Quote:
Michael McNamara wrote:
"The sword that kills the man is the sword that saves the man." Yes.....I'm very familiar with that concept.
I think this is a good subject to bring up because all of us benefit by being mindful of intent in our practice. I'm not only questioning the intent of those outside this circle, but also with within. For me, it is necessary that I keep the questions "What do I want by training?" and "What do I need from this training?" in my head so I keep a sense of perspective. This just reminded me of that story.............
A soldier named Nobushige came to Hakuin, and asked: "Is there really a paradise and a hell?"
"Who are you?" inquired Hakuin.
"I am a samurai," the warrior replied.
"You, a soldier!" exclaimed Hakuin. "What kind of ruler would have you as his guard? Your face looks like that of a beggar."
Nobushige became so angry that he began to draw his sword, but Hakuin continued: "So you have a sword! Your weapon is probably much too dull to cut off my head."
As Nobushige drew his sword Hakuin remarked: "Here open the gates of hell!"
At these words the samurai, perceiving the master's discipline, sheathed his sword and bowed.
"Here open the gates of paradise," said Hakuin.
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Michael:
The story that you mention talks about the necessity of training as shugyo. The samurai displayed unnecessary anger and this did not make him more capable but less capable and vulnerable.
My training has made me a more peaceful, calm person. That has always been my aim. That being said, it is not my choice as the philosophical approach of an attacker. I need to remain centered and act decisively. Those are lofty goals that require a lot of mindful training. At the end of the day, I like being a son, father, and grandfather for another day
! That is a gift that I seek to enjoy each and every day.
I have often told my students that Aikido helps us to enjoy a "Chinese menu" when confronted with conflict. Instead of only having one mode of response, it allows us to be open to a multitude of possibilities. Being centered, connected to the attacker and in the moment should allow the natural "menu" choice to emerge.
Marc Abrams