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volckening In reply to lifeslines [2008-06-22 23:35:10 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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volckening In reply to riknard [2007-10-03 19:13:08 +0000 UTC]

Thank you. Bonji script is also interesting to me because inscriptions of it can be found on several sorts of historical Japanese weapons. Many Katanas, for instance, have short passages or seed-syllables of Bonji etched on the blade and fittings (e.g. the Tsuba). Considering Budo, that is, martial arts in Japan (and most all of East-Asia for that matter), are very mystical in nature and go hand in hand with Zen Buddhism, the implementation of Dharmic "Symbols" and motifs is not surprising. Its also interesting to note that Bodhidharma, the transmitter of Dhyana or Zen to china, is often credited as the legendary (though, perhaps not historical) founder of Shaolin Kung Fu and thus having a great influence on martial arts in general.

On the topic of Budo, I understand you practice Tai Chi Chuan? Do you practice any other martial arts?

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riknard In reply to volckening [2007-10-04 03:20:29 +0000 UTC]

Bodhidharma, or Ta Mo in Chinese, visited the Shaolin temple (legend has it he stared at a cave wall for 9 years, boring a hole in it, before they would let him in... legends, of course... or are they??) and supposedly found that while the monks' meditation was great, their bodies were suffering due to no physical activity. It is said that he eventually introduced them to what is now called the 18 hands of Buddha, an extensive series of stretches and movements I have only been introduced to, but the likes of which are available in a book "Energetic Tai Chi". From that, I humbly consider to understand, developed self-defensive techniques of great effectiveness. I have some suspicion that these monks were nothing to trifle with in the first place, as there was a great deal of lawlessness and disorder out and about at the time. That story, however, is inspiring be it truth or tale.

The Tai Chi Chuan I am learning is part of a larger construct art called Nei Wai Chia, internal/external school. Descended and was born from the combined best of 4 masters' arts taught to a small number of students in Shanghai in the early 1900s. It provides lessons in Tai Chi , Bagua, and Xingyi internal arts, Wing Chun, Kenpo, Mitzung, Hung Gar, Iron Palm, Tan Toi, Arnis on the external side, plus additional input from Japan, Indonesia, India, Egypt and France, maybe some others. It also teaches various meditations and qigongs, basic TCM for effective strikes and recovery, self health, and so forth.

So, my interest in the characters and language of China is to better and more deeply understand the culture from whence all of this burgeoned. It is inspiring to encounter others who have skillfully shared some of that, also.

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volckening In reply to riknard [2007-10-09 21:08:05 +0000 UTC]

You seem very knowledgeable on this topic. I know little of Daruma, that is, Bodhidharma, in terms of martial arts. He was introduced to me through Zenga (Zen painting) where one brushes the image of him with a specific mindset (a clear empty mind like that which Daruma had while he sat lidless and still) and consequently the Daruma becomes a reflection of one’s self. So in many ways Daruma is a self portrait. Although when I was younger I was gifted a Daruma Doll from a Japanese friend, painting Daruma with my friend Aaron [link] was where I first learned about the in a meaningful way.

I too, practice budo. For a few years I did Kendo (Japanese fencing with armor) supplemented with Iaido (the art of simply reacting/harmonizing with an attack via sword). These days I practice Iaido when I can, being that it is an art that can be practiced solo through the forms. I have been interested in Aikido, the brother of iai/kendo, and as a result the more distantly related Tai Chi Chuan.

While it seems your practice has brought you into to the cultural backdrop of East Asia, my practice came about the other way around. That is, I have long been interested in the arts and spirituality of East Asia, particularly Japan, and it was through this interest and partaking of various arts (calligraphy, building Zen Gardens etc.) that I became involved in Budo. If find it wonderful how the martial arts of east Asia are equally important components of a peaceful and meaningful life. One of the biggest problems here in America, I think, is our perception of Kung Fu, Wushu, Ch'uan Fa etc. and Budo in Japan as something exclusively “Martial,” or pertaining to the god of war, Mars. What you say about Daruma really shows that the origin of the modern martial arts we have today being foremost a physical means of spiritual self cultivation. Kendo today, I think, Is a testament to this truth. We don’t practice Kendo for practical reasons anymore, not even to know how to skillfully weald a sword. Rather kendo is the epitome of Budo: physical training, discipline, and centering of the mind and body. (And more, of course.)

I participated once in a Tai Chi Chuan class a chemistry teacher of mine was teaching outside of school. I found it very interesting in that many of it’s essential principles were shared by Akido and (to some extent) Kendo and Iai. I also loved that it manifested the teachings of Taoism in a physical and practical way. I'll have to look into getting a copy of Energetic Tai Chi. It sounds quite illuminating!

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volckening In reply to cathexis-life [2007-09-26 19:42:56 +0000 UTC]

I'm glad you like them!

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volckening In reply to cathexis-life [2007-09-26 19:10:05 +0000 UTC]

Size 4 fan brush (I believe) hogs hair. Brushes seem to work best.

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