Measuring Out My Life In Coffee Spoons

T.S. Eliot (1888–1965).

Prufrock and Other Observations. 1917.

1. The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock


S’io credesse che mia risposta fosse
A persona che mai tornasse al mondo,
Questa fiamma staria senza piu scosse.
Ma perciocche giammai di questo fondo
Non torno vivo alcun, s’i’odo il vero,
Senza tema d’infamia ti rispondo.


LET us go then, you and I,
When the evening is spread out against the sky
Like a patient etherised upon a table;
Let us go, through certain half-deserted streets,
The muttering retreats 5
Of restless nights in one-night cheap hotels
And sawdust restaurants with oyster-shells:
Streets that follow like a tedious argument
Of insidious intent
To lead you to an overwhelming question … 10
Oh, do not ask, “What is it?”
Let us go and make our visit.

In the room the women come and go
Talking of Michelangelo.

The yellow fog that rubs its back upon the window-panes, 15
The yellow smoke that rubs its muzzle on the window-panes
Licked its tongue into the corners of the evening,
Lingered upon the pools that stand in drains,
Let fall upon its back the soot that falls from chimneys,
Slipped by the terrace, made a sudden leap, 20
And seeing that it was a soft October night,
Curled once about the house, and fell asleep.

And indeed there will be time
For the yellow smoke that slides along the street,
Rubbing its back upon the window-panes; 25
There will be time, there will be time
To prepare a face to meet the faces that you meet;
There will be time to murder and create,
And time for all the works and days of hands
That lift and drop a question on your plate; 30
Time for you and time for me,
And time yet for a hundred indecisions,
And for a hundred visions and revisions,
Before the taking of a toast and tea.

In the room the women come and go 35
Talking of Michelangelo.

And indeed there will be time
To wonder, “Do I dare?” and, “Do I dare?”
Time to turn back and descend the stair,
With a bald spot in the middle of my hair— 40
[They will say: “How his hair is growing thin!”]
My morning coat, my collar mounting firmly to the chin,
My necktie rich and modest, but asserted by a simple pin—
[They will say: “But how his arms and legs are thin!”]
Do I dare 45
Disturb the universe?
In a minute there is time
For decisions and revisions which a minute will reverse.

For I have known them all already, known them all:—
Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons, 50
I have measured out my life with coffee spoons;
I know the voices dying with a dying fall
Beneath the music from a farther room.
So how should I presume?

And I have known the eyes already, known them all— 55
The eyes that fix you in a formulated phrase,
And when I am formulated, sprawling on a pin,
When I am pinned and wriggling on the wall,
Then how should I begin
To spit out all the butt-ends of my days and ways? 60
And how should I presume?

And I have known the arms already, known them all—
Arms that are braceleted and white and bare
[But in the lamplight, downed with light brown hair!]
It is perfume from a dress 65
That makes me so digress?
Arms that lie along a table, or wrap about a shawl.
And should I then presume?
And how should I begin?
. . . . .
Shall I say, I have gone at dusk through narrow streets 70
And watched the smoke that rises from the pipes
Of lonely men in shirt-sleeves, leaning out of windows?…

I should have been a pair of ragged claws
Scuttling across the floors of silent seas.
. . . . .
And the afternoon, the evening, sleeps so peacefully! 75
Smoothed by long fingers,
Asleep … tired … or it malingers,
Stretched on the floor, here beside you and me.
Should I, after tea and cakes and ices,
Have the strength to force the moment to its crisis? 80
But though I have wept and fasted, wept and prayed,
Though I have seen my head [grown slightly bald] brought in upon a platter,
I am no prophet—and here’s no great matter;
I have seen the moment of my greatness flicker,
And I have seen the eternal Footman hold my coat, and snicker, 85
And in short, I was afraid.

And would it have been worth it, after all,
After the cups, the marmalade, the tea,
Among the porcelain, among some talk of you and me,
Would it have been worth while, 90
To have bitten off the matter with a smile,
To have squeezed the universe into a ball
To roll it toward some overwhelming question,
To say: “I am Lazarus, come from the dead,
Come back to tell you all, I shall tell you all”— 95
If one, settling a pillow by her head,
Should say: “That is not what I meant at all.
That is not it, at all.”

And would it have been worth it, after all,
Would it have been worth while, 100
After the sunsets and the dooryards and the sprinkled streets,
After the novels, after the teacups, after the skirts that trail along the floor—
And this, and so much more?—
It is impossible to say just what I mean!
But as if a magic lantern threw the nerves in patterns on a screen: 105
Would it have been worth while
If one, settling a pillow or throwing off a shawl,
And turning toward the window, should say:
“That is not it at all,
That is not what I meant, at all.”
. . . . . 110
No! I am not Prince Hamlet, nor was meant to be;
Am an attendant lord, one that will do
To swell a progress, start a scene or two,
Advise the prince; no doubt, an easy tool,
Deferential, glad to be of use, 115
Politic, cautious, and meticulous;
Full of high sentence, but a bit obtuse;
At times, indeed, almost ridiculous—
Almost, at times, the Fool.

I grow old … I grow old … 120
I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled.

Shall I part my hair behind? Do I dare to eat a peach?
I shall wear white flannel trousers, and walk upon the beach.
I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each.

I do not think that they will sing to me. 125

I have seen them riding seaward on the waves
Combing the white hair of the waves blown back
When the wind blows the water white and black.

We have lingered in the chambers of the sea
By sea-girls wreathed with seaweed red and brown 130
Till human voices wake us, and we drown.

Eric Holder Hammered by Graham

Our Bushido, The 9-12 Project

"Bushi and Ninja are always prepared to offer their lives for the sake of their lord or village, and die serenely. It is a wonderful way to live...Yet I feel compelled to say that enduring to the end no matter what happens, persevering with life despite being prepared for death at any time, is actually the secret of Bushido. This means treasuring the lifestyle of the Ninja, living as a shadow of your true purpose, and doing your utmost to survive."

--Masakki Hatsumi, Soke

The Dream Of Tomorrow

We dream a dream in which we move about through the course of our lives, buying, selling, working, training, acquiring an education, forming and maintaining families, all by dint of our power, the will-to-power. We dream a dream and imagine ourselves the captains of our fate, masters of the universe we survey. We fancy that we are in control and manage risk to the level of our taste. It is a dream and as such, finds no basis in the real. So it is of combat. We think we manage the innumerable combinations of possibilities by the power of our practiced skill. However, the strong are often conquered by the weak; a giant fell to a boy wielding a strap of leather and common stones. The truth is simply ignored. The dream casts its pall and we throw ourselves headlong into the unknown with blithe indifference. But, eventually, the unpleasant reality of the objective intrudes into our subjective stupor. Our true relationship to the objective is not one of power. "For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." James 4:14 Can a vapor rage against the storm and bend it to it's infinitesimally small power? Hardly. Whether you care to recognize the fact or not, you have your life only so long as Providence deigns to extend it. It is by Him that we live, move, and have our being. The management of risk, ultimately, is illusory. We must proceed by faith or not at all and live in harmony with the Divine Will. Man's purpose is to do the will of his Creator. In this path, the true Shinobi finds peace and contentment. For what is life and death to the man who moves by the Divine Purpose, having found peace with God through Christ our Lord?

The unpleasant truth is that we only have now. Mu shin--no mind, teaches this. By it we come to understand that what we do now we must do with full concentration in the present. What of the past? What of the future? In view of the limited sphere of our influence we should give ourselves over wholly to the task at hand. Bend the full resources of your mind to the accomplishment of the goal in full understanding the the accomplishment is resultant of the Divine prerogative. But in view of the end to which we all proceed, we aught to give deep thought to our relationship to God--the ultimate ground of reality.

In light of complete uncertainty, how do rational beings maintain sanity? One may simply ignore the nature of one's existence and dream on until the day of harsh awakening; or, one may meet the vicissitudes of life with faith. "For that ye aught to say, if the Lord will, we shall live, and do this or that." James 4:15 In this we find the absolute measure of our lives: if the Lord will. In this is complete assurance. Here, the warrior may find complete peace and preparation for the uncertainties of battle and the finality of death. Only in recognizing the reality of the Divine hand of Providence can one meet reality rationally, as a man.

Tomorrow is the dream. You may meet the reality of eternity within the next moment. Burn an incense and carefully observe the tenuous curl of smoke. In the sinuous coils, see the span of your life.

"There is a poem from martial arts' history which reads: 'People think they perform their techniques themselves...unaware that their bodies are guided by the gods.' Those intent on 'putting on' techniques or becoming more skillful are sure to fail in the long run. It is more important to move in step with the gods, maintain an disinterested attitude, keep control over one's own emotions, and retain a sensibility which goes beyond the everyday." Masaaki Hatsumi, Soke

Protecting The Good

For those who do not understand the way of Budo, it may seem strange that I have added the following video. If that is your feeling, then take a few moments to free your mind from staid and monolithic attitudes inculcated by popular society. The Ninja were decidedly non-conformist and worked incessantly to preserve the freedom of their families and clans. Our nation faces a threat from a modern Shogun who attempts to coalesce his power and limit the freedom of the individual. The Shinobi Spirit lives on in the heart of the following orator. Bufu Ikkan!

"The ultimate purpose of real martial arts is to maintain peace and freedom."

"The taijutsu that I teach is founded in freedom, and the feeling that we are looking for arises out of freedom of movement. This freedom is so important. A person who does not appreciate how precious freedom is cannot understand my taijutsu."

"The Mission of the Bujinkan is to protect the good."

Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, Soke The Grandmasters Book Of Ninja Training

David Carradine 1936-2009

David Carradine, known best for his role in the t.v. series Kung Fu and in the Kill Bill movie series, died today. His body was discovered in his hotel room in Bangkok, Thailand. There has been speculation that his death was the result of suicide. Be that as it may, the outcome is the same; whether by his own hand or through natural causes, he has met with the fate that awaits us all. His death is a reminder of the transient and ephemeral nature of life. A reminder that we must treasure our moments and prepare for death. 

"Yet I feel compelled to say that enduring to the end no matter what happens, persevering with life despite being prepared for death at any time, is actually the secret of Bushido. This means treasuring the lifestyle of the Ninja, living as a shadow of your true purpose, and doing your utmost to survive." Masaaki Hatsumi, Soke

Yet, the death of the physical body is not the ultimate effect. I put it in terms of cause and effect because the ultimate effect of death is the eternal separation of man and his God. The cause is thus: "and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." Romans 5:12 To persevere with life, to be prepared for death, to know the secret of Bushido, one must know the secret of eternal life: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:1,2

Summer grass

All that remains

Of the warrior's dreams

(Basho)

If you wish to send a message of condolance to the Carradine family you may do so at www.david-carradine.com

The Spirit of Nin-Po

"If you persevere in Ninjutsu as I have done, you will come to discern the ocean of difference that lies between things seen with true eyes, observed using the intuitive "feeling" you develop in this art, and those seen through the glass eyes of people who have not trained at all." Massaki Hatsumi, Soke The Way Of The Ninja; Secret Techniques pg. 142

Juppo Sessho

I began a walk in the woods, as most, carrying much more than the items in my pack. April 30th, 2009 I set out with a group of friends to conquer a small bit of the Appalachian Trail (AT)--a mere 24 miles in three days. We set off in the morning as day hikers, the bottom of the trekker scale. 

At the pinnacle of the AT trekker hierarchy are the through hikers, those souls with the temerity to challenge the AT from stem to stern in one epic slog. Next, stand the segment hikers who devour the AT in multi week segments. These are the men and women with jobs who attack the daunting AT during bouts of vacation. But, I set off, with my friends, as a duffer, one who merely plays at the solemn task of casting off a watch, hygiene, and any care for the outside world for the solitude of over a thousand miles of forested trail. The AT is, indeed, a world apart with it's own nouveau hippie culture complete with peculiar customs and courtesies; chief of which is the primacy of the through hiker. To me, the distinctions are pretensions; most everyone is there for the same purpose--to experience an ancient simplicity. The experience is not imparted based on the duration of one's pilgrimage but is granted to those who measure their plodding steps with care. The exertion that the AT exacts and the staid majesty of the forest's ancient wooden sentinels quickly divest one of all but the most necessary and elemental burdens.  

And, so, we set off North bound on a portion of the AT which meanders along the boarder of North Carolina and Tennessee.  In three days time, we were to emerge from the verdant wood in Erwin, TN at Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel and Outfitters. For the first day, we were scheduled to trek 8 miles from Sam's Gap to the Bald Mountain shelter. Sam's Gap lies at approximately 3,800 feet above sea level. Between me and the first shelter lay Big Bald, another 1,716 feet in elevation at 5,516 feet. It might as well have been the summit of Mt. Everest. 

I quickly discovered that I was incontrovertibly a duffer at this business of AT trekking. My pack, including a fanny pack, tipped the scales at 55 lbs. I had everything one could ever hope to use in the deep and dark woods. Items that I still consider essential: a S&W model 686, stainless steel finish, chambered in .44 magnum (for use against disagreeable four and two legged mammals, or against any surviving dinosaurs that may still be lurking amongst the trees); 18 rounds of additional .44 magnum ammunition (six rounds in a speed loader); head lamp (invaluable as I  relocated my tent during the middle of the night); and my Sweet Water pump (which rescued me from perishing of thirst on the second day). An item which I wish I had carried: a portable cardiac arrest machine for use during my near heart-stopping assent to the Big Bald. 

Big Bald was breath taking. The summit is kept bald of trees and offers a panoramic view of the Smokey Mountain Range. I reached the summit, long after the rest of my cohorts, in a stiff wind that gusted to 30 mph or so and in fading light. So, I didn't have long to appreciate the view of the blue-grey rolling hills and mountains under a grey and blustery sky. I synched down my boonie hat and plodded on. I reached the Big Bald shelter about 30 minutes after the rest of my group. I consoled myself with the thought that I was lugging about a much heavier pack and was, de facto, much tougher. Never mind the stupidity of carrying about items that I would never end up using, such as an extra cooking pot and lid or 10 extra lithium batteries for my 107 lumens surefire flashlight--bright enough to permanently blind a charging grizzly bear at 100 yards. Light was fading fast, so I set about setting up my tent in a stiff wind, bending the trees in creaking groans.  My journal entry for that evening was, "8 miles + 55 lbs of gear=PAIN." 

That evening, I was exhausted but could not find sleep. I felt anxious, uncomfortable, with a vague sense of foreboding. The trees groaned uncomfortably, bending painfully in the buffeting gusts. I unzipped my tent and stuck my head out to gaze at the sky. It was then I noticed that I had expertly placed my tent next to a dead tree, slumping 40 feet from the leafy loam to a precarious rest on an adjacent tree. For me, this became both a moment of appreciation and understanding. Appreciation for the still small voice of Providence and a wider understanding of the nin-po principal of Juppo Sessho. 

Juppo Sessho no Jutsu means literally, "contact in ten directions."  "One can interpret this as indicating that Budo and Ninjutsu exist both inside and outside the box; indeed at a level totally beyond everything else." Masaaki Hatsumi, The Way Of The Ninja: Secret Techniques. Juppo Sessho is a vast idea that suggests a different mode of thinking and perception. It includes the idea of foresight and perception. Soke Hatsumi says that the vast majority of people go through life "sleep walking." People move through their daily lives insulated from those about them and the environment they live in. This is death. Modernity propagates this sleep walking as it limits man's potential by ignoring the Divine, the spiritual, and limiting man's experience to a shabby and primitive materialism. There is a connectivity between humans and to fail to realize this leaves one vulnerable. There is a connectivity with our natural environment and to fail to realize this isolates man from his natural possession. The Ninja maintained a vigil, a conscious communion with God's creation and, therefore, were able to sense a reality hidden from men of lesser awareness. For me, there can be no complete Juppo Sessho apart from Divine enlightenment. How can one be truly aware if you do not enjoy an awareness of the ultimate reality--a personal relationship with God? 

The tree did not fall. It would certainly make a better story if it had. Perhaps, it did not fall because I moved. Who can say? I moved my tent in the middle of the night. And, I fell into a restful sleep, lulled by the breath of the Divine, whispering to me through naked branches and rustling leaves. 

"For in him we live, and move, and have our being." Acts 17:28   

"In other words, the combination of the two great elements of the Dragon and the Tiger, having foresight and being certain of victory, is seen to be an important aspect of Budo. Martial artists who cannot develop this natural ability to predict, sense, and see through things will never achieve the proverbial '100 victories in 100 fights,' let alone '100 lives in 100 lights' (i.e. gaining enlightenment in each existence.)" Masaaki Hatsumi, The Way Of The Ninja: Secret Techniques pg. 176

Peter's Sword

Modern Americans are taught to be passive. The prevailing philosophy in the public schools imbues the student with a compliant character, binding him in a lord-serf relationship to the State. The modern man, therefore, acquires a distaste for weapons and martial art as, somehow, morally reprehensible. This is as his Statist taskmasters wish. It is impossible to subjugate a man possessed of the will to persevere, of a mind adept at critical thinking, and who has obtained the means of physical defense. Often, the Statist (whose modern incarnation is the Liberal Fascist) will make a perverse appeal to Christian principle in support of his effeminate doctrine of impotence. As the Father of Lies so often does, the Statist speaks in half truths and perverts the doctrines of Christ into a misshapen ethos of passivism.

It is written otherwise.

It may come as a shock to many that Christ specifically instructed his disciples to acquire weapons, swords, to be specific. To the same disciples that He directed the exhortation to turn the other cheek, Christ commanded: "and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one." Luke 22:36 This command came just before Christ allowed himself to be taken captive by the chief priests. It is interesting to note that Christ placed the acquisition of a sword even above that of rainment. As essential as articles of clothing are to modesty and human dignity, the command to keep and bear arms was held to be superior in relation. And, so, the disciples responded that they possessed two swords. And, Christ in his perfect equanimity said, "It is enough." v.38. And so, the disciples went forward, armed to meet the chief priests and their minions, possessed of the full measure of human dignity--armed as free men in the presence of their Sovereign Lord. As the fateful moment was upon them, confronted by the servants of Satan, Peter asked his Lord, "shall we smite with the sword?" This is the prayer of every warrior, of every "sword saint." In the quiet before the battle is enjoined the bujin still asks, Lord "shall we smite with the sword?" For the victor does not conquer by the strength of his own arm, but by the might of the Almighty. Peter acted with his characteristic rashness and struck off the ear of the High Priest's servant. Undoubtedly, Peter's desire was to strike off the servant's head. At this display of righteous but impetuous wrath and aggression, Christ gives the answer that Peter should have waited for, "Suffer ye thus far." v.51 Then, Christ simply heals the servant's severed ear. No further remonstrations are given. No condemnation is uttered by Christ for the act of violence. It is an episode which sheds Divine light on the God-given right to possess and bear arms. And, it is a Divine repudiation of all who malign the warrior spirit, the urge in good men to defend what is right.

So, those who teach men to cower in the shadows, to wait for a salvation from the State, to live their lives as slaves devoid of the human dignity found in the sword, are at enmity with God himself. The passivist cannot hide behind contorted doctrines to which the name of Christ is applied. And, the Christian bujin must recognize a duty to defend what is right with his sword--whether it be made of steel or whether it be fashioned out of the ephemera of thought. Ultimately, the Bible itself is the spiritual sword, unbreakable and immutable; cutting the soul and bringing men to repentance. These are dark days indeed. The people perish from the lack of vision (revelation). It is now more important than ever that men be willing to battle for what is right as our forefathers did when an English despot bore down upon them with the machine of tyranny.

"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee withersover thou goest." Joshua 1:9

"When circumstances necessitate, however, those who do not fear the strong and protect the weak should be called true warriors." Masaaki Hatsumi

Bujin Do Not Forget

You can pause the music at the bottom of the page while watching the video.

The Rugged Individual

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past week, you've heard about a rag-tag band of Somali pirates holding Captain Richard Phillips hostage on a small life boat. As riveting as the unfolding drama of the hostage situation has been, the Obama administration's response has been just as fascinating. I've been waiting for days to see how Obozo and his court jesters would spin their handling of this hostage matter. I must admit that I've been plagued by the specter of hay-seed former President Jimmy Carter and his wretched bungling of the Iranian hostage crisis. Admittedly, the Somali hostage situation is of a completely different composition than Carters crisis. But, I expected the same sort of vacillation and indecision from the Obozo court.

Captain Phillips displayed the characteristics that have made and continue to distinguish Americans as unique and admirable in a world characterized by the conformist and the sickly pacifist. Not once, but twice, did Captain Phillips exercise a rugged individualism that refused to sit idly by and wait for a deus ex machina from "the One." Phillips displayed that uniquely American unction to deal with matters directly, foiling the plot of evil doers. If only Captain Phillips had had access to a .44 magnum, or, dare I say, an assault rifle. Here is a display of manly heroism which resulted in the reaffirmation of the efficacy of honor and courage in this age of shadow men and metrosexuals. As Captain Phillips asserts, "I'm only the byline." Indeed, there were a cadre of heroic Americans at work, most noteably the U.S. Navy SEALS.

The courage and competency of the SEALs is beyond the pale of question. As Captain Phillips plunged into the sea and made his way toward the grey battlements of a U.S Navy man-of-war, SEAL snipers leveled the precision machined tools of their trade to take aim upon the swarthy pates of men-turned-beast by the corruption of their souls. And, as any student of budo knows, the SEALs were motivated by the ancient maxim of "the life giving sword." So, the snipers fired with an unconscious competency, and three skulls burst into pink clouds, mute testament to the end of wicked men. The three pirates were condemned by their own actions and received the just recompense of their reward. The SEAL snipers acted with a honed mastery and with honor. Meanwhile, their Commander-in-Chief skulked in the shadows.

Throughout the building hostage crisis, the B. Hussein Obama administration refused to comment or provide Americans with a sense of leadership with regard to how U.S. military forces would be postured to engage the hostage situation. Obama hid behind the skirts of ham-face Gibbs and his flock of incompetents. As is typical of The One, Obama's position could not be discerned until after the outcome was settled. Only after heroes did their work, did the Obamastocracy "leak" reports of Obama's authorization of the use of deadly force. How convenient. Even up to Saturday, FOX News was reporting that the Obama administration's position was inscrutable. Of course! The cagey Chicago street thug was hedging his bets. Obama's lone talent is obfuscation. Aided by a pandering, fawning media establishment, Obama sidestepped the hostage issue until he could lay claim to a victory or scapegoat a debacle. This is not courage or leadership, but weakness masquerading as diplomacy. Of course, the main stream media propagates the White House spin. Oh yeah, Obama didn't bow and scrape like a thrall before a Muslim potentate; he stooped a bit to shake King Abdullah's hand! Check out the video, Obama could have licked King Abdullah's boots from his subservient position. I suppose I shouldn't gripe too much about the leader of the free world engaging in an act of thralldom; his middle name is HUSSEIN for a reason.

The media will spin this hostage episode as a victory for the Obamastocracy. But, the truth of the matter is that it's a victory for Reaganesque rugged individualism; the same spirit that forged the Declaration and Constitution in the crucible of blood and sacred honor.

"The only honorable response to violence is counter-violence. To surrender to extortion is a greater sin than extortion, in that it breeds and feeds the very act it seeks to avoid." Jeff Cooper: To Ride, Shoot Straight, And Speak The Truth.

See what others are saying.

Redstate and Michelle Malkin (also here)

Reposted from www.moms4sarahpalin.net, where I contribute as well.

Kanjin Kaname: What is Truly Important

"So what is truly important? Kanjin Kaname can also be written as 'the heart and eyes of the gods,' and thus it means the way of heaven, or the laws of heaven." Masaaki Hatsumi

The Shinobi of old were always studying "tenchijin," or the relationship of heaven, earth, and man. Out of this study, the Shinobi were able to discern what things were of eternal value, what things were worth living and dying for. At the heart of every one's existence is this struggle to determine what is ultimately valuable, what gives meaning, why things are as they are. To properly understand reality, man must have the heart and mind of God. He is not far from us and we may obtain the Kanjin Kaname by making a study of His Word. This is also the essence of the Godan. And, this is why I am sharing an essay from my own little Kunoichi (female ninja). Though an adolescent, she has grasped the mind and eyes of God. Here are her words for your consideration: 

"God is not sinful, he is pure. Therefore, He hates sin. He wants us to shut it out of our lives so that we can go to Heaven and be with Him when we die. God is not fearful because He is almighty and we should not be fearful, because he protects us. God is not careless. He created us very carefully, otherwise our noses might be between our toes. God is not unwise. God is smarter than anyone in this world, so He created us perfectly, just the way God wants us to be. God is not worldly. He does not get so caught up in something else so much He loves it more than us, does He? Well, probably not! That might be what some people do to God. God is not unforgiving. He forgives us as soon as we do it, but we normally don't if your best friend tells an embarrassing secret. We probably don't forgive that fast. God is not unpure. He is perfect in every way. God is not untrustworthy. You can trust God with anything, even your innermost secrets or some secret that your best friend can't even know! God is not overbearing. He is not snobby about His power or how pure He is. God is not inaccessible. We can reach him at any time, anywhere. He will always listen, even though He doesn't answer vocally. God is not uncomforting. He comforts you when you're sad. He comforts your heart a lot. God is not inconsistent. He watches your every step and knows what you are thinking. God is not changing. He will never change, even when you change and grow, He will stay the same. He won't get wrinkles or grey hair. He is the same, and that's the way He'll be forever. God is not undependable. The chair you are sitting on, it might crack and you may fall. That chair is undependable: that old chipped oak chair! God is like a new chair, it won't break if you sit on it. It will stay strong forever. You can depend on God. God is not unhopeful. He cheers you on. He has so much hope. He hopes you'll do the right thing every day. God is not unjust. He knows when you have done right or wrong and knows you must be punished for doing wrong. God is not impatient. He waits on the unreached for them to be saved. God is not dead. He is alive, He rose from the dead! God is not ungracious. He provides so much for us every day: food, water, money...he loves us SO much!"

Shinobi And Modern Conservative Principals

Since the popular explosion of the Ninja arts in the 80's, few debate the historical existence of the Ninja or Shinobi. Today, many feel that Shinobi exist only in the fantasy of feeble minds. Perhaps, that is as it should be. The Shinobi always existed as an other-worldly phenomenon and cultivated perceptions that enhanced their mystique and power. However, the historical Ninja have existed, some say, since the beginning of Japanese political history and served the first Emperor, Jimmu. Shrouded in the mist and lore of the ancient, the Shinobi moved in the shadows of human affairs, performing clandestine operations and preserving the integrity of their families and clans. It is beyond dispute that the Tokagure Ryu can trace its history back 800 centuries: "Behind, us eight centuries of history and tradition stretch all the way back to the founder of our system, Daisuke Nishina of Togakure Village." (Massski Hatsumi, Soke) No other art can lay claim to such a rich and distinguished heritage. No other art has preserved the essence of budo as has Nin-po. The lessons and laws of the battlefield still live on in the hearts and bodies of the modern Shinobi. Since the Ninja were experts at preserving their traditions covertly and in the face of oppression, it is logical that Nin-po should endure even to the present day. 

The Ninja were always an anti-establishment phenomena. Though Ninja served in a multitude of capacities throughout the ages, even inhabiting the loftiest ranks of the Samurai, the Ninja's allegiance was ultimately to family and clan. The Ninja served principle rather than the hollow forms of political power. 

"As a military man, to serve one's country, to serve one's lord, or to die for an ideal is important. But something that transcends this is to protect one's country, protect one's lord, and to attain an ideal. This is the true essence of the warrior, and what flows from there is the real bushido." (Masaaki Hatsumi, Soke)

The philosophy of the Shinobi shares much in common with the modern conservative in that the emphasis of perspective is not on the outward trappings of power but on the essential philosophical elements that impel humanity toward freedom. The Ninja of old pursued their individual and familial liberties by means of kyojutsu, since their milieu of operation was one of oppressive totalitarianism. But always, the Ninja were guided by natural principals and operated in opposition to an overreaching government. Modern conservatives pursue the same objectives but from within a radically different environment. The modern conservative is guided by a refined understanding of natural law and inalienable rights, political theories made precise through the interpretation of Divine Revelation. But, fundamentally, the Shinobi of old and his modern conservative counterpart struggle for the same ends: freedom from oppression in all its forms. This realization is most important in these troubled times, when the freedoms inherent in God's creation are being impinged upon by Godless oppressors. The modern liberal is cut from the same pattern as the ancient Shogun. Both move to expand the reach and to coalesce the power of a centralized government.  The modern liberal comes as a wolf in sheep's clothing, using the forms of liberty in a campaign of subtle oppression. The spirit of the Shinobi lives, indeed, in these modern times. It is a Shinobi wind that moves through modern conservatism as it struggles against an increasingly centralized federal government, bent upon the erosion of our natural rights.

"Governments are established to oversee the harmonious interworking of all parts of society, but when the rulers become greedy, hungry for power, or lacking in wisdom, the country is subjected to needless wars, disorder, or civil and economic chaos." Toshitsugu Takamatsu, 33rd Grandmaster, Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu

Kongokai, Part 2: How to get what you want, whether you like it or not

A couple of posts ago, I began discussing the Nin-po Mikkyo understanding of the Kongokai Mandala and the secret contained in its iconography. However, as in all budo, there is no secret only training. The power in the mandala has been understood for millennia and is practiced by many unconsciously. Looking back over your past accomplishments, you will notice the same pattern, the same method that is prescribed in the mandala. It is a formula for success that the successful know instinctively or have acquired by keen observation. The Ninja used this method to alter reality through focused intention. 

First, notice the pattern of the Kongokai Mandala. It is a square composed of nine squares. Each square contains icons which represent specific characteristics. However, these icons are not pertinent to the aspect of the Kongokai being discussed. What is important to note is that the pattern begins with the center square and moves, sequentially, down one square to the center bottom and then to the left, continuing radially, and ending with the right bottom square. For clarity, number the squares one through nine. The corresponding steps in the pattern are outlined below: 

1. Focus. This step is critical. It is the formulation of the objective.

2. Refinement. The process of crystallizing the objective or goal.

3. Visualization. The evoking a tactile perception of the objective. 

4. Research. Acquisition of necessary knowledge.

5. Action. Taking steps toward the goal.

6. Counsel. Seeking "kuden."

7. Opposition. Expect people or circumstances to oppose our progress toward the goal.

8. Perseverance. Enduring necessary hardships and opposition.

9. Realization of the goal. 

These nine steps are contained within the iconography of the Kongokai Mandala and form the pattern for achievement in any area of life. But, there is danger in this formula. Indeed, the formula does not "care" whether your objectives are positive or negative in nature. And, one can inadvertently bring destruction on oneself by meditating on the negative. For example, if you think, "I'm not going to eat a candy bar today," it is almost certain that you will. Also, be aware, that the above is merely an outline. For a full understanding of this pattern, you must seek "kuden" from a mature nin-po practitioner. 

Finally, and most importantly, notice that a crimson boarder surrounds this depiction of the Kongokai Mandala. For me, this is a perfect representation regarding the limits of all human endeavor. Though the pattern of action in the mandala is powerful, it is powerless to grant ultimate enlightenment or peace. The boarder is representative of Divine Revelation. No matter how hard you try or how much you meditate, you will never come to a true enlightenment. The mandala is circumscribed by universal truth, laws that temper the potential of human achievement. It is circumscribed as a result of our corrupted natures. Ultimately, the result of all human endeavor, apart from Divine sanction, is vanity. "Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity." (Ecclesiastes 12: 7,8) Indeed, what does it profit you if you gain the whole world but loose your soul? Without the mind and eyes of God, shin-i-shingan, you cannot appropriately understand the contents of the first square. Everything else is merely a vain struggle against the inevitable of death. Without the knowledge that God is and that He has spoken, all degrades into a black nihilism. Without the personal appropriation Christ's crimson atonement all, including your very soul, is lost. This is why the Kongokai Mandala must be understood in relation to the Divine. You see, the shin-i-shingan are the Scriptures and they teach us that we must first know Him. 

"That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from everyone of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being." (Acts 17: 27,28)