Kishido

[Paladin]

I have been absent for several months now, and promised Snoopy to tell where I had been. Experiences in pursuing Catholicism led me to a study of of value systems and states of consciousness that include embracing certain beliefs. During this time I experienced the beginners mind where nothing I knew or had learned meant very much. As if my own ideas and beliefs dissolved leaving me open and somewhat raw.
For some reason I felt a strong pull to begin practicing with my weapons and dusting off my long unused martial art skills. Within this practice I hoped to find out what had drawn me back after so many years. Perhaps if Master vigil were here he could help me understand better, but I think it has to do with the spirit of Kishido, or way of the English Knight.
I am not sure where this will lead, but perhaps others have experienced something like this?

Peace
Mark

[juantoo3]

Kindest Regards, Paladin!

It is really good to have you back with us!

I wish I had some to offer on this subject, what I have is worse than second-hand and vicarious at best. I wish you well in your pursuit, and hope there are others here to further this discussion.

[Tao_Equus]

I am sorry that i do not know you well Paladin. Can i say that your choice of name here, and your further references to combatative ideals does pique my curiosity however. Please elaborate so that I might better understand from whence you come.

TE

[Paladin]

Juan,
So good to see you! Thank you for the warm welcome back.

Tao,
Not sure I understand yet why I was drawn back into the martial practice when for the last twelve years I had eschewed violent endeavors in favor of a peaceful meditative life practice. Shortly after I lost my stepson I got rid of all my weapons and followed a pacifist practice which led me to deep meditaion, Buddhism, Christian mysticism etc. But here of late I felt a desire to begin again a martial practice through which I hope to find the next step in transpersonal, or transfomative pathways. I began shooting at the pistol range again, finding my old skills a bit rusty but not too shabby. I visited several dojos in town to see what their teachers had to show me. Several were just what we call McDojos, but found others to be quite serious. Attending a class in Ninjutsu I found nearly eveyone including the Sensei to be at least twenty years my junior
I found a Krav Maga class in which there were men my own age, and began pracicing there. I find the atmosphere invigorating without being filled with ego and mindless aggression.

Again, I'm not sure what I will find, but I do notice a much more contemplative attitude within myself as I practice these things, as if I needed to return to find a balance. Perhaps this is a Zen practice where there is no real compartmentalization between aspects of life. Between being gentle, kind, compassionate and the more combative aggression needed to defend those weaker than myself, and face situations in which the time for peaceful conflict resolution is over.

Since I have no earthly idea what I'm doing, or what I'm about here I am feeling my way through this. It did help me to learn that many others have traveled this path and have found completeness in their practice so I have hope that I am not completely confused

[Snoopy]

Hi Paladin,

Just to say hi (again, possibly) and to acknowledge your answering of my rather nosey question!

I haven't ever engaged in any of the sorts of activities that you are talking about so I don't know as I've got anything specific to bring to this particular party. Except to maybe state the obvious that martial arts are a means of mind discipline (but then you knew that already!) and yes life, to me, is not for compartmentalising. Work on the cushion (silly phrase) is only of use if it manifests in the other 23 and a half hours of our daily lives.

s.

[JosephM]

Originally Posted by Paladin

I have been absent for several months now, and promised Snoopy to tell where I had been. Experiences in pursuing Catholicism led me to a study of of value systems and states of consciousness that include embracing certain beliefs. During this time I experienced the beginners mind where nothing I knew or had learned meant very much. As if my own ideas and beliefs dissolved leaving me open and somewhat raw.
For some reason I felt a strong pull to begin practicing with my weapons and dusting off my long unused martial art skills. Within this practice I hoped to find out what had drawn me back after so many years. Perhaps if Master vigil were here he could help me understand better, but I think it has to do with the spirit of Kishido, or way of the English Knight.
I am not sure where this will lead, but perhaps others have experienced something like this?

Peace
Mark

Greetings Mark,

Sounds to be that you are making much progress (so to speak) ... not that there is anywhere to go or get. 'Beginners mind' is a wonderful step in your path. Perhaps now you can do the same things you did once before but without the attachment. 'Being in the world' but not 'of the world' would be a stretch but somewhat applicable. Words are always a handicap. lol. I am most happy for you and glad to see you around on this forum. I have seen much growth from the posts of many here since my absence.

Love and Peace,
JM

PS. Being a warrior also perhaps we will both learn to hold back the 'blow' and stay in the place of power.