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)

Between Truth and Falsehood

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

Christ: Expression Of The Real

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not...And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1-5, 14

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth...And God said, Let there be light: and there was light."  Genesis 1:1, 3

It is always good to remind ourselves of those truths which are foundational. Truth which is immutable and which forms the basis for all rational presupposition. Christmas is just such a time. Many Americans are familiar with the Christmas account presented in the Bible (however, in this age of multicultural malaise, this can no longer be assumed for the masses of Americans, stamped out piecemeal from the statist mechanism of public education). Christmas is the celebration of Christ's first advent. We give gifts in recognition of the unfathomable gift that God gave to mankind in the person of His Son. Christ is the personification of grace and truth. He is grace in that his sacrifice was made in our stead. The penalty for our sin (sin that is inherent in us, stemming from Adam's original sin) was placed on Him. The Christ in the manger became the Christ of Golgotha; who became sin for us that God's righteous judgment might be satiated, so that God's grace might be extended to us. Christ is the personification of truth. In His person is the answer to Pilate's question, "what is truth." Christ, the very Word of God, is truth. Immutable, ultimate, and Divine. It is in Him that we come to the understanding that God's grace must be appropriated by faith alone, sola fide. That in Christ we find the way, the truth, and the life. It is the Word that teaches us the true nature of reality and is the only real enlightenment. This enlightenment is all of grace and cannot be attained by any effort of the will. The light shines in the darkness but, of ourselves, we cannot comprehend it. God's invitation is to come, let us  reason together. He extends His hand and says, whosoever will may come. The true nature of man and the nature of Christ are revealed--man as stained with original sin and Christ as spotless redeemer. We see in His perfection our vast need and in Him our only hope of redemption. So, this Christmas season, let us contemplate, meditate on the nature of Christ as it is revealed to us in the written word, the Bible. 

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

It is from the pages of Holy Scripture that we will come to understand the true nature of reality, the nature and purpose of the baby born in Bethlehem; Immanuel--God with us.

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.     

The Way of The Sword Saint

Since ancient times the sword has been intimately associated with the warrior.  In Japan, the sword was so identified with the Samurai that it was thought to embody his soul.  It has long been regarded as a weapon of honor and holds a mystical place in the combat arts of the world. This emphasis on the sword exists in Ninjutsu as well.  In fact, Soke has stated that to properly understand budo one must master both the sword and the bo.  Historically, the sword was a development and refinement of the bo and can be seen to share many of its characteristics. In ancient times, the sword was made of wood, metallic swords only being available to the most privileged.  It is not merely a tool for cutting; it has a far more subtle character.  It has been identified with the warrior for millennia and has been imbued with the notions of warriorship.  The key to wielding the sword is to enter into combat with the feeling of Muto Dori.  As it should be, the focus is on the taijutsu.  The body and sword move as one.

Combat is always kyojutsu, truth and falsehood; therefore, the true sword is that of the mind and spirit.  Ultimately, the Word of God is the secret sword, cutting not merely bone and marrow but soul and spirit.

"Succeeding in this [muto dori], the mysteries of the secret sword (hiken) will be revealed, and no matter what weapon you hold, your heart and your taijutsu will dance skillfully in the void (koku)." Masaaki Hatsumi, Japanese Sword Fighting  

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.   

Imperfection

When I train, I often find myself performing at a level far below what I feel to be acceptable.  I experience a great deal of frustration and self loathing when I fail to perform technique perfectly. However, this response does not accord with the principals we see operating in nature.  From the entropy present in all natural systems, to the disastrous forces of unleashed nature, to the beauty of the asymmetrical, there is a Divine harmony in the imperfect.  The harmony present in natural imperfection speaks to the existence of Divine grace operating in a corrupted universe.

Budo has long recognized the virtue of imperfection in the development and operation of technique.  Imperfection is, in fact, desirable not to mention an ever present reality--we are not gods.  Indeed, the imperfect execution of technique allows for the creativity of "henka" and infuses budo with life.  In particular, taijutsu finds its strength and power in the freedom to apply the imperfect to the interplay of space and timing, producing martial art.  In the dojo, I observe as the young budoka struggle with the illusion of their own imperfection, while those mature in budo taijutsu move in natural unity with imperfection and, thereby, become living examples of martial art: the budo of elegance.