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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.

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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.

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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!!

Even in Happiness there is Sadness or suffering. That would be the Buddhist outlook. Meaning all good things must end, Within light the is dark. one could go lots of ways with this. It is unfortunate that the little bit of badness with the flow on the 4th day was not the extent of the negative flow, but more on that later…

For now day 4. We had been looking forward to a sailing day on Monday. A short hop over to Benica for lunch and an easy sail back.

However there were two glitches in that plan. 1. Low tide, was keeping us in the slip until later in the PM. We did not have that much time to just set thing adrift so to speak. #2 was there was no wind! I without wind, sailboat is just another boat. We had already been on one all afternoon in Monterey and they were taking the ferry tomorrow. Not much difference in the board sense. So not much point taking out s/v Zen with no Wind.

So figuring to make the best of things, we drove over to Benica for lunch and a stroll around town.

Looking…

looking,…

then Thai Food…

ooshiiiiii!

Afterward we did the next best thing to going out and floating in one spot, we went back to the Marina and

Raised the family flag …

had wine and chatted there in the cockpit of the boat.

We enjoyed the day from where we were and what we had. The Kobe Crew had practicing throwing up the “Zen” sign so were just a bit disappointed,

but they were able to do it for the shots,

so no waste.

After a couple of hours or there-a-bout, we call it a day. They are off to a NBA game in Oaktown ( Oakland).

It would be several hours later before they could eat. With that in Mind we stopped at an All American Food Shop called the Hot Dog Stand . They would get the traditional faire for going to a Sport Game, Burgers N Fries, Hot Dogs and Milk Shake. Pig out!!!… I got the veggie burger. One of the reasons we stopped at this place was because it had “Air Fries”, not the deep fried usual stuff. These were made with hot air, and tasted great without the oil. That was broken…and the company was out of business!

All this great American Pig Out Food was cooked up by a sweet older couple from Korea who own the place.

So as bad goes, not having wind, and stuck in a slip until higher water, no “air fries” was mild…

Unlike the ugly…

I did not tie that flow in with the Zen Sense running in the background feeling a disturbance in the force…

Day 3,

Things are going along well. Everything has worked out and in the case of the last night even better. It is Sunday, we are off to Sonoma County for wine tasting. As we had such a late night on Sat, we sleep in a bit on Sunday then were off to the North.

We headed out on a familar route for me. I use it everyday to get to work. We had to drive almost right by my office so I took a small detour and showed the Crew the office house built in the early 19oo’s . It is am impressive house , total different than what they would see in Japan.

Next stop a winery. We did two wineries that day. The first we had drinks, more like sips, which was perfect ad it was free. I did not take pictures there, but for one of lil sis & hubby. Our next stop had more visual quality so I got some shots.

Also one of were Lady Z & I sat for our first picture together, just dating. It was kind of an anniversary return for us.

We all went into the shop for snack & spreads samples. However as the drinks sample cost 5.00 we passed. We’ll I passed , and they all felt so afterwards I spoke up…so they said.

 

___________________

After strolling around the grounds for a while, it took off for Olde Town Sonoma. Time for some shopping. They hit a few stores. We had ice cream, then looked around some more. Finally a suitable prize was selected and we were off.

From here it was a drive out further into the countryside . We made a stop at my big Sis’s house for shakes and bows before heading back home for Pizza & drinks.

The next day, Day 2 , Sat. We set off early in the a.m. for a Drive down the coast to Monterey, via Santa Cruz. The time for the day was perfect. It turned into my favorite of the visit. We arrived at our first way point on time, however I was concerned about time, if I was on track. After some inquiring locally about my ETA, I felt more relaxed somewhat. The other problem is Lady Z is now getting car sick.

We stopped for a break and some breakfast for me, as they ate at home before leaving but there was nothing for me. We also picked up some hand warmers for sister. After all that, plus Loo breaks we were off again. Our next stop on the journey is a small town called Davenport. Sorry, no pictures I was focused. There at one time there was a interesting little gift shop which was now remodeled to enlarge the restaurant. That was my planned rest point and time check. We were on course and on time, with a little help from no traffic and speeding … a bit.

We made it to Monterey with about a hour to kill before our planned whale watching trip. The Kobe Crew had never done it before and were REALLY Looking forward to it. Lady Z and I did it before , but on a bigger boat. We were hoping this would be better since we could get closer to the whales when possible. We took a lunch break after checking in with the boat people. There were 4 of us…

Once we all loaded on the boat , which was a small group, we took off for open water. I was a bit concerned about getting sick. Not so much from the sea motion , which added to it, but the fumes of the diesel motor and the motion. It was only about 30 min out from shore when we had our first sightings.

It was near the end of the season, so it was unsure if we would have any sighting. We were lucky and had several.

Sort of spread out into small groupings. But we did spot some a couple fairly near. I got one photo I liked, I would have liked to have done better. It is nice though to have been given one.

I have another shot that is fairly good, lil sis has the same shot on her camera. That was weird seeing that.

The trip lasted about 3 hours. I was ready for it to end , I had gotten at least one good shot, and I was fighting not getting sick. So far I was just ok. I was floating on the edge of going down hill… but still under control. It was a fast, chilly ride outside the cabin on the way back to port. Fast and Chilly but, helping to me to center. Calming my center, when there was the turmoil of the elements and man made power on the other side.

Next on our plan after WW is to visit our friends the “Tokyo Delgation” . We were all going to hook up for dinner. We headed over to their home for the meeting and a drink. We were very please to find brother in law could find his peeble Beach golf something , via our friend. Great timeing as well as they had 30 minutes to make the store, which was near. perfect!! Brother- in-law is all smiles now…

We band up and head out for dinner, we are now SIX. We go by this small family owned Italian place. It is full but we wait just a short time while a table is cleared up and prepared. We drop by Cost Plus for a quick look around. To kill the wait time. Dinner was excellent. Not really heavy but good flavor and fresh tasting.

After dinner whilst waiting for a couple of deserts a call comes in from a friend of the TD’s . She is another Japanese connection from Osaka and her husband. We agree to met up at the lounge at the Hotel and check out this Jazz band. It was only a short drive over, we are now 8. The Kobe Crew, The Tokyo Delegation, The Osaka Connection, and the Zen Clan.

The band was excellent we hung out with wine and chatted for awhile, before we got the hint it was time to leave.

A whale of a day…

Today is rainy rainy rainy and WINDY. There is a big storm settling in for the next few days. It is a good day to be next to a fireplace or in bed or both. I’m feeling a bit sluggish.

I’m on lunch break at work. There is a lot to do the next coupe of weeks before I head off to Nashville (yuk). Anyway we are now into the New Year. So far so good

This is lunar year of the Rat coming in Feb. I have to check on what that means to a Tiger Child:

“Expect a powerful year when people are firm about their goals, passions, and aspirations. Although there may be fluctuations in world economies, it is an excellent time to start a business, buy property, invest in long-term plans, or accumulate wealth. Ventures begun in the Rat year will prosper if well prepared, but it is not a time for foolish risks. Rat loves the pack, so this year is also a time for socializing, entertaining, and enjoying ourselves.”

TIGER Anticipate minimal gains and not too much advancement. Restless Tiger requires action, but money could be tight and compromises must be accepted. Rats think, plan, scheme, and ponder — which are not Tiger (nor Horse) traits. You will start a new fortunate life cycle in Tiger year 2010.”

hmmm ok. Well 2010 is just before we head to Nippon, that should help.

Also I may just for fun throw a I-Ching.

We had a quiet New Years Eve and Day. I spent NY eve day on the boat, since Lady Z had to work. I had a nice lunch, wrote for the Zensekai2 blog, a few misc chores, took pictures, etc. It was a good day.

NY eve night, which is NY day in Japan, we spoke with family in Japan via Skype that was fun.

Otherwise after we hung out. There was traditional food stuff out all day and we had left over for the next 3 days as there is no cooking. So whatever was made at NY or just before is consumed over the next few days…mostly cold.

We are off to Ch’an group practice this Sat. It seems like it has been ages since I’ve been. It has been at least a month for me, since I had that intenseness with the USCG study exam, which I passed!! ( sweet) In case you did not know. I finally got a Zafu ( meditation seat) cushion for Christmas. Even though we do not use them in Ch’an sitting. I got one anyway to help my knees. I would like to avoid that disabling suffering I went through last year. I did come across someone last year from Japan who did his Zen practice standing. We were in agreement that it is about the mind not the body. However… Fine for alone, but makes one standout (heheh) in a sitting group session.

I have a new office mate, no more solo in my office
Oh well he seems ok enough, any rate I can be the Bamboo unless he is a real pain. He does not seem the sort. However if I have to share a room with him whilst traveling to the on site convention jobs, I will not be happy! However I’ll cross that bridge if it happens. One of the things I am doing in my new capacity as Team Captain Concord-CA for the ecoflag/GSA organization, is change all ( ok most) the incandescent bulbs in use here at the office to low emission florescents. Anything we can do, even small things make a difference and with the light bulbs, the reduction in cost and emission is substantial. Do your share, we all pollute, we all can reduce! Reduce, Recycle, Reuse! Reduce waste in 08′

I’m reading a new book I came across called, Thank you and OK. Weird title ne! Is about a guy from the SF Zen center who goes to stay and train in Japan for a while. Interesting reading. Not a whole lot about Zen, but more so about his life in the monstery and the monks. It is an old book, kind of fun to read about his adventures in the land of the Rising sun.

Sisuk is in Tawain or Hong Kong or someplace like that, I have a couple of weeks of break from his intensity. I will need to prepare fro some serious Tai Chi training when he gets back. He is there training and will be all amped up when he gets back, and I have been told I need to make time to get in to the studio and practice with him. Think drill Sargent! It will do me good, but it will not be fun . He says, training is not suppose to be fun. That is a western concept, it should be hard work otherwise he say one can just go to a gym. There was no Holiday party this last year from his school as he had to go oversea earlier than planned. I missed my Shifu’s Christmas party as I was in LA doing the anniversary thing with my classmate. I want to keep my schedule fairly simple this year so I can have some time for training. I maybe heading back to LA to give a couple more seminars. Althouhg I will plan on teaching less stuff and just being more in depth with whatever I am showing, as the class there can not handle too much information at once. I’m thinking maybe a Kali/Arnis seminar would be good. Hmmm, well there is still time to think on it. Another classmate who runs the The South Wind School of Classical Chinese Martial Art gave a combat stick seminar and not sure how that will work with them having learned that it maybe ok, I’ll need to check. It is completely different but maybe not so much, to someone who does not know better. So maybe they will not be interested in learning Kali basics.

A student asked if I was going to do any ceramics this year. I would like to but… That maybe too much for right now, I really need to put in some Kung Fu time even through my heavy nautical studies are over for the moment. Maybe in the second half of the year. That will be in time for some Christmas gifts.

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Anyway on with 2008, minasan Ganbatte ne! (everyone do your best) & let’s be careful out there!