06/10/2024
Budô is the study of man’s relationship with heaven and earth. This is why we have the Ten 天 Chi 地 Jin 人 Ryaku no maki 略の巻 ( heaven,earth,man book of power ). The process of correct study in Shin 心 Gi 技 Tai 体 ( heart/mind/spirit,technique and body ) over one’s training life by following the Bufū 武風( martial wind ) to reflect deeply on one’s level and true understanding of connection between heaven and earth. True study is not merely to become masterful in martial techniques ( Meijin 名人 ) but to develop as an accomplished and refined person ( Tatsujin 達人 ). This can be linked to the constant struggle and search for harmony between all things, often represented by the Tiger ( Tora 虎 ) and Dragon ( Ryū龍 ). In order to maintain a balanced path toward harmony and a greater capacity to universal connectivity and understanding, one must engage in consistent study of one’s Sainou 才能 Tamashi魂 Utsuwa 器 ( skill,soul and capacity ).
“If an expert in the fighting arts sincerely pursues the essence of ninjutsu, devoid of the influence of the ego's desires, the student will progressively come to realize the ultimate secret for becoming invincible - the attainment of the 'mind and eyes of the divine.' The combatant who would win must be in harmony with the scheme of totality, and must be guided by an intuitive knowledge of the playing out of fate. In tune with the providence of heaven and the impartial justice of nature, and following a clear and pure heart full of trust in the inevitable….”
~ Takamatsu Tosh*tsugu
Budô is transmitting the vital importance to transcend. Within the Gōjō ( the five virtues of Confucianism ) this is known as Shizen no Choetsu 自然の超越 or ‘natural transcendence.’ I believe this is promoting ( among other things ) the practice of reaching to the higher level of consciousness known as Jihi no kokoro 慈悲の心 or the ‘benevolent/merciful/compassionate heart.’
“The practitioner of ninjutsu can gain the strength and invincibility that permits enjoyment of the flowers moving in the wind, appreciation of the love of others, and contentment with the presence of peace in society. The attainment of this enlightenment is characterized by the development of the jihi no kokoro, or ‘benevolent heart’. Stronger than love itself, the benevolent heart is capable of encompassing all that constitutes universal justice and all that finds expression in the unfolding of the universal scheme.”
宗家Masaaki Hatsumi
Budô is coming to the ultimate realisation that our power is given from heaven and earth and that we are not using our own, but rather acutely connected to nature and universal power.
なす技を（なすわざを)
Nasu waza o
己が力と(おのがちからと）
Ono ga chikara to
人の云う（ひとのいう)
Hitō no iu
神の導く(かみのみちびく)
Kami no michibiku
身と知らずして（みとしらずして)
Mito shirazu sh*te
‘To acknowledge that the skills one performs are not from one’s own strength but from the guidance of the divine.’
Hatsumi sensei has said that everyone believes they are in control and using their own power, dismissing that there is a greater power at play. This is the fault of mankind. We believe we are the centre of the universe and thus our arrogance blinds us. We generally live no deeper than that of a busy colony of ants on a mound of dirt.
I suppose one could say that Budô enables students to fight with their own ignorance until they become awakened to the stupidity of fighting and war. From that point of maturity, the practice of Budô rises beyond that of mere physical combat techniques to defeat an opponent, but to a higher path of spiritual healing, emotional intelligence, pure self expression and meditative practice for happiness and a healthy longevity in mind,body and spirit.
It’s interesting to note that many martial artists eventually find themselves as physical healers or spiritual practitioners later in their training careers.
強弱柔剛あるべからず
Kyôjaku jyûgô aru bekarazu,
故にこの心から離れ
Yue ni kono kokoro kara hanare,
空という一字に悟り
Kû to iu ichiji ni satori,
体また無しとして之に配す
Tai mata nashi tosh*te kore ni haisu
"You should not be concerned with being strong or weak, hard or soft.
Therefore, remove such thoughts from your heart and mind.
Awaken yourself to the character of Ku (void).
Arrange the self and the body to become Mu (nothingness)."
Duncan 南虎
