Naisho Ni Suru The Meditations Kokoro Chikara Jensi Anshin - Spirit Strength - Life Course - Peace of Mind These three are the bonding that will give strength, peace, and the life system. Sensei Barry Lane 7th Dan Black Belt
Mushin - empty the mind Karate or empty hand, Kara the empty and Te the hand. Mushin is the empty, the mental empty of karate. It is an understanding as is inner strength or gi, it must be felt, it cannot be explained. Mushin helps us to understand ourselves so we can understand others. Through understanding the anger and fears of others and conquering our own emotions, we come to the true relationship and meaning of karate. When one first enters into the art they are asked to empty their minds of the world and absorb that which is martial. Outside thoughts hinder training and prevent the philosophies from being revealed. This is using mushin to become of the beginners mind. Thus we can say that mushin is a state of the mind. In the dojo mushin is practiced before and after every training session. One sits and inhales deeply in through the nose and exhales through the mouth. This practice is also done as one trains physically to keep from getting tired. In the breathing practice before class the student sits quietly with their eyes closed and concentrates only on where they are now. All thoughts of the past and future are forgotten, there is only the present time. This practice can be done in several ways and will be taught at higher levels. Mushin is an excellent exercise for getting the job at hand done without distraction. It can be used to help focus at work, school, sports and aids in helping us through repetitious disciplines. At the end of each training session mushin should be focused on to induce mentally a calm and peaceful atmosphere for the student. While sitting quietly with the eyes closed visualize something that will allow the body to cool down. Some people will concentrate on a nice cold ice cube, a relaxing swim in cool water, a refreshing cold drink, a walk in a cool spring rain, standing in a gentle cooling breeze, etc. This principle lets the student now come back to their thoughts but allows them to retain that which they have learned. understanding the journey -This is a philosophy used to explain Mushin further by explaining the journey of a warrior on a pathway to uphold the honour of his master. One should never worry about where they have been on the pathway or where the pathway will take them. the concern is that you understand the pathway you are on. mushin dispel all irrelevant thoughts. Sensei Barry Lane
kokoro chikara do - spirit strength way A system is not that which has to be mechanical and brought forward by memory. A system is that which comes natural, feels right and works for the individual. Remember that one is usually defeated pondering on their technique. The winner is another in natural motion proving theirs. In the fray of the battle I was lost Struck down by a stroke of fate And as the tranquillity enveloped me Saw reason for this doleful state I was an instrument of devastation Thought and projected every move Used judgment on the depth of my cut Reasoning that I had everything to prove Lying with death s rattle I watched this warriors glorious rage Striking down the mechanical soldiers As he seemed to be dancing upon a stage Nothing planned, no time to waste In slaying he showed a natural grace His blade sang as he played its tune And all the while no emotional face Already defeated in pondering thought About their next evil victorious means The mechanism of war came to a halt Delivered from their agony it seems The winner never hesitated It was as thought he never thought He proved his technique in constant motion And destruction was all he had brought What a wonderful system Never meant to be changed Imagine trying to memorized And counting, I must have been deranged The System A system never changes. People change the system.
The tri-levels of kokoro chikara do Physical - exercise, breathing, co-ordination, strength, speed, agility, flexibility, endurance, technique, force and overall body health. Mental - health, attitude, respectfulness, courtesy, knowledge, wisdom, humbleness, sincerity, self control, effort, body control, and dedication to your system. Spiritual - this is the harmony between the physical and the mental. It is the inner strength brought forth to allow natural mental and physical technique and response to happen, rather than be a mechanical or robotic process in our mental and physical discussions. Spiritual part of building inner strength: 1. Is the ability to focus (kime) the body energy instantly for self preservation. 2. Is the ability of the body and mind to respond (hen-o) together in harmony. 3. Is the ability to have mind like water (mizu no kokoro) achievement of mental calmness and understanding of yourself. 4. Is the ability to have mind like the moon (tsuki no kokoro) achievement of seeing all that surrounds you and understanding and seeing the violence of your opponent. levels of achievement GYO - This is the individual as he presents himself when becoming involved with the martial arts. It is their attitude, practice and behavior patterns. Training will make them want to become more than this. This is the start of the beginners mind in the martial arts. A decision or action must be taken to continue training. The Chinese kanji for this depicts a crossroads in training. SHU-GYO - One s desire for training becomes a positive compulsion. The practice is and becomes difficult. One trains with all free time. When one eats, breathes and sleeps in practice they are shu-gyo. The kanji for Shu shows a man with a sword or staff standing on or walking on ice. The student must be able to be defensive but understand the surroundings and circumstances. JUTSU - At this level one goes beyond the individual, past their desires. One becomes SHUGYOSHA (shoe go she). The shugyosha goes beyond technique, into JUTSU meaning art, skill or system of science. At this level one is considered a master or jutsu. Here the practice ends and the art begins. kokoro o arata nisuru - undergo a change of heart
One must empty the old vessel of substance and refill it with that which will bring a refreshment, a desire and a necessity to the martial artist. This refers to the new student who enters any martial art with their own individuality. As they study the system they leave behind some of the old ways and take on that which improves them. At first what is absorbed stimulates the student on further into the system. Later they strive to make the harmony of the body and mind work. This has to be accomplished for the students fulfillment or enlightenment. The door then is finally opened for knowledge and skill to form. One just has to have the courage to step through. Once harmony has been accomplished all the training of a student now becomes part of their daily life, or becomes natural. here we can say, the heart has changed Never blame your body for the fault of the mind!
Meditation for Inner Strength one can never be of the mind unless they feed the body. then the mind will keep the body from becoming weak. This simply means that if your body is unhealthy then the body and mind cannot function normally together in harmony. As the body develops with proper training and diet, the mind will become unclouded, responds with the body to everything. The mind eventually craves for the physical to stay healthy and fit. The mind has developed will power and has left the mechanical involvement of exercise behind. This exercise or necessity for harmony between the two now becomes a way or do. do or way The Way is not a physical transportation, this Way, though rare is the karateka who finds they can travel its length without leaving home. The Way is a journey of the mind and the spirit and, ultimately the soul. The attainment of the Way is in the process. The Do is both singular and universal; it is open to all with the resolve and inclination to walk it. Dave Lowry - Sword and Brush In the Wado system, the Do or Way is represented by the Dove and Fist. One who has attained the understanding of the symbolism of the dove will display it in their kata or forms, kumite or sparring and in their way of life. a true warrior understands the way of the dove. Sensei Barry Lane
Breathing for Meditation or Visualization That a direct relation exists between the breath and the heart rate must be obvious. The following practices are known collectively Chi Kung. Chi meaning breath or the development of body and mind to give us harmony through breath control, and Kung meaning pause. Literally Chi Kung translates as a cessation or pause in the movement of the breath. This is accomplished in three ways: by hypoventilation (holding the breath); by hyperventilation (oxygen saturation); or by proper or normal breathing. Hypoventilation makes the blood more acidic by diminishing the amount of oxygen in the blood. It is characterized by a sensation of heat which floods over the body. This also causes the heart to beat faster as it strives to restore the proper ph balance by circulation of the blood more quickly. Hyperventilation is characterized by a chill feeling of cold which permeates the body. It causes the blood to become more alkaline by saturating the system with large amounts of oxygen. This makes the heart beat slower. Proper breathing produces a sensation of calmness and relaxation.
Chu - The First Kanji There are nine basically significant centres of power. The first of these is located at the base of the spine. It controls elimination and corresponds to the sacral plexus. This is the occult centre of the body, which holds the serpent power. It also represents the earth element. It s colour is yellow. The Tu Mo or channel of Control, is composed of twenty eight acupuncture points, ascending from the coccyx, up the spine, over the skull, and ascending at the upper gum. If this channel is not functioning properly, one will experience bladder problems, pain in the lower abdomen or chest, or hernia. Many of the points on this channel are employed to stimulate or tone the organs in general. Meditation on this centre steadies the body and trains the mind. The colour yellow is the dominant colour of the solar plexus centre and is related to the mind and intellect. It represents the power of thought and stimulates mental activity. It is therefore a good colour to have in a work room or study. It is the colour of detachment and can help us ato detach from obeesseional thoughts, feelings and habits. The yellow rays carry positive magnetic currents which are inspiring and stimulating. They strengthen the nerves and stimulate highter mentality. Yellow works with the skin by improving its texture, cleansing and healing scars and other disorders, such as eczema. It can also be used in rheumatic and arthiritic conditions. Yellow represents sulphur. Sulphur is used for colds, rheumatism, Hodgin s desease and relief of pain. The first key - Chu The first kanji is chu. chu - pillar, in Chinese medicine, the spine is often referred to as the heavenly pillar of the body. Chu attainment will take the body and mind to a higher step.
Kuji In - energy channeling through meditation I can and I will do it. Transforms an ideal or desire into reality. A focused intent becomes a completed act. The intended focusing method does not create extra energy but rather removes the limits that restrict the amounts of energy available to a person. The body is capable of performing the technique, the mind understands what has to be done, the will ensures that the task is completed, successfully. The power created in one s mind helps create an above normal human. Kuji Kuri involves hand movements. Each hand movement is a centre of power, a key or psychological trigger. The first key or kanji is chu. It is the pillar, an earth element and it s colour is yellow. Meditation for Inner Strength Meditation is part of the Martial Arts which is physical, mental and spiritual. In the Wado system we say that Fear prevents one from doing the physical. The mind forges the will. Ego prevents one from doing the spiritual. Learn to calm the mind through visualization. Relaxed and calm increases skills. Tenseness and anger hinder speed and decision making. Meditation, breath control and visualization can also be used for competitive purposes, winning. Meditation can be used to calm and empty the mind (mushin). Dispels irrelevant thoughts, so concentration is focus only on what is at hand now. Meditation can be used to relax and control the body after strenuous training by cooling down the body and to also aid in relieving stress.
chi - inner strength (the harmony of mind and body) chi cannot be explained, it must be experienced. it is a force within all of us that can be forged to perform the will.
Yin & Yang - Understanding the Harmony The yin and yang show harmony they are never two separate entities, always looked at as oneness. The mixing of colours indicate the balance of life, neither take the extreme (firm - hard, soft - laxed). Yin and yang are two opposite forces: Dark and light. Male and female Good and evil. Passive and active. Life and Death. Black and white. Strength and weakness Strength There are two types of strength; physical, which is the outer strength and fades with age and is dissipated by excess. Inner strength is the more powerful of the two, must be developed through constant practice. The practice of developing chi is called kuji kiri. Breath control is the key to proper meditation and visualization, the art of consciously altering the state of mind. To accomplish this one will adjust the ph (acid/alkaline balance of the blood. NEVER practice kuji kiri : if there are severe physical problems under medication, alcohol, narcotics (including tobacco). should not be practiced for personal gain involved, exploiting or manipulating power (bad goals).
Chi - what it is and development The discipline of coordinating body and mind, that is the truth of Martial Arts. Everyone speaks of developing this internal power, but should realize that all power is internal, this is where we focus on, our inner self. We have stated that Chi is the harmony of the body and mind through breath control which gives us inner energy. In Cantonese it is called Sang Chi, meaning Life Energy. This makes sense as we know scientifically that in the body, oxygen provides energy through the oxygenation process. Each cell of the body is like a small factory with a mind of it s own. Each cell breaks down and generates, contains a blueprint of life, takes nutrients and converts them to energy. So while one cell produces a limited amount of power, billions of cells working together, in consented effort, add up to a great deal. One achieves this unity of effort through the discipline of mind and body. It is like the women who lifts a car off the body of her son in an accident. A fantastic feat. This is production of fantastic power - but on a one-time-only basis. She does it because she is oblivious to anything else in the universe at the time. But to a martial artist, this can be a reproducible event. That of course, is a key to internal energy production or Chi. Calling this power up at will is called Chi Ging, the perfect alignment of every cell, working in harmony. The energy is within, although it permeates the body and the universe. But on cannot sit and absorb it from the outside or realize it through gazing at a candle. We know the energy is within because after death a person does not come alive from outside energy. It is within and must be unleashed. The Chinese believe that there are three types of Chi : Primordial Chi, the spark which ignites life at conception; Food Chi and Oxygen Chi. They are united in the oxygenation and reduction process. We do not know how all this takes place, but it is not magical; it s natural. being in harmony allows the chi to be unleashed at will. one becomes above normal for self preservation.
Preparations for Meditation be physically prepared always be comfortable, not hot or cold Be clean and fresh. Wash hands, face and feet. application of body lotion can also be used wear loose and comfortable clothing If I feel good, I m already positive and the right attitude makes great things happen.
Meditation through visualization and breath control 1/ Sit comfortably with your legs crossed in lotus position. If this is uncomfortable sit with legs straight out to the front or with the flat of the feet together. 2/ Close the eyes and breath deeply through the nose and out gently through the mouth, do this 21 times. While in the process the process of deep gentle breathing, clench the fist softly and then open hands and place them on the thighs with palms open and upward. While breathing practice Mushin (empty the mind of all thoughts). 3/ Gently click the teeth together 21 times at an even slow pace. Inhale through the nose and when exhaling gently tap the teeth together. Try to listen for the heart and calm it you your breathing. 4/ Cover the ears with the palms of the hands, with finger and thumbs behind the ears. 5/ Feel and listen for the beat of the pulse and calm your mind again by breathing 21 times through the nose and out through the mouth. Each breath you should try to lessen the sea shell effect you are having by listening to your breathing. Try to harmonize your breathing and heart beat to a slow pace. 6/ Gently and rapidly tap the back of the neck with the fingers and thumbs 21 times. This will help blood circulation to the brain. 7/ Bring the hands in front of the chest and produce the sigh of the first kanji. Draw the first key of power Chu in your mind or move your hands slowly and reproduce what your mind sees. Simultaneously feel the pulse in your hands. 8/ Touch the tongue to the roof of the mouth, breath nose to mouth deeply and gently 21 times. Fill the lungs with air from bottom to the top. 9/ Place the hands from your chest area back unto your lap. 10/ Mentally go to your safe place or place of stillness, stay relaxed, breath deeply, and sit quietly. Open the mental door to your safe place and ask permission to enter. Once inside your mental place, close the door to all outside interference. Try to close off all of your senses. 11/ In your safe place look around and feel comfortable and happy that you are there. The only existence is you and your safe place. Breath deeply, slowly and gently. 12/ Visualize a golden glow of light within your own head or mind (psychic centre). If the light is distant bring it closer to you in steps till you feel its overwhelming presence. Ask the glow to help and assist you in relaxing in your safe place. 13/ By now your breathing and heart beat should be in harmony, your body should be
completely relaxed, and the mind should be in total control of the body. Remember when body and mind are in harmony we have reached a high spiritual level. A spiritual being can now visualize no stress, calmness of the mind and body, can force the body and mind to rest (sleep) or seeing an ideal or desire turn into reality. 14/ Ask the light or glow to channel it s energy to you to make your visualization become a reality. Continue to breath deeply and feel and see the calming rays feel you and give you peace. 15/ Close off the flow from the glow, let your safe place and glow know that you are leaving it s presence, show appreciation and leave and close your mental door to the safe place. Resume normal breathing, slowly open the eyes. Lift your left and right hand over the head slowly and stretch. Bring the legs out in front of the body and slowly stretch the body forward touching the toes. When getting up rise slowly and stretch again. Never rise to your feet quickly before doing these exercise s. discuss with others of your group how you feel physical and mentally. what you visualize in a state of calmness can become a reality.
Meditation for Energizing, Youthfulness and Vitality There are mystical forces which exist in an invisible world. They are more powerful than all the physical forces of earth. There exist invisible cosmic and astral rays which can be attracted to our minds and bodies to achieve regeneration, rejuvenation, and healing. These same rays can be used to keep us healthy both body and mind for one hundred years or more. A mantra is that which is used to unlock the energy of your higher mind. It is an invocation to attract the energy you need for energizing, and it maintains one's focus on the task at hand. " Om Mane Padme Om " The Jewel Is In The Heart Of The Lotus This pertains to the soul within Man, which hears the divine signature of God and which reflects only perfection. This is to be mentally or verbally said 7 times, no less no more! Have belief in this energizing power of your mind using the universal energy to draw on, know that this is within your own brain centres, that it can be released by an act of pure faith of yourself. 1) Sit comfortably with the legs crossed in the lotus position. 2) Close the eyes and breath deeply through the nose and out through the mouth 42 times. Inhale and fill the lungs from bottom to top, on exhaling release 2/3 of the breath and push the rest into the Hara. While in this process gently clench the fist and open and place hands on the thighs palms up. Empty the mind of all thoughts. 3) Gently click the teeth together 21 times at an even pace, this will help calm the heart. 4) Cover the ears with the palms of the hands, fingers and thumbs behind the ears. Feel and listen for the heart beat and calm your mind by breathing 42 times through the nose and out through the
mouth. Harmonize heart and breath. 5) Gently and rapidly tap the back of the neck with finger and thumbs 42 times. 6) Keeping the hands on the thighs twist the upper body to the left and then right, do this 21 times. This stimulates and exercises the neck and upper spinal cord. Breath control by breathing nose to mouth. 7) Place the left palm over the right and rub them together in a circular manner clockwise 42 times. Reverse the hands and repeat the circular motion counter-clockwise. Place the palms on the back over the kidneys for approximately 30 seconds and then bring the hands back to the thighs for a 7 breath count. 8) Bring the hands in front of the chest and produce the sign of the first kanji - Chu. Feel the pulse in the hands and draw the first key of power in your mind. 9) Touch the tongue to the roof of the mouth, breath nose to mouth deeply and gently 21 times. Fill the lungs with air from bottom to top. 10) Place the hands from the first kanji back unto the lap. 11) Mentally go to your safe place or place of stillness, stay relaxed, breath deeply, and sit quietly. Open the mental door to your safe place and ask permission to enter. Once inside your mental place, close the door to all outside interference. Try to close off all of your senses. 12) Visualize a golden glow of light within the head (psychic centre). If the light is distant bring it closer in steps till you feel its overwhelming presence. Never go to the light!! (least evil intercept)!! the upper 13) When in the presence of the light ask to go to or inner mind (spiritual area), one should be now in complete harmony where you
can be one to draw on the energy you need for energizing. This area of the brain releases or channels the energy you need to the body. 14) Ask the golden glow that you have 'visualized' and only after your oneness has been established 'project the glows astral rays to you for your benefit'. 15) Om Mane Padme Om 7 times, be spiritual, for negativity cannot be within a spiritual being. 16) Visualize the rays from the golden glow entering your upper mind and direct the mind to send the energizing rays directly to your heart, which you now have control of through the breathing that you are still focusing on, this should be natural at this time, the body and mind being in harmony the breathing should be happening without the mind directly being used for the task. 17) When you have control of the rays to the heart, purify the blood that passes through and have it energized, let this energy travel with each blood cell to all parts of the body to remove negative forces, pollutants, and toxins from by bloodstream. My upper mind is now feeding my heart and energizing my blood, this energy is now building my body cells with life and energy and removing all unwanted conditions from my body. I now express joyous, healthy life in every cell of my brain and body. I feel vital young and shall remain healthy to one hundred years or more. 18) Om Mane Padme Om 7 times. 19) If you feel you need to repeat this process again, do so and continue breathing and repeat the visualization. Once you fill that you have accomplished your goal, close off the flow from the golden glow, thank the universe for its energy to you, leave the presence of the golden glow, return from your upper mind to your safe place, relax and calm the mind and body. Show your appreciation and open the mental door to what I call reality, close it and leave. 20) Resume normal breathing, 7 breaths in and out through the mouth. Slowly open the eyes, lift arms one at a time over the head and hold. Move legs out of lotus position and place straight out in
front of body. Bring one leg at a time back toward the chest with the knee up. Lean forward slowly and touch the toes several times. Rotate the head slowly left to right, right to left. Do Not rise to your feet quickly. Respond to your instructor verbally with your experience good or bad, relate feelings and sensations that you felt were not natural. How do you really feel. Remember that this stage may not work at first till one become natural with the visualization of Chu meditation.