By MarVeena Meek
(c) March 2012
The way of the sword originated in Japan by the Samurai class. This was in Feudal Japan.
Kendo is the modern version of this. It provides a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines strong martial arts values with strong physical elements.
One of the ideas to embrace in this practice is the illusionary nature of death and life.
You have the Itto-ryu school. This schools founding father taught about the illumination and how all possible cuts you might receive go back to the one original cut.
In the The Muto-ryu which is a swordless school. This school expresses the ideas that "There is no sword outside the mind".
In the The Munen Muso school, you learn how essence transcends the reflective thought process.
The schools taught in Kata's. These are moving meditations.
Now days a lot of these schools use bamboo and Armour to practice their sword training.
They work out in full body Armour so they can make full strength thrusts with out injuring their opponent.
The idea of mushin or "empty mind", is a concept borrowed from Zen Buddhism and is an important ideal for high-level Swordsmanship.
A important quality to create is the unmoving mind.
When you have the un-moving mind you cannot be led astray by delusions of anger, doubt, fear, or surprise.
These are known as the four admonitions or sickness.
Today it is possible to create a similar quest for spiritual enlightenment.
Last week I had an article about the way of tea , were you have the Four principals of harmony, purity, respect and tranquility.
In the way of the sword the ideals to pursue are
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- To mold the mind and body.
- To strive for a strong spirit,
- Pursue correct and rigid training,
- To train for improvement in the art of the sword.
- To hold in high regard human courtesy and honor.
- To associate with others with sincerity.
- And to forever pursue self mastery.
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- By doing these things you will be a part of the solution and give back to your community and country.
- By your example you will promote peace and prosperity among your community.
I think of the way of the sword as a moving meditation.
Anastasiya Day says
Thank you for another great post! I love yoga 🙂
Andrea Beadle says
Thank you for this post Marveena. My walk home from dropping my son off at school is an important time for me. I realise it is effectively a moving meditation. It enables me to connect with nature and with what is important for the day and I often have inspirational messages come through during this time. Many of my blog posts are written from the inspiration I get at this time. I am just taking up running again and the rhythm of the running and breathing will be another moving meditation. Thank you!
Tracey says
Great post Marveena … I used a lot of meditation and visualisation during pregnancy and birth. One specific one was imagining my baby born as a little turtle swimming in on the waves at the beach. I used it while I was lying down or being moved.
MarVeena says
Thank you Tracy for your ideas! Stay in touch!