Saturday, December 13, 2008

Kongokai: How to get what you want, whether you like it or not

In our modern society, we are inundated with books which present plans for developing personal power and maybe even attaining enlightenment. Motivational speakers abound, touting the newest processes for attaining wealth, health, or an Olympian physique. However, as it is written, "the thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 1:9) 

Millenia ago, the ancient ninja were steeped in principals imported from India, Tibet, and China. These principals were formulated into concepts which were extrapolated into the form of the Kongokai mandala. The Kongokai mandala represents the "diamond" realm. The diamond being symbolic of ultimate truth. It is a schematic representation of the phenomenal world. Its compliment is the Taizokai mandala; the nin-po mikkyo representation of the spiritual realm. Within the schemata of the Kongokai mandala, lies a pattern for the harnessing and development of personal power. The ancient ninja were well versed in this formula; a map charting a course, terminating in the attainment of an objective which the ninja willed into being. This power was and is formidable. 

However, many have made shipwreck of themselves in the quest for power. The attainment of our desire does not necessarily result in our happiness. The principals contained in the Kongokai are empowering but, as is everything else, are circumscribed by universal principals, natural law, ultimate truth. The diamond, with its infinite facets, can only be understood as it is revealed to us by the mind of the infinite. We may engage the tools of the intellect to mine the treasures of wisdom but, our finite powers are inadequate to interpret the gleaming treasures. Without the knowledge of God, revealed in scripture, we only possess a map without a proper destination. Biblical truth guides our path and harnesses the will to accomplish the Divine purpose in our lives. "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps." (Proverbs 16:9) "O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." (Jeremiah 10:23) You must first understand and recognize God's direction in your life before implementing the Kongokai, or you may wreak upon yourself great mischief. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105) We must study this well and meditate on these words deeply before we proceed.     

7 comments:

Navitor said...

Thanks for the nice comment John!...Ted

http://navitor.blogspot.com

John said...

Thank you as well! Look forward to your continued participation!

Atlanteaness said...

Very interesting indeed... religion and form. What strikes me most is the use of the diamond in the sky.

John said...

Atlanteaness,

Yes, in Buddhist thought the diamond is representative of ultimate truth, of reality. For me, the Scriptures are the precious diamond, embodying ultimate truth and the revelation of that which is real. Indeed, Christ himself is the diamond, pure, without spot and the expression of the Father; the object and culmination of all Biblical revelation.

Atlanteaness said...

I actually remember an old proverb, of Chinese or what I am not sure, about the diamond in the sky. Maybe this is what you speak of in the mandala... hmmm.

Atlanteaness said...

Not proverb, it was a folk story or legend...

John said...

Atlanteaness,

Well, yes the diamond is representative of ultimate truth in the Buddhist tradition. Thank you for your comments. I always enjoy reading your thoughts.