Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Hiding In The Mist

The ninja of legend were said to appear and disappear at will, performing supernatural acts by occult power.  The ninja were masters of kyojutsu, masters of truth and falsehood: the interplay of the apparent and the actual.  There is a fog of war, it exists on the macro battlefield as well as in the micro battlefield that exists between two combatants.  The subtlety of ninpo arises when this mist of battle is exploited, when combat is reduced to the manipulation of the gaps in the mind.  The ninja must move in the cloudy mists of the mind where illusion becomes the true sword. The genesis of intention is felt stirring in the opponent, then the focused intention of the ninja pierces through to strike the heart of the opponent.  In this mist, victory may be obtained apart from battle and here the ultimate expression of ninpo is found.  In these moments, the form of the ninja disappears within grey, cold clouds of confusion.  Perception becomes reality as the heart is led astray.   

2 comments:

Atlanteaness said...

Perception is that in the beholder, or adversary. The true art is in that of the mist. A tool that the ninja knows, becomes, and uses to benefit. As in all nature and surroundings, a ninja must use all senses of reality. Only then can the opponent be outwitted and left in illusion.

John said...

Thank you for all your input and comments. They are much appreciated!