Sensei's Notes

A Path to Enlightenment

Is what has been described by more than one person as "ancient religion..". But it is more than that. It is an energy field of sorts, the thread in the weave of time. It binds the universe together. A Shugenji will learn to control and surrender to the Tao.

The greater the Shugenji's understanding of the Tao, the greater the Shugenji. The Tao is a natural thing in itself - neither good, nor evil, but capable of being turned either way by those who use it. The two areas of the Tao are clearly defined - The Light, and The Dark (Yin and Yang). Commentary on both will be found in elsewhere. For now, suffice to say that some thought the boundary lines blurred, into a "gray" area where some things were neither Light, nor Dark specifically. Unfortunately for at least three great Masters of the Way and an unlucky warrior, they were wrong.

• Let us now embark into the knowledge that leads us through the Journey of the practitioners of the Way.
• You can search for years and years, through mountains and desert, and you will never find it. That is because it is always with you.
• The Ancient Masters knew that Shugenji training must proceed at a slow pace. Too much power gathered too quickly can corrupt even the most selfless and devout apprentice.
• Even when on becomes a Master, it is a difficult life. As a Yamabushi, you must never forget what you have learned, and never forget who you are even as a Shugenji.
• The path to Mastery begins as soon as the path to becoming a Yamabushi ends. The unknown is near...

The scroll is difficult to translate, and I grow weary.

Let's face it, this discipline is not for everyone, it is too demanding of excellence to be accepted by the run of the mill. It may even be too demanding for the exceptional! 

But, then again, it's my job to make it into a system of belief that can be effective in transforming humanity and the world. One step at a time... and if I have to keep changing everything I will do it. Whatever you require of me.

Can we be lost in the "gray area"

When you walk in balance, when you are in harmony with the universe, you become invisible and even God can't see you. Perhaps those three Masters and the great warrior just became invisible rather than swallowed up? Standing to one side or the other creates an imbalance... perfection IS a gray area! If I suddenly disappear you'll know I made it. 

"The Jade Pure, the Most Pure, and the High Pure Realms represent three levels of enlightenment. To rise to the Jade Pure Realm is to attain wu-chi, the highest form of enlightenment. This is complete union with the Tao. To enter the Realm of the Great Pure is to exist in a state in which subject and object are differentiated but are integral parts of the Tao. It is a lesser form of enlightenment. To attain the Realm of the High Pure is to exist in harmony with nature and humanity, to live according to the laws of nature, and to embody the highest virtues of humanity. This is the lowest form of enlightenment.
(p. 7)

Harmony with the universe and floating on the gentle wind will be your true pleasures.
(p. 91)"
- Shui-ch'ing Tzu

Website of the day: Dragon Flower Ch'an Temple

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