In the mortal flow of real combat, victory resides in the interstices between truth and falsehood. It is a formless reality in which the ninja finds a natural solitude in the midst of battle's chaos. Through the constant of martial training, the ninja discovers for himself the essence of kyojutsu and is transformed into the unknowable. The seed of this state is found in Mushin-no mind. The opponent cannot predict what the ninja has not purposed. A natural technique flows from the unconscious and the ninja becomes formless in battle, disappearing into the mist of the inscrutable. Here is where Ninjutsu shows it's battlefield pedigree. Unlike other martial forms, degraded by sport, Ninjutsu cultivates the gokui (essence) of battlefield victory: an impenetrable equanimity. Taijutsu, practiced from the void between truth and falsehood is unreadable simply because it does not flow from the ninja's intention. Taijutsu does not spring from technique, rather, technique springs from the Divine void. If one intends to kick, the opponent is capable of responding with a counter technique. If, however, one abides in the void and responds naturally to the energy of the opponent, then no counter can emerge and the enemy is left to float in an eerie reality where nothing is certain. The truth of technique is lost when the expected proves to be falsehood. This is the manipulation of truth (reality) and falsehood (perception).
A Biblical illustration will illumine this concept. The manipulation of perception and the character of reality has always been an essential element in the successful prosecution of war. In Joshua 8:1-29 ambush is employed to ensure victory. Perception becomes falsehood as the King of Ai falls into the hands of Joshua.
"And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness." Joshua 8:15
"In the martial arts, it is important to discard obsessive ideas, leave behind any adherence to forms, and abandon conventional common sense. By doing this your spirit will become more flexible, your 'capacity' as a martial artist will grow, those around you will acknowledge your preeminence, and you will be able to produce free, ever-changing techniques wherever and whenever you choose." Masaaki Hatsumi
"Above all, it is important to maintain equanimity." Masaaki Hatsumi
Bufu Ikkan
2 comments:
Between water and light... The light being the truth and the water being reflected distortion.
I often wonder if your journal entries are self composed or rather that of combined informations? It is appeasing to read well constructed formidable wisdoms.
Atlanteaness,
Thanks for your comments. Yes, my posts are authored by me. The content of my posts are derived, in part, from my training. But, the material is mine, except where noted by quotation marks. God is indeed gracious and any light that I have has been derived from what the Holy Spirit has illumined. As always, thank you for your comments. And, I hope that this blog continues to provide an insight into Nin-po and Biblical truth.
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