…the preparatory stage just before the actual movement for shooting. Consequently , the movements of this stage must be arranged with the breathing, so that spiritual energy is developed and the basic body posture of the footing and torso is maintained.

Day three, Sunday, I am off to a full Renmei lesson, with S. Sensei. I had practiced with him once before. Today I was running behind as I went to the Bodhi day and memorial service at the Temple. I arrived and said my gomenasai. I was told no problem. I was surprised and pleased to see three other students there. Two were brand new, the other was fairly new. I had seen her on Twitter and she said was starting. We did the intro thing. and I found out the one girl had spent time in Kobe, Japan, so far my favorite Japan city other than Kyoto. She had shot there many years ago.

I got to watch for a bit before it was my turn to shoot. It had been a while since I did the Taihai so I was given a  corrections on my execution. That was great, even though we work in a very small space it was helpful to be going through the proper entry and form.

I found the Sensei very helpful and even more knowledgeable than I thought before. As I have grown in my understanding of Renmei I also have grown in understanding how much I do not know. I was given direction on numerous small things that make the refinement of style. Feet angle & direction, Ya grip and cocking, checking the fetching, shooting grip. Even a small thing like the thumb angle made a difference in my Tenouchi.

In Kung Fu we say, the more you know, the more you know there is to know, or another way of saying , the more you know, the more you know how little you know, same truth here. It was a good lesson. It was also good to have others there, as nice as it is to have private classes, it is also good to have others to shoot with as well the energy is stronger. Same as doing Zazen with a group and/or doing Tai Chi with a group can be more beneficial than doing the practice alone.

Next up, the Kyudo Alliance visits…Uchiokoshi

…the establishment of the torso sets a foundation that determines the quality of shooting in the subsequent stages.

It was the second day of a furry of Kyudo sessions over the next two weeks. Don Senpai was just finishing up a Zen retreat and was stopping by RSD to shoot with us.

One of the first things he suggested to us after the first shot was to establish a “pattern” or organization for shooting as a group. A line placement to ready one self mentally, spiritually, physically for the approach and shot. Something that is done as standard with the Renmei group. I felt this was of even more importance with the Renmei guests coming next week. It also raises our standard and makes for a more harmonious shot Senpai said. As well as a chance to practice proper walk. Excellent I thought.

I went through a few shoots with Chikurin-ha and was given a few corrections on my opening. Helpful in establishing a correctness in form, when shooting with the others.  Now I know doing Chikurin-ha and then Renmei, really bugs some people. But, I do not care. It is the same as playing a Bass, then playing piano. True one can be very good with one and only so good with the other, for most people. However there are artists who play many instruments…well. Prince, Paul MaCartney, John Lennon, Steve Wonder, so it can be done. Just as people can do more than one style of Kung Fu or Tai Chi and be masters in both. Like some can even walk and chew gum at the same time…I can play Bass and Harmonica at the same time…It can be done, not by everyone, some will only be so so in both, yet everyone is different.  A doctor studies general medicine then specializes in one. Ok, enough of that rant. I already heard something about mixing styles and doing more than one. Just to be clear I am not talking mixing styles. I’m saying doing one, then doing another…so chill

Ok, a bit of a digression there. The rest of my time was spent shooting Renmei style. Even though Don Senpai is Chikurin-ha he understand enough Renmei to be helpful on Universal principals. Which is why Blackwell 6th-dan Kyoshi has asked him to teach at his school. The direction I was given was larger draw. My Hikiwake was not large enough and not to bend forward. Standing more erect.  Small things can make big differences.

It was a good session , short , but helpful.

————–

Sha wa Ritsu – Zen:

It was said to me that I should study the Kyudo manual and no where was the word Zen used, other than Shin Zen Do.

ok,

Kyudo Manual, Page 21 bottom paragraph states:

We know that hitting the target is very important is Kyudo. However, we experience that we lose the relationship to ourselves in our attempts to try and hot the target. We know that this attitude is not right. To many this might seem an unreasonable notion, but nothing is more distasteful in Kyudo than shooting based on this attachment to the act of hitting. In our daily lives also , we often experience this kind of attitude, but the reality of this desire is more evident in our shooting, so that through our practice the importance of the right attitude towards desire is found and our lives can be experienced more profoundly. (For those who actually study Zen know this is one of the foundations of Zen practice). In this context, expressions like ” shooting is Life” , Shooting is living”, “shooting is Standing Zen take on a significance.

Page 22 last paragraph:

It is true that we can do nothing without technique, but technique alone does not give the depth to our performance. We must unite both aspects into one by attaining a stage where technique and spirit are braided into one rope. This is the essential problem that is difficult to resolve. If we put emphasis on technique we will easily forget the spirit, and if we think only of the spirit, the shooting will have no technique. These two aspects are not distinct, but must always be considered as one. ( In Zen there is no duality), In unity these poles will merge into the condition beyond division ( Zen/Chan is one not two). The Technical aspects and the Spiritual aspect, while different in external form, once they are united and internalized ( the body , mind, and spirit unite in full harmony, all equally important) , then no distinction will arise between them. ( looking at the moon and not the finger) This will produce the noblest values in attitude and performance.

Perhaps some of those who condemn, criticize, my strange, alien (hahhaha, thank you) way of thinking and condemn others use of the word, Zen Kyudo, should undertake the some study of Zen. In a native peoples saying: “Walk a mile in someone’s shoes” This is one of the fundamental problems of mankind, we focus too much on the differences, in people, religion, philosophy, (fingers pointing to the moon) and not the sameness (the Moon).

The use of the “label” Zen Kyudo is incorrect , yet correct, it is speaking, referring to the ’spirit” side of “Kyudo” more than the Technique, form, hitting side. Yet from the Kyudo “Bible” it states one needs Both, there should be no Duality, No separation ( Zen philosophy, there is no separation, we are interdependent, we are one) of Technique and Spirit. Without the harmony of both, a balance foundation, with out Sanmi-Ittai, there is no Shin Zen Bi.

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Today or here about is Bodhi Day celebrated as the day of enlightenment for Siddhartha Gautama. At the Alameda Temple it is also the memorial Day for those temple members who passed away in Dec. Also there it is the day to honor those of the Temple who are 88 and over. In Japan the age 88 is special, having to do with rice and it’s maturity at 88 days, so a person is considered mature at 88 yrs. So there were three things celibrated at the temple today. I figured with it being memorial day for those who passed, I would go and burn incense for my bother and make a donation in his name and ask for a prayer form Rev Sensei. My Brother was not Buddhist nor really Christian so I figured, why not, this way his spirit will have a couple of bases covered, since I know Mum will cover the Baptist side. LZ and I also burn incense and candles for him in the Japanese tradition at home, I figure the temple prayers would give and extra kick.

The service was short as usual, then I spoke with the Rev Sensei briefly and went and sat down in the community hall. I was shocked to find there was a Bar Setup for the event. Yes a Bar as in with booze. A couple of the seniors who came over to speak with me made a few small jokes about it. I really did not see anything wrong with it. No one was going over board, following the middle way. A couple of the older ladies made a point of chatting with me a bit. One even sat down with me at the meal. She was nice, a survivor of the Hiroshima bombing. Reminded me it was not that long ago. Another lady who befriended me was in the Japanese concentration camp in Arizona during the war. It was interesting how they could laugh about it now. They really experienced the ups and down of life.

There was a large crowd there today, it is a big change from the small services that happen weekly. It was nice to feel part of the group in a small way, even though I am not a member, they always make me feel welcome. I really see the benefits of these groups churches and temples as one gets older, these are the connections with the community, I see how the church looks out for my Mum in her time of need now and also how the Temple supports it’s members. This, for the Buddhist groups here in the states is an American blending, since in Japan the social aspect, contacts are not there within the Temples, it is not part of their culture to socialize in that manner. I did find it interesting when speaking with one of the senior ladies how she left a similar temple over in Berkeley and came to this one because of the Politics, there. We humans and our politics can really screw up good things. Ne!

Yesterday morning I had just started my morning Zazen practice when the cell phone rang. I let ring. A short moment later the house phone rings, again I let it . The message part kicked in it was the nursing home where my brother was staying. Still I sat, I felt it would wait another 15 min. Even though they said it was important, I felt I needed to finish my cushion time to deal with this. It was not going be pleasant…

On my last visit to LA I gathered my brother’s items from his Apt, at least the things I felt maybe important to him. His music instruments, electronics ( including the computer I’m writing on), some pictures, some files, a small bit of clothes, that sort of thing. It was weird going through his stuff and picking things from his life that I thought mattered. His dreams, hopes, loves, all reduced to stuff in a box. With no kids, one’s life is reduced to stuff, items to be stored, given away or whatever.  It was even weirder since he was alive, just unable to function. After making the selections and staying up all night packing I directed his roommate to donate whatever was left, and she did not want to charity.

The next day I took care of some hospital stuff and headed back north. It was even weirder going through his things at home. There I had time to ready sort and think about things. Feel his spirit in items and pictures. Thinking back on us as kids, we were not that close as he was the baby and I was some 8 years older so could not relate. I never dreamed things would be like this. Once we grew into adults and both were musicians and graphic designers there was common grounds for us. We even worked together on a couple of musical projects together. I came to respect him as a musician and had him sit in on a few recording with me, doing drums, guitar and backup vocals. I had played his guitar and bass just the other night as I was sorting stuff, what goes where, what to hold for him, what can be given away to family.

The big music event in his life was playing for several years with the Bus Boys, both touring and recording. That was something he had up on me, I toured but on the club circuit, he did the concert circuit. Nice! Forever now, when the Bus Boys are looked up like on Wiki, and You Tube his name will be there.

The storms of life were not good to him over the last few years. He lost his job of a long period when he changed to another company which after 1 month could not afford to keep him. After that things got worse with the economy failing. He was unable to not only find work, but his health was also failing. He could not afford to stay on the diabities medicine due to the cost. So he skipped doses, his legs went out , as did his sight and ended up finally in the hospital.

He kept the family in the dark about the seriousness of his illness and even when hospitalize it took a while for us to know what was really going on. With the distance involved it was difficult to do anything. I made a point of planing some trips down for this and that and visiting him.

I returned the phone call to the nursing home…it was not a surprise… he had passed away that eary that morning. They had called to give me notice.

RIP little brother, this path of suffering is over.

_/|\_

People, we humans are a strange lot. we have wars, kill, discriminate over little things, over words, over interpretations. So many big things in the world to get worked up about, hunger, pollution, homelessness, illness, even folks who do not keep their word, yet we can always find the time, energy to get in a huff about something small, like, is there such a thing as Zen Kyudo.

There is a lot of talk about Zen and Kyudo, Zen Kyudo, Is Kyudo Zen, Is it not. Really it is a western thing, our added complication. A friend, and instructor wrote a piece on Zen and Kyudo. It is historically interesting his view on the controversy. Here are some of my thoughts to throw into the mix. First off does it matter other than from a historic standpoint!? It is a label, does it change how one shoots, the results? The Ya hits the target if it is Zen or not Zen. It may change the reason some shoot, but that is a personal matter. It has nothing to do with the label Zen Kyudo, or with Kyudo. However it may have something to do with Zen or at least the perception of Zen. Zen is not about words, or books or Sutras. It limits Zen, just like, the way we as humans limit God, by saying God’s path is only this way or that, God is only in this Church or that one, God’s name is Jehovah, not Allah. It is all about our human nature to box things.

Zen is life, Zen is how we live life, Zen is our connection with the universe, and life within the universe. Zen like Kung Fu, is not just this or that. As true “Kung Fu” is not about just fighting. Kung Fu is a western term for Chinese martial Arts, but the true meaning of Kung Fu is Skill, a skill aquired through work. A great baker has good Kung Fu, a master dancer, a good sailor, a good kyudoka, car mechanic, musician all have good “kung fu” and at the same, they are by the very nature of their high skill they are doing “Zen” ceramic, muisc, dance, sailing, baking, kyudo. Zen is about going beyond the thinking, locgical mind, and connecting with the source of eveything , the universal mind, and not thinking, just tuning it and doing it! Kyudo could be called, Kung Fu Archery, or Chan Archery or Shorin ryu Archery. As I write this I’m thinking Shorin Ryu Archery is maybe a more correct term for those of the Zen Archery mind. Shorin ( Shaolin) is where “zen” came from. So in keeping with the “zen/chan” thought of martial art oneness with Chan and Buddhist training, that would be perhaps more correct, or something like that…maybe not that would not be Japanese enough.  Japanese Archery is a good term, because even though archery is everywhere, and even if the added flavor of Zen is added or not, once something comes into Japan it is changed to the Japanese “way”, Kung Fu, Ceramics, Chan. With that it would nt matter if it is Shinto or Zen Archery. On the other hand, “Zen” is a Japanese product made from Chan, so Zen Archery could be proper in some aspects, so would Zen Sumi, or Zen Sakuhachi, but no one says that, why? … I digress

Tai Chi was developed in Wutang temple, a Taoist Temple but it is not The Tao. No one calls is Taoist Tai Chi or Taoist Boxing. It can help you connect to the Tao, state. Shaolin martial Arts were developed in a Zen ( Chan) temple, but they are not Chan, but can be a path to connect with the Chan state. They are part of Chan/Zen training or Taoist training. Kyudo can be a path to connect with the Zen state.

Kyudo is not Zen, but Zen can be Kyudo, Zen can be Sailing, Zen can be fighting, Zen can be walking or making love. Kyudo , Kung fu , Ceramics, Yoga, Bowling, Singing, Sailing can be a path for Zen or the Zen state, or understanding (enlightenment)

It is interesting Chan ( Chinese Zen), predates Japanese Zen by many many years, there are many weapons with the Shaolin arts, archery is one of them, yet no one says, this is Chan archery or Chan Sword, or Chan Spear or Chan boxing. But because some German guy who did not speak Japanese coined the phrase Zen Archery ( Zen Kyudo) it is the point of major contriversy. It is just a label. Again I ask what does it matter. If it is Zen Archery, Shinto Archery, Zen Kyudo, Zen Kyujitsu, they are just words. You still have to clear your mind of distractions, you still have to have good form, you still have to aim well, you still are suppose to hit the target. The arrow does not care nor does the target if you shoot Zen Kyudo or Kyujitsu. Nor would a wild boar charging at you not be any less dead if you hit it in the head with an arrow shot using Kyudo or Kyujitsu, or even just western archery for that matter. There is no such thing as a Zen Yumi or a Kyu-Jitsu yumi. No one says, oh snap, WTH, no wonder  I missed the target! This is a Kyujitsu Yumi, I always shoot with a Zen Yumi! Who switched, they are deadmeat!

When I teach Tai Chi, some come to find peace in the movements, some come to get better health and balance, some come because it is an effective Martial Art. It does not matter why they come, It is still Tai Chi Chuan, one gets out of it, what one wants and needs. It works for fighting,  it works for health, it works for calmness of mind. It is the same with my Shaolin arts, or Wu Tang arts, they are connected to the same source. It is about the source not the style or label, it is about ones connection to that and what YOU get out of it, what it means to you. It is the same as your connection to God, the Force, the Great Spirit, Buddha, Christ, Allah, Jehovah, not your mother’s sister’s, teacher, uncle’s connection. Kyudo is a personal path, as is Zen. It is about personal enlightenment, personal connection with Life, the Universe, each other.

Bruce Lee says in Enter the Dragon:  It’s like a finger pointing away to the moon. Don’t concentrate on the finger, or you will miss all the heavenly glory.”

_/|\_

It was nice that a couple of chaps made comments about my other post on Kyudo, this way I know what, why, who is reading these post. Not caring about me, not that my ego thought it was, I just wondered, but Kyudo in the States or CA. Now I understand why so many hits come when I write Kyudo stuff.

Today was the first of a series of a Kyudo extravaganza… sort of. Over the next 2 weeks I will be training with 4 different instructors, two different styles. It will be interesting, fun, educational. Today I was practicing with our group out at Mare island Tanuki Dojo. Senpai Don is in town so came to shoot with us. He is Chikurin-ha stylist and BowMaker, I just finished designing his webpage. Besides givening us the once over with our shooting he also gives our Yumi’s the once or twice overs. Very Cool.  He gave me some advice on my Yumi that he felt would also help my shooting. The grip, It was suggested that I built up the surface of my grip due to the size of my hands. The Yumi size is good, but the grip is somewhat small for my musician’s hands. He explained that I should have my Yumi personalized. Made sense like a sword or any Kung fu weapon finding the “right” one for you, weight , feel, grip. Same as a musician’s “axe”  we need to have the right “one” not just sound but “feel”.

I was a bit nervous shooting today, it had been a while since I shot Chikurin-ha style and I did not want to blow it in front of my Senpai’s. I took my time, it had been in fact several weeks since I shot at all. I did a first shot with Renmei, then switched up to Chikurin -ha. It felt comfortable. I still remembered my roots. In a way it was better. I think I have a better understanding of the whole thing now, and I can make the switch , like changing from Chen Tai Chi to Yang. I am far from good at either but I have a sense of the sameness of them, and the un-likeness to make the separation and hold the sameness. At least I think so, I maybe just tripp’n

After a few shoots of Chikurin-ha I switched back to Renmei. The correction I received on my shooting was something for both, something universal, my grip and part of that related back to the grip on the Yumi as well as my grip on the grip. He spoke of my finger alignment and the large alignment of the body, big crosses and small crosses. All must be in harmony. Another part was going too relax after the shot. Hmmm better put way would be relaxing to soon after release. My left arm lost it’s needed firmness, to have the Ya be guided, due to my arm dropping. Therefore my shot dropped and lost some power.

For the day my clusters were fair. I did have a couple of shots go off, they were generally the first shots when trying something different. Overall it was a fair day of shooting as far as shots, but good as far as learning. I have another short session with Don Senpai on Sat. On Sunday I start with a formal Renmei class. Then the next week a seminar with two Renmei Go-Dan’s from the Kyudo Alliance. We will have Kyudo training and discussions from a Universal stand point, not just a style. Styles are fingers pointing to the moon…

Sunday, I wanted to attend the service at the temple today. It was the last major service of the year. There was to be a vegetarian lunch afterward. It was the service in remembrance of the Shin Buddhist founder. Today I was able to get LZ to go. It was not a simple matter, but she went somewhat feeling giri…

After dropping off the rental car she used for the weekend we went to the temple. We were greeted by the Rev Sensei he came over and spoke as did a couple of others. The service was short as are all the services there. There was not as large a turnout as I an others thought . However it was ok, I guess about 30-40 people, mostly seniors. LZ was not familiar with what was going on for the most part. Even though the family in Nihon is of this sect, they never went to services unless there was a death or something big. Also things are run different here. She had a hard time following the sermon as it was in English and Rev Sensei has a thick accent. It would have been better for her if he spoke some in Japanese as well as English.

After service Sensei introduced her to the congregation and everyone was pleased to hear about the family membership in Japan. Part of the sermon today was speaking about the vegetarian meal that was prepared today, what the symbolism of it was. Sensei spoke of Tofu, Carrots and Mushroom. LZ while we were in line for the offering said. I can not eat that, I cannot eat even only a little. One is suppose to clean the plate it would be very bad in Buddhism to leave food , to waste it. I, she says, am allergic to shiitake Mushrooms, and me I dislike any mushroom. Ok, I said lets just go see what is happening we do not have to eat, then we can leave.

One in the dinning room, we checked out a plate of food that was on the table. It looked good! No mushrooms, just some traditional Japanese items, Tofu, dikon, beans and rice, some pickle dikon and some seaweed. We took a seat! Oishi says LZ, one of my favorites she said as she started talking. The more she likes the food the more she talks! She cleaned her plate all but one piece of tofu she gave to me. I had no problem with that, the Tofu had the same taste of Kisuni Undon noodle tofu. She said usually this type of meal has no flavor in Japan, one does not want to eat it. This was also repeated to me by someone else later as I was coming from the kitchen. LZ continues, but this is Oishii! I tease her about not wanting to eat and now cleaning her plate and smiling.

As we sat there eating and drinking tea, a few folks came over and we watched the interaction of the group. LZ says I see why church(s) is (are) a good things here, people connecting and socializing, more of a community. It is not like this in Japan. There people come to a service for whatever reason, but they do not know the other people and once the service is over they go home. There is no community sense and support like here. This is good, especially for seniors and others who do not get out much. This is one of the few things she has said is better here than in Japan.

Next we have cake, again Oishii, light taste, light whipped cream icing, not just the heavy sugar taste of American cakes. This was good, it had taste not just sweet!  We have a piece with some tea then made ready to leave, and cleaned our spots. While leaving to go outside and take a few picture of the light autumn scenery in the court-yard, Rev Sensei calls us back in to the room to get some homemade mochi cakes. Then we quietly left, it was a good morning for me. Even though I could not relate really to the service as a Non-Shin Buddhist, I was pleased I attended and LZ came along and met some of the temple and area community. We had a nice lunch and meet a few new people from the community. I’m sure it made Rev Sensei happy we attended, LZ was happy about the lunch, I was happy about both and attending.

I heard a soft gong sound in the distance, once, then again, on the third ring my sleepy brain caught on to what was happening, it was 4:30 am and time to get up. I reach out for where the clock should be, unable to see in the dark and felt for the curve of the meditation timer. Not only was it dark it was cold, yuk. I was not into this, but it had to be done, and it was on me to do it, my Giri. My Chan brother had said, you must be special to be the one to help, I guess I replied, better to be the helper than the helpee ( a madeup word).

I was glad I went to bed on the early side to prepare for the trip, it was a beautiful sunset the night before. I was able to get a full night sleep, even though it was chilly in the morning once I got out from under the warmth of the down comforter, and away from the soft warm legs of the sleeping Lady Z, I was good to go.  I had time this morning for a short meditation before gathering myself and getting on the road to LA. Most of the trip down to LA was cold. I had disconnected the heater in the truck, due to the heater core leaking and I have not had the money to repaired. So therefore no heat until the sun came up and I reach a more moderate latitude. I was glad I took my gloves with me for the trip, a couple of sweaters and my jacket and hat. It was cold and the air vent being open did not help matters. One really is grateful for the warmth of the sun, after being in the cold of darkness. I mean this on a couple of levels…

My youngest brother was back in the hospital from the nursing home. I needed to go down and find out what was going on, not only at the hospital, also at the nursing home. We wanted him transferred at some point closer to family. For now I was the closest some 6-7 hour drive. I needed to know what was involved with that process and could it be done. Also his roommate is moving out of their Apt and I need to pack his stuff, music instruments, electronics, clothes, book whatever was there. There was some issues about back rent, what to do with his stuff, etc. At this point he could not even recall who I was, so getting an inventory was out of the question as well as asking what was important. I just had to go for it and hope that if he recovers I picked the right stuff.

It was weird going through my brother’s things and having to decide what to keep and what not to keep. It is unsure if he will recover and what he will be able to do when he does. Going through personal items, gathering data, sad and weird. This is what people do when a family member passes, but in this case he is still around…

I could not help but wonder about his karma to have this happening in his life, as well as mine being the one to have to do it. Him being the youngest and me being the eldest, yet, he is the one in the hospital most of the time lost in non-reality, and having a machine, for the most part keep him alive. Without being hooked up to it, three times a week, he would be gone. While packing and sorting, I think about the many faces of karma, the ripples in the force that both of our karma touch, the other lives as well as our own. Even now maybe his purpose is being filled or both of ours. The turns life takes, I come across some of his childhood pictures and think I never ever dreamt I would be doing this or he would be in this in this space. It also think… it could have been me. Living alone , the lone musician, still trying for a break, playing from time to time, writing, hoping…getting burnt out. Life is interesting, the turns, the twist, the hills and valleys. It can also be very scary. One needs to not only be strong, but I really see the need for some kind of faith, belief in a purpose, or be cold and Jaded, which is more of my lil bother’s path. He wanted so much not to get the family involved with his problems, but in the final stages, it is his family even with great distance between us, it is his family who has his back. His friends, did what they could, but as they fade…family. Of course, and sadly , that is not always the case, sometimes friends are there when family is not. Hmmm, maybe to do with the Karma of those around us, the compassion…we give and take. Some are not so lucky, blessed to have family or friends…

I am up until 3:00 am packing his stuff, some clothes, mostly stuff, he spent more on things, than clothes. Finally I sack out. Sat, will be loading the truck and I’ll see how all this will work.

The next day after 4 hours of sleep I am up packing the truck. I’m good at this and so a couple of hours later I have every thing, stuffed in everyplace that something can fit. I only ended up leaveing two boxes of stuff I had not planned on taking anyway, but was for the most part forced on me by the roommate. It was left for charity with the rest of the stuff. There were a few expendsive things that were missing, I am hoping his friend sold them at my brother request. Anyway, I did what needed to be done there at the Apt. The next stop was at the hospital.

I had brought along my Kyudo equipment hoping to get some Kyudo in while in town. However due to waiting , packing, waiting, waiting, travel that never happened. So around three in the afternoon, I had had it, and hit the road again.

Another long ride back north with the chill of winter creeping into the truck cab as I ride higher into LA mountains. I start adding layers of clothes as the sunsets off to my left and the road dims with shades of darkness. I pop a record cassette tape of my brothers favorite tunes from the 70 & 80 into the tape deck.  I reflect…life, what a long strange trip it is…I say a prayer for the suffering.

I was of the mind to let this topic slide until the next encounter …however…with the large feedback and some of the content of that said feedback I felt I should touch upon this briefly. Also having  heard from a few others on similar matters which redirected my thoughts back to this topic…I’m dong this for a couple of reasons. 1. No one is talking about this part of Kyudo…yet !  Everyone talks about how wonderful an art this is. and they are right! It is a wonderful Art, however like anything, formal Religion, Art, Politics, Sport, it is the whacked people behind these things, that put the bad slant on it. NOT ALL but enough that there is some taste of bitter and some are more sensitive let’s say than others to the taste. 2. From the comments I am guessing some people think that it is all abut me, I’m the only one seeing, feeling these things. WRONG! 3. Sometimes it is good to rock people’s world. wake them up. Like the wack the monk gives the mediators in Japanese Zen sittings to help them with their enlightenment. Perhaps the smell of this dirty laundry on front street will help with someone’s enlightenment.

There is a Go-Dan who is writing an article for Black Belt magazine. Some of the things I spoke about he is writing about, not the same thing, but in general. I wrote about my experience. I was asked what I thought about his article now after my experience. Do I still think he was too hard. I said, The article was good then, it is good now. However  my opinon had not changed on the modification I suggested. Which was to use more ” tack” on certain areas. Shaolin Tao is one of Compassion.

His words : “The sensei in Japan want you to learn, they want you to feel good about your training experience  and I feel they go out  of their way to make you feel welcome . Not in the United States”. This is a person who has trained here for many years.

Ok, here is another thought from a Go-Dan, a Renshi here in the states not from CA. ” I’m a believer that all forms of Kyudo polish the heart of the participant. Some people who have spent years walking the Way of the Bow seem to not understand any of this. Then again, I wonder, what would they be like if they had spent no time at all on the Path.”

say it together …WoW,

How about a view from another,  a Ni-Dan this time:

“Members of one school are not allowed to practice with the others, and members of one dojo are not allowed to practice elsewhere. This creates an insular culture and inhibits progress, for everyone.”

There is another teacher, who is now considered a “Ronin” he was a senior member in the Zenko clan. This is due to no wrong doing on his part, but someone’s ego got all in a knot, perhaps behind some jealousy …

The moral of this: words from a Go-dan:

“You would think this group would not have politics like other martial arts groups with political problems. It does because we all are human and as long as we are human we will have ego “

One of the biggest challenges, evils, demons we face in this world is ourselves, our egos. This is our largest mountain to climb. I heard the other day at the Extreme Buddhist gathering, the Leader said. “We need our ego, to interact with the world. To do business, etc, etc. However we can not let the ego control us.”

I say, The ego it is a tool for us, we should not be it’s tool or it’s fool…

All this means, if you have a good teacher, be grateful, if you have a good practice, be grateful, Just becasue you are walkingin Sunshine does not mean there are no clouds somewhere. If you are struggling with your practice be grateful you are not alone and yours is not the only Dojo, seek out your spot, if you can not locally, there are things coming, developing, falling in place to help you walk the middle way of Compassionate Kyudo…BuddhaKyudo I’ll call it. (^_^)

Anyway have heart , as I said there are some Kyudo Lotus flowers. I tracked through some mud and muck just in my short time and found some…for now Ganbatte!

Here is the thing as I said before, in my most popular post, Kyudo – life in a small space.  It is about the shot, doing your best shot. Just like life. You have good days, bad days, good bosses, bad bosses, good relationships, bad relationship, but each day, each hour you have to give it your best shot. Deal with the Politics, the haters, the ego, the general BS that life throws at you and still give it your best shot. It is about the shot, not the Kuso. Look for the flower in the desert, the lotus in the mud. Ganbatte, Be the Shin Zen Bi.

Yawn…

I had been thinking about going to the Berkeley Buddhist Temple today for the co-gathering of the East Bay Buddhist ( Shin Buddhist ) temple founder service. Why, well to see what goes on mostly. I was on Sat night. This sect is different from my Chan group. Then I read that even though their main Buddha is not Shakyamuni , it is Amida they still do not consider him a “GOD” more like Manifested Universal Spiritual Energy. So I was ok with that. Yet this morning I felt, Berkeley do I really feel like the trip. After my morning meditation I thought, yeah step outside your comfort zone and do it.

It was a somewhat cool Sunny Sunday Autumn day. I am always nervous about going into new places and usually being the smallest minority. But I did it. I walked in, got some info and sat down. I few minutes later I felt a tap on my shoulder. A girl asked me was I a member here and some other stuff. I’m thinking, oh am I sitting in the wrong place? However it was cool. It was her first time there also, she was a journalist student from Berkeley doing some kind of writeup about the change in the service or something like that from Japan to America. We chatted a bit, she was from Osaka sort of, same as LZ. She was really from Kobe, but loved Osaka. Her husband to be was moving to the states from Osaka.

We talked for a bit on the modification of things Japanese once it is in the states, then service started. An Oba-chan who was sitting next to me, who had moved in and out a few times I spoke to in Japanese. She shared her “song” book with me. After the  service we chatted a bit she was nice, she said it was very nice to met me. The service was a combined effort of the three temples. There were four ministers who spoke, each one gave a short talk and the whole thing was over in about 1 hour. One talk was on peace, another was on it’s a small world and we all share it we are all one, another was on The three A’s,  the third Sensei wrapped it all up combining the topics.

There was another part to the service later and lunch, but I headed out. I wanted to make it to Kyudo practice, then to the Extreme Buddhist event in the City later. I was pleased with myself for going and stepping out my comfort zone.

On the way home, I have car problems, a water hose breaks, car over heats, I stop, get water, fill up , drive , stop, etc, etc. So much for Kyudo. I limp the car home. This is not a simple hose and LZ has to go to work. Oh well, I adjust my plans and take steps to deal with the situation. That  is all one can do most time is to flow with it…

While in Chinatown last week I came across a poster that said Extreme Buddhism. I liked the graphic however it struck me as some New Age Get some new blood in the mix marketing thing. I invited my Chan sister to come along to see what was Up an spoke some about it at the Chan meeting. Shijie could not make it, and I had considered not going if I needed to miss Kyudo, Then Kyudo was set for 2:00pm so I could make both. Well then the car water hose broke. Anyway to shorten the tale. I went to the Extreme Buddhist gathering. It was hmmm. ok. I hated , hated the music! The leader a woman, Buddhist Priest casual dressed in jeans was in charge. THe stage had a VERY nice Chinese screen with a dragon, There was one chair on the stage with a large vase of flowers next to it. Low key understated, classy. She spoke of many good things and at no time said anything about joining her group. However the playing Rock and metal to meditate really did not do it for me. It fit her style but not mine. The best music was Bob Marley songs during the cookie break!

Anyway, it was good marketing, selling without selling, basically Chan for Middle America. Nothing really ground breaking for people with Meditation practice.  She drew from Yoga, Christian, Zen Philosophy. It was though a good non-Asian intro for those who’ve not been exposed or understood this “Chan” type of thought . Would I recommend it…Well nothing was said about the cost of having this woman as a teacher. She did say it was not easy to be taken as a student. Sounded like good marketing to me. Also bring s to mind, the saying if you have to ask, you can not afford it. The Hyatt Regency is not cheap to rent! Also reminds me of South Park, Cartman had a playground, He said it was not for just anyone, so of course everyone wanted to come.

Would it be worth it…? Depends on the person. Everyone is different…