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	User Name: David Munro
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<blogEntry id="3932">
	<title><![CDATA[Introduction]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[I have named my new blog here at AikiBlogs '[B][I]Beginner's Mind[/I][/B]' in light of the Japanese term '[I]Shoshin[/I]' which I learnt during my time with Zen Buddhism.  

Shoshin means:

[QUOTE]an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a subject, even when studying at an advanced level, just as a beginner in that subject would.[/QUOTE]

Although my Buddhist practice these days is predominently that of Vajrayana (Tibetan tantric Buddhism) I still operate, if you will, with the mind-set familiar to my Zen roots.  

:circle: 

When it comes to Aikido I am an absolute beginner.  At this point in time, the time of writing this first entry, I have undertaken only a handful of classes.  

I am well aware, however, when something that enters my life is going to be of benefit to me or not.  From the moment I encountered the words of O-Sensai to the first time I knelt in the Dojo to watch the teacher demonstrate the next lesson, I knew that Aikido was something that would be a force of great good in my life.  

The 'Beginner's Mind' I wish to use as a platform to document and further explore my own understanding and practice of Aikido as they develop.  

It is wonderful to have a resource such as AikiWeb and AikiBlogs to effectivley do this where I am surrounded by so many fellow practitioners and inspiring people.  

Love and Prayers,

:ai: :ki: :do: 

Dave.]]></body>
	<date>05-13-2010</date>
</blogEntry>


</blogEntries>