing of a persons original elegance’, the combined kanji of “shu” and “gyo” (carrying out, walking along) is now generally translated as simply “severe or austere training”. The kanji rendered for this version of “shugyo” is most commonly associated with Buddhist asceticism, and most notably, the “shugenja” (修験者, ascetic mountain-dwelling monks).

Ok so what does this have to do with me… Well I finally got the notice about the Kyudo retreat:

Kyudo Program @ Sonoma Mountain Zen Center
First Shot Beginners: May 15 (evening) – May 18, 2008
Intermediate: May 14 (evening) – May 18, 2008
The contemplative practice of Kyudo, when taken up with patience and attention to detail, is a dynamic way to balance the body, focus the mind, and open the heart. When a student lets go of goals and expectations, Beginner’s Mind is revealed. The physical aspect of Kyudo is inseparable from its spiritual aspect. The form
provides a subtle mirror of the mind throughout the movements and continues with the arrow’s release. In this retreat, beginners will receive training in the basic Kyudo form, called “The
Seven Coordinations.” Intermediate students will review the basic shooting forms and have the opportunity for long distance training
and practice, including formal group shooting. The retreat will take place at Sonoma Mountain Zen Center, Genjo-ji, which is under the guidance of Jakusho Kwong-roshi.
It is an integrated residential program that, in addition to kyudo training, will include morning and evening zazen and periods of work practice. Meditation instruction will be available. This provides a unique opportunity for Kyudo training within the container
of Zen Practice.

————

Nice eh, yeah, I thought so. I have decided to spend the next couple of months, April & May in training, Body and Spirit. There are so many things I need to get organized around the house in in my life. From paperwork, cleaning the storage, working on the boat, upgrading software skills, my patio garden, car, sailing time, to my Gung Fu practice. As well as put in some time for serious longer meditation. We are ok for the next 6 months as far as getting by for living. It will be tight but we can do it. There are also a couple of things in the wings that when they land will make things a bit easier. However anyway, I need to train and re-organize. These retreats will help my spiritual part focus. The Kyudo retreat should be very cool. Living on the Sonoma Zen Mtn Grounds, with no distractions from practice, Zen, Kyudo, Tai Chi, writing. I will take my laptop but there is no internet. So I can just write & read in the evenings. Nice. The following weekend is the Heart Zen group retreat oceanside. So more meditation, Tai Chi & writing, although more evening distractions, since we can visit our “buds” in Monterey. All of this is going to be a drain money wise, but, it will be the last for a while. I believe it will be worth it. I may skip my Tai Chi Mantis seminar this year, if needed. Next year we are off to Japan for a final visit before moving, so there will be no retreats or the like for us. This year’s retreats and the next two months are my Shugyo Renshu period. Interesting for me that it pretty much kicks off with Tian Shifu’s visit and ends with the Heart Zen retreat. The weekend following that I am off to give a Kali Seminar @ the San Bernadino Tai Mantis school. That money will be used to pay for the prior retreats. As me Mum would say, God is good!

I’m expecting something to happen around June workwise. I’m not sure what I just have a feeling. Let’s see. So now is my time to “practice” and use this freedom I have been given. I’m suppose to be taking care of something… So I’ll Ganbarimasu in my Shugyo Renshu…Yosh Yosh!!

I have had several revelations over the last few days. one has to do with the Connection of Shaolin, Ch’an and Sailing. I have spoken of this a bit on my sailing blog before. The other is a small thing, but is clear and has to do with Kyudo and life. The “Zen” of it…

I recall thinking before about how unnatural the positions in doing Kyudo are as compaired to Kung Fu movements which are built around how the body naturally moves. There is nothing natural feeling about Kyudo form. Maybe that is because I have not been doing it long enough. Hmm However something that feels natural, is natural, it is that way from the beginning, not having to train in it for a long time before it “feels” natural so delete that, “not in it long enough thought”.

Once I said, the test of Kyudo is going through these positions and remaining relaxed is part of the main challenge with Kyudo. That is where the “Zen” starts to come in to play. Well a deeper view to that is, one must go through these “forms” “positions ” to shoot this arrow at a target, without being attached to the actions, the results, or arrow. Yet, focused on doing the whole things to our best ability. Which includes hitting the target. One’s spirit must be there focus, yet detached. The form of shooting is important, the flow of shooting is important, the hitting of the target IS important but not the main point. To do each shot perfect, without, losing the flow, the form, spirit. Not just once, but again and again and again and again…

This develops the warrior.

Each shot is different, yet the same.

“Kyudo demands that we let go of our goals and expectations and live fully in the moment. Through meticulous attention to detail, all aspects of the Kyudo form and movements provide a subtle mirror of the self as well as an opportunity for deep study. “

This is the point.

Life: everyday we need to get up, go through our “form/ positions” perfectly, yet remain detached. Go to our job (or look for one), maintain perfect form, do our job, ( load the arrow and shoot) without, losing the flow, the form, spirit. Not just once, but again and again and again and again…

No matter hitting the target or NOT!

Holding that mindful state of “Zen”, without fighting to hold it. Holding it, Connected, without being attached to it.

Shoot for the target, without being attached to hitting it. Each shot, each day, each arrow, each office, each job, each relationship, each wave, is different, yet has some sameness to it, even if it is just our attitude towards doing it fully mindful. We need to do whatever it is we are doing, with our best effort. No matter the outcome. All of that, yet, go beyond any discomfort of the “form” . Pain from the arms, legs, back, heartbreak, loss of income, relationship breakup, any of the multitude of things that come up in life and in the mind when sitting meditation. We need to stay in touch with the Tao that is beyond, touch, words, forms. Yet function in a place that is just the opposite. Stay in touch with the real, yet function in an illusion.

Everyday is Practice, Everyday is Zen, Everything is Practice, Everything is Zen, Everything is Kyudo.

 

 I had received an email about Kyudo special practice this weekend. A senior student of Sensei was in town and was holding a practice session.

 

I had not been to practice in awhile so I was looking forward to it. Also the session was to be outside so we were able to do distance shooting. It was something I had not done since Japan. Cool! After a few last minute emails, things were sorted out and the practice was on. The rain was the only factor and they had plans to work around that. So I get back from LA and around 12:00 am I get a new email, the location has changed, it is now closer to me. Cool, very cool in fact, so I thought. The next morning I head over and see NO oNe.  I called and find it now has been changed again, back to the park :( Ok… I was close to packing it in for the day, however… it was one of those things that Zen practice says “let it go” I did and set forth for the hour drive. After a bit of problem finding the place I finally made it. Yippee.

 

There were a couple of new people I had not seen before , who introduced themselves. Everyone said hi, (almost) it was good to see the group. It was a nice day. I watched for a while to refresh my memory on what to do. Then I had at it.

 

I spent most of the shots, getting adjusted, working on the form the draw, judging the distance. It was not easy. Even doing the form right does not mean you can hit  or even reach the target for that matter.  After a while Don, the Senior gave me some help. It made a difference in the feel of the shot, but I still needed a lot of work.

 Which is ok, because it is all about me, not a competition. Well at least not an outside one. I am my competition. Don told me something to do about aiming, I followed it and my shot went to the same place each time, but off to the side. I asked about that and made the correction suggested, better but still off… After a while of that, I keep the form instruction , but went back to my old way of aiming, now I was hitting the board at least.  I was also told something about the draw and release that was very similar to what was said in the book “zen and the Art of Archery”. By now it was getting heck a cold as the sun was setting. Everyone started putting on layers. Right now I got the cold bug from it.

 

 Anyway if there was more time I could have made the correct adjustments to hit the target dead on. As it was the shots that were right on target near the center, just did not made the distance. I think it was 23 meters, and I was using a light Yumi ( Bow).

 

There a Anyway, although a hassle getting there, it was worth it. I’m looking forward to the Spring Retreat at the Sonoma Zen center. Hopefully I can attend this year. I also have my Ch’an ( Zen ) retreat that month also, the following week. It should be a good month for centering.

I rode the ZenCycle over to Berkeley last night for Kyudo Class. My condo complex had it’s monthly meeting so I took advantage of that and cancelled my Kung Fu class to attend Kyudo since they were meeting in the club house.

I pulled up in time to catch someone near the door to let me into the Shambala Center where the Kyudo class is held.

It was a small class tonight. Some of the regular senior students, well most are regular senior students to me being a new kid. Most are nice, I say most because, one acts like I’m invisible unless there is something she needs to say to me, like those mats go there, never just a simple hello. Hmmm I am a classmate. Not doubt a carry over from my Kung Fu training, we train together, we are family, more so proper behavior/manners for a senior of the clan…different mind set Japanese, Chinese… No matter, I am not there to socialize…Chisaii koto, I digress…

Onisan Hans was there. He was out my last visit. He was my guide into basic training and is always helpful. While we were changing into our Hakama’s he said something about Kyudo and Zen after I said my Job is “Zen” practice. He said I have found Kyudo to be most “Zen” when it is just being it’s self. ( there are different sides/states to Zen) Not when it’s like something. I took to mean, in it’s natural state the total act, art of Kyudo is Zen, not Zen like. Unlike the meaning what some people term Kyudo as Zen archery. It is not really “Zen” it is Archery done with Mindfulness, which is a state of “ Zen” and the full act of shooting mindfully, the blending of the the bow, the arrow, your stance, your breath, your draw, your focus , the total of it centered and mindful, the being at one with the wholeness of it, is “Zen” ( any of that make sense?) No seperation from the bow, arrow, self, target, ki. With that mindset, any archery is “zen” archery. As I have said the same of doing Tai Chi , Kung Fu, Sailing, even Jamming with a Band. On the other hand, I could be wrong
It happens…

As always beginning meditation. Rinsing the spirit, cleaning off the road dust. Purifying, centering. “A shower for the spirit” nice phrase!

On to practice. We have a saying in Tai Chi, that it takes, 10 yrs to understand the basics…In Kyudo there is the 10 yr grip. That is what Lucy correct me on tonight, also Onee-san, the speakless
So while working on being mindful of each step, my draw ( a full lesson it self, from last time), my arm position, I’m now thinking about how to make this grip work. I was told I am holding too tight ( my grip) on the bow. The proper grip allows the bow to turn/rotate in one’s hand upon release of the arrow. My sense tells me to grip more when I feel it shift. Wrong, maintain control but let it spin…difficult. Mentally I get it, but not phycially. Like Push Hands in Tai Chi. Being soft, yet controlling at the same time. A this point to me the grip is not natural feeling. I know, I know, I need to do enough to have it feel natural. That goes with out saying, duh!

I asked Oniisan to take a couple of photos for me. That helps me to see where my errors are, also something to post heheh. He was kind enough to stop his training to do so. While in the process pointed out my errors in shoulder and arm placement. Helpful to pinpoint where I need to focus my training efforts.

This will be a long road to travel. However I am in no hurry, I have no goals other than just to do it. Another form of “practice” And that brings it back to Zen…

Ah, a holiday Monday Monday.

Lady Z had to work, so I was left to my own stuff. I got up fairly early for a day off after some Zanzen and breakfast, I did some computer work, gardening and dealt with virgin mobile on my phone problem. That was not fun, they promised to resolve it. I have been waiting for 2 months to get my old service number changed over to them, because for the amount of time I use my cell phone I might as well get a lower cost provider. Anywho…

After spending some time down on the boat, cleaning up the revenge of the birds, but not sailing, but messing around on the boat and some Yin time in the hammock to balance out some of the Yang time I’ve been on for the last two weeks. I set off to do my errands. Finding a Spark plug for my motorcycle, with no luck on a holiday. Returning something to West Marine, even after 30 days they refunded my money , nice. Spending Way too long at Fry’s in line to buy a printer/fax. Driving to Oakland to pickup my roster for my next sailing class this weekend. Finally I’m done. I head over to my favorite Veggie restaurant, the Golden Lotus in Oakland for dinner and to read a book whilst waiting for Kyudo class to start. I have 1-hour plus to kill.

It had been a month since I’ve been able to attend. There was a intensive four days training at the Sonoma Mtn Zen Center, two weeks ago. I could not attend. No time , or money. maybe next year. Anyway I did the circus thing that weekend.

I get to the Shambala Center I am the first to arrived for the Golden Tiger Kyudo class. I hang out in the car and wait to see if there is indeed a class today. I wait only 25 min. and a couple of folks show up. As I am in front of the building, I pop out of the car and get to the front door in time to help with the equipment and in we go to setup.

I get a bit of help in the dressing room with how things are tied since I’m still new at how it all fits together. Then we go do the group meditation. In a way part of my favorite things these days. We use cushions here like the Soto style, unlike the Chinese way so it is a bit more comfortable. Nice because my hip is a bit sore these days, from something I did, so having the cushion helps.

Tonight there is no group shooting, just single, everyone on their own. The class is small so everyone can shoot without waiting for a target. I watched for a moment to make sure I remembered the steps, then I joined in.

I felt like I did ok, I tried to remember my correction from last time. After I while Lucy the senior came over and gave me some corrections. On my draw and finger placement. Part of it was opening up my chest when I drew the bow, similar to expanding when doing Tai Chi, when I remembered that movement, it helped. It also helped when I took my time more and really centered my breath between movements. Since this was all about me and the shot I felt no need to rush there was no one waiting in line.

So after a few shots of 6 or more I sat for a few moments and watched. I remembered what the Sensei in Japan said ” you learn by practice, then watching , then practice. So I sat and watched.Lucy was shooting and her advanced student. I watched how they drew the bow and saw the difference. I questioned Lucy about it after she finished and got a few pointers. I was able to get one more shot in before end of class and closing meditation. The draw may have been better . but it did not feel prefect, nor was the sound of the arrow as it hit. Though it went in as other times. The sound was off as was the feeling of the shot. Next time I’ll do better.

Heart Zen (Chan) update:

Before I left for Kyudo I received an email from elder sister from the Zen class. She apologized that so much of the class on Sat. was in Chinese and Lady Z could not understand. She said it would be changed for the next session and sent along some practice tips for Lady Zen.

When I returned home that evening, Lady Z said someone had called from the Zen meeting, they wanted to know if she had any question or problems understanding what/how to practice and again said the other sessions would be more in English to be helpful to her and any others. Also said please do not hesitate to call or email if she had any question. So much different from when we went to the SF Zen center and had to leave as message with the visiting Phubab and never even got a reply email or other wise, from anyone!

I went to Kyudo class tonight. Even though we are going to need to tighten our belts big time I figured I should get at least one class in. I purchased a bunch of equipment whilst in Japan for the practice. It is unknown when I’ll be able to go again. I will go again at some point but the thing is regular is at question. Anyway I figured to get one class in before I cut it. Tonight seemed prefect. I wanted to give them photos from the seminar, also since my Kung Fu class had missed so many classes this month with my travelling, we would start fresh for April.

It was good to see the few that were there, they were surprised to see me and did remember me. That was nice. The class was small not a lot of folks were there. Which was nice really. The Zazen was calming with the group. Then we did a group shoot. My first time, I just followed and did what they did. It went well. After that we just practiced. I got a lot of shoot time in. I was given a few corrections and advice, it was good. There was at least one or two times I got that “feeling” ahh this is what it is about. Not that I hit the traget center, but the focus, the build up of tension, then the release of the arrow and the moment of bliss, calm and relaxing afterward, almost sex-like. I also got injuried. The bow string caught the side of my face one time when I was not turned enough and the string slaped me in the eye. I could feel a knot later and it swelt up. I can still feel the knot there. oh well, I’ve gotten worse from working wiht my Kung Fu weapons.

The evening was short, I got to use my glove and wear the vintage Hakama, which I was worried it was too short, but was just right and got some correction and practice. Most of all I got to not think about being jobless and the rocky road ahead. So it was worth the cost of one class for the peace and distraction from the storm clouds.

There is a big seminar in May, I really want to attend, however, the cost at this time is prohibitive . However who knows what the tide will bring by then. The tides of life go out, they come back in…

Day IV - Kyudo

Another day and we are out early catching the mono-rail to the park this time over to the Kyudo dojo and to see Yoh Sensei’s boat which is on display.
We were expecting it to go by the Kyudo dojo and just be left to shoot a few times and the Sensei was just going to be around. WRONG!!

At first the person who greeted us seemed unsure about the whole thing, but after a few minutes of explanation he agreed to let us in and for me to shoot.
After being outfitted with equipment NOGAMI, KATSUTOSHI Sensei shows up. I introduced myself and Lady Zen gave him the story. He asked what style I was learning and who the sensei was? I said Hmm Heki ryu, He said I am Heki ryu, sensei wa? ( your Senesi?) I told him, oh he said I know him, he is a bowmaker.

He was very receptive and right away showed me the correct way of stuff from the beginning starting with how to put on the glove. The tie I had learn was different. I remember someone saying some places are different ties which are on the bottom.
Next the entrance, Mine was all wrong!! “Chigaou” ( wrong) he said after I started in the dojo, after just bowing. He had me start over, and showed me the way. I was told to copy him exactly I did so. Hai, (yes) he said!

Next coming up to the target, again I was incorrect with the steps and “addressing” the target. They com eup to it a certain way, kneel, turn on the kenees, then raise. ( simple discription) More correction, now there was the Asst. instructor also helping and soon another Asst. instructor joined. So now I have private instructions from the Master and his senior students, whao

I’m shocked, Lady Zen is shocked! We had no idea it would turn into this big event. We spoke later I may have been one of the few Gaijin visitors, and maybe the first Gaijn of color.

Anyway  I digress

I felt clumsy with my efforts I had thought I had at least the basics down from my seminar, this was different, at least I knew how to hold the Yumi (bow), the stance and finger positions. However everyone was being helpful and patient so I paid close attention, this is all going on in Japanese. I was shown how to kneel and turn to set up for the target. Different from what I learned. Next the stance, ok, now things are getting familiar. Loading the bow was different and at the same time the same. I followed instructions. I was told how to grip the arrow and how to grip the bow with the left hand. The cocking and setup was different but close enough that I got it quickly. The draw was the same, and was told the same thing by Don at the seminar, to place the arrow staff on the cheek.

I shot about 3 times, Then the Sensei left the hall. I was told that his students were waiting for him so he left. One asst. stayed and helped me more. After a short time we get a message from the Sensei, that his class is starting I should come watch.
We went to the main hall, and were directed to sit up with the Sensei. (We found out later this was a great honor) He explained alot to Lady Zen in Japanese, I only got some of it translated to me. The short of it was the whole thing was different from the States version, this was traditional Japanese Kyudo from the way they entered the Dojo, to the timing and sequence they shot. Not all together. One at a time everything was should be to timed to the second. One the first person finished the next shot, but the next started their prep at a certain time while the other was shooting, the person behind them also waited until a certain number of events took place then started making ready. They did not turn to look at each other or the surroundings at any time, it had to be felt and heard. Once each person finished their shot they knelt and waited. The first did not stand again until the last person was finished, but started their prep at a certain time when the next to the last person was finishing. If even one second was off from the timing of the entrance to the exit of the group shooting was off, it was wrong. Where I guess this was important was in a formal show/contest as a group/school.

We believe that since I was a rare vistor from the States he arranged to give me a private demo of tradtional Kyudo. He asked if I had learned the things that they did? I said some some and some were different. His comment was “Hmmm Okashii” (weird), This is Traditional Japanese style!

The amount of mindfulness/ awareness was impressive. It was explained to us that the white and black gigs, where for training and the Kimonos were for formal event, shootings, tournaments, etc. The Sensei explained that there was three parts to learning to shoot, first to watch alot, learn from what you see. Then to shoot and practice alot!. Then think about your shooting, your practice, see it all , review it all in your mind.

After watching the shooting (which we were pretty sure was arranged as a demo just for us, because some seemed unsure of just what to do afterward.) I was told to go back to the other dojo and practice, the asst. was directed to help.

Things were easier this time, I remembered some parts some not, overall though I got it. I made three shots at the close target, then was moved to the long range position. I was not expecting this… I came close but did not hit the target, which was not a big deal. The asst. did not hit it ether, it was about the shooting not the hitting at this point. My first shot fell short of the target but in front of it. My next shot went past the target, but a little to the side of it. I was pleased even with that.

Time was getting late for us, so I had to excuse myself from any more shooting
The Sensei showed me some pictures of him doing the sequence to shooting, the asst. made some copies for me to take home.

The Sensei told us he had been doing Kyudo for 60 years, he had retired from being the master teacher there at the dojo, but still came in for free to help. The students that were there were senior Kyudo students who had long ago finished basics and even advance training. They now came just to learn with him.
He is 85 years old and still amazingly active.

Nogami, Katsutoshi Sensei was very free with is help and time. Lady Zen was told by one of the asst. Instructors he thought I had been doing this for awhile since my form looked good. While gathering my things from the changing room, he called me to the side and said something about Senesi, and me, or Sensei said something about me, who was also in the room, It sounded like a complement, so I just said thank you and explained my Japanese was still limited, sorry I could not understand more.

This was Lady Zen’s first time seeing Kyudo, she was impressed with all the detail and the explainations giving by The Master.

I did get from Lady Zen who told him we were planing on moving there, that we were invited to please come back. So I guess we left a good impression. Yokata! ( cool! fortunate )

More photos on Flica: Zen’s Photos

Our next stop was over to the Expo park to see the boat Yoh sensei built himself to circumnavigate. Hmm This small write up will be on the sailing blog.

So it’s the 3rd and final day of the seminar. Today we start off in one of the smaller meditation rooms as the large hall is being used for something else. As usual we start with 30 min Zazen. However today no talk. We have a video to watch, it is a short film from National Geographic on Onyumishi Kanjuro Shibata XX Sensei he is a 20th generation master bowmaker and archer and 3rd generation “Bowmaker to the Emperor of Japan” (retired) and the head of this clan. It is a short but interesting film. The seniors giving the seminar were not that impressed with the film, as it is made more for the lay person not a practicing archer.

(click on picture to see full view)

Next there is a lecture from a visiting senior student of Shibata Sensei. He also spent 2 years as apprentice to Sensei’s son learning how to make Bows. Now he makes his own. He gave us details on the care of Bows, then narrated a film showing Sensei’s son making a bow, using the old methods, which was made for Japanese TV. It was important information and gives one more respect of the Bow.

It is now lunch time, we have lunch in the room together instead of going out.

After eating we head back to the main hall and setup. It does not take long as we have a lot of people. No off side instruction for me today I am part of the group and take part in the lineup for shooting. I was able to get in 5 or 6 shots. As there are many people, we take turns of two shots each then rotate in line. I also took break to get in a few pictures for the group. Don, the visiting master student was kind enough to take some pictures for me, since I was doing everyone else. I got a few corrections on my form but overall I think I did reasonably well. I tried out a couple of different bows today and got a feel for the different weight pulls of them. Bows are fairly expensive, so it will be awhile before I can purchase my own, but it is good to get a feel for what I want. So far a 12lb pulls feel ok. One is suppose to get one that will challenge them but now have to fight with. So I’m thinking at this point maybe a 15lb pull might be a good weight for me, we’ll see.

My overall impression of the art, great, I like it. I will be continuing more when I have a chance, perhaps I can make time at least once a month to visit the local school. The senior student in charge I liked, she is comfortable to be around very relaxed, but knows her stuff. What I enjoyed about the Kyudo is the sense and the practice of it being more than just using a bow, a weapon to hit a target. It has very strong, mental and spiritual depth. It is not about hitting a target, it is about raising your spirit, going beyond physical form, and expanding the spirit. I understand why it is sometimes referred to (incorrectly) as Zen archery. It is very much part of Zen , but it is not Zen, It is full of Zen, but not Zen, It is the state of Zen, but not attached, which makes it very Zen.

“One is not polishing one’s shooting style or technique, but the mind. The dignity of shooting is the important point. This is how Kyudo differs from the common approach to archery. In Kyudo there is no hope. Hope is not the point. The point is that through long and genuine practice your natural dignity as a human being comes out. This natural dignity is already in you, but it is covered up by a lot of obstacles. When they are cleared away, your natural dignity is allowed to shine forth” - Shibata Sensei.

Day II at the Golden Tiger Kyudo School seminar. I liked the name of this branch. Being I am born in The Year of the Tiger, feels like fate to me to be attending this. The second day is over I finally got to shoot. So before I go into that lets back up some.

Today as yesterday started with Zazen for 30 min. I find that gong that is use to end the session is too harsh. It does not just bring you out of meditation , it Jars you out of meditation. the sound I find is too sharp…however maybe that is just me. Today the leader Don, read another poem for the talk. It had to do with a aged woman who needed help seeing the doctor, however she still had dignity, even the sisters who helped her added dignity. I’m not fully sure what he was saying here, but it had to do with form and showing dignity even though you feel you have not done your best shooting, but giving your best… I think.

Next another demo of a more formal shooting, starting from a mat through the shoot then returning. as if giving a demo in front of judges or some people of rank and regular observers. Then we were asked what did we see in the shooter of ourselves, what habits, etc. One of the things he was saying about when watching another shooter, is to see ourselves in them, they mirror ourselves. Their strong and weak points, which in the relm of Buddhism, their is no you or I there is only we, us. My strengths or yours and everyones, my weakness are everyone weakness.

Next time for the greenhorns to review then learn how to cock the Yumi ( bow). We returned back to the hallway to practice, first timing our opeining with others, so we were in sync and we could do a group shoot with others in harmony. Hans, our instructors explained about the feeling of oneness when doing it in time with others, the feeling of group harmony. To me it was the same as the flow of chi when doing Tai Chi with a group. It is much stronger when with others adding their chi to the area than just your own. The Chi that is generated in a group is like supercharging your own. So I was right with what he was saying through from a different view.

Next up is going through how to grip the bow, properly. Unlike a wester style bow the Japanese Bow is suppose to turn in your hand once the arrow is released. So the grip can not be to tight and if too loose one will have no control. It should be held mostly with the little fingers ( same as a mantis grab ) and thumb The arrow and string pulling hand also needs a special attention paid to it. It is not really griping the but chambering the arrow and the string. Interesting enough both hands are held in a also most “mantis” position, something I’m use to. After a few times of practicing that, it is time to draw, the bow.

Raise, turn, raise the bow with hands in postion, above eyes to hairline level, arrow still not pointing at the traget. Then push and pull bow, hands still high, finally lowering hands as seperation nears completion. Hold and breath, though they did not say anything. To me it is like, “sung” in Tai Chi, move completed, breath and relax, then extend and release.

We did a few dry runs, with no arrow, with no bow, someone resesting, like a human bow. Then it was show time. It is now fairly late in the afternoon. So after a day and a half plus, we are finally ready to join the line and shoot.

I was planning to let the other guy go first, but somehow I got positioned to be first up. I was a bit nervious as Lucy the head of the Bay Area school, the one putting this on, was going to be there, looking for errors. Han from the side lines is saying,”make me proud” oh, great pressure. Ok, I settle, breathe, call up my Shaolin training, and relax. I start the seqinence, taking a breath where if feels right, and a moment to center, before going to the next section. Loading the arrow, breath, everyting is set, turn the head, chamber the bow, breath. I exhale relax, and raise the Bow like doing Tai Chi so my breath and mind raise the bow not my arms. Now in position I again “sung” before begining the draw. Breathe and draw, the arrow feels a little off of position with the right hand so I twist the hand a little to secure it and complete the draw. I remember reading in the book, Zen and the Art of archery on is not suppose to let the arrow go, it is suppose to go when it’s ready. So I relaxed, took a breath, extended my arms and centered more, the arrow flew, VERY cool! For the most part it felt correct. My release and position was corrected a bit by Lucy in the after shot position, but it was good. Next some direction on recovering the arrow and time for my second shot. Though in some ways I did better on my second shot, others I did not. The arrow almost got away before I was ready lucky my Shaolin skills felt it happening and were able to react in time to save the motion and make the shot. Then I was done. Whewww.

The other guy did not do so well, could not get any shots off. He kept dropping the arrow. Even after I had waited out of line, then got back in line and did another round he was still trying to get his first successful shot off. I though he would have been much better since he said he had a class before. For me it was just extending my Shaolin skills to adapt to another weapon, perhaps that was the difference. Seeing what was similar not what was different. People should treat each other like that…

It is lunch time as I write post this. Also it is day 2 but I’ll start from yesterday. Everyone is out at lunch but me. I brought my laptop and lunch so I’m staying here as the temple guard it is very cool they have wifi here in the Meditation center. How cool is that! I’ll start this now but may need to finish it later depending when the group returns.

It was to be long day on Friday. I took the day off for the Kyudo seminar this weekend. Friday is day one.

I take the BART train into Berkeley so as not to deal with traffic and parking, it was a good move. I had a peaceful trip in and got to read some of my sailing book for my tests in April.

The Shambhala Buddhist meditation centeris located just down the street from UC Berkeley and a couple of blocks away from the downtown BART station. It is about a 10 min walk. Perfect for a little cardo before class.

I was one of the first to arrive, so got to check things out first. The people that were there greeted me warmly and made to feel welcome (unlike the Berkeley Zen center as I have said ). Slowly others showed up, there was a lot of pleasant vibs among them. I found out later, many only come once a year, or/and come from afar to this event which has been going on for several years. This was the first year new people/beginners were allowed to attend. Great timing for me as I wanted to give this a try in Japan and it was doubtful I would be allowed to without some background. So I should hopefully be able to get a couple of shots in while we are in Osaka.

After all the greetings and such, we got started, first off was some Zazen/meditaion for 30 min. It was an easy sitting, I have grown very comfortable with 30 min. I did my HeartChan/Zen style, it was good to get a long practice in. After the sitting, the seminar leader talked a bit about Kyudo, and the “Zen” sense of it that

was present in other things areas of life. He use a poem about a person in a wheelchair as an example. It told of the oneness, the timing of the person how they moved their wheelchair, how they timed themselves to the rhythm of the wheel flow. Entered into a state of Zen with their chair. We as archers wanted that same state of oneness when shooting.

After a short Demo by one of the senior students we beginners started. There is a amazing amount of formality with the opening for. I was expecting some, but this was more than I thought. Far more than just shooting the preparation is a large part of things. Our first lesson was on just how to walk correctly.

The next part of the lesson was on , opening, the stance, the grip, arms position , sholders. Then on to putting all that together into a set of movements, all of which were to prepare to load the bow with the arrow. That was the morning lesson.

The group went to lunch, since I had had my lunch with me. I walked over to UC Berkeley and sat under a tree and ate and did some reading. It was a good day to be out, the UCB campus is peaceful. However they did have some loud music coming from somewhere, not was not Rock , but perhaps Alt. It was ok, but not my type so that put a bit of a down turn on the energy for me.

Once back at the center, there was a small lecture and Demo on how to do a formal sitting and prep fro a formal demo. Then we had a tea break.

After our break it was back to more lessons for the new kids of which there were only two, myself and one other guy. Our next lesson was on how to put on the shooting glove and the ceremony form that went with that, so we could handle the arrow with that added factor. From there it was back to the hallway for how to load the arrow and go into ready position to begin the ready to pull position.

Whewww, no shooting today just foundation. I was surprise at the amount of pre-stuff. I was glad to be doing this at a seminar to get a lot of ground work at once. When I saw the girl do the first demo I did not think we were going to shoot until Sunday the last day. However the word is we will shoot on Sat. (today) after some more foundation stuff.

So ended day one, it as tiring a bit, because of new muscles being used and very uncomfortable body positions. Seemed like they designed it to see how uncomfortable one can be a still shoot an arrow. If you could over come the weird body sense and become “one” with the arrow and hit the target then you were good. Perhaps like if you could over come the uncomfortableness of life, the suffering you could achieve enlightenment. But you had to go beyond the suffering, feel it, but do not attach yourself to it, become one with it, but go beyond it and shoot (live).

After class it is a trip home for dinner then off to Kung Fu with Sifu. It was my monthly Friday session. We practice, talk and eat. I am learning The Late Master’s ( Sigung) taichi Sword form from one of the seniors who runs the San Francisco School. One of the topics we went through tonight was how one learns to make the trade off of loss of power when getting older. Using the power of the other person to your advantage and returning it to them. Eg: the harder they punch, the harder the get hit by using that power they sent against them. We also spoke of formalizing traps and disarms into a format that is easily passed down to others within our system. Brian who is the son of one of the late 8th generation elders spoke on practice with whip chain. Also the 3 elements needed to win a fight, of which good Kung Fu was the last.

It was a good, long, well spent day.