True Love and New DNA - LIFE's basic Principle

What is LIFE's basic Principle?  Given the limitation of words to express the inexpressible, the sentence below is my best answer that I can think of at the moment:

Confirm True Love*, (or connection to the heart through intimacy/oneness) and find new DNA (and fully expressing the potential) with the realization that there are infinite ways to do so.

I realize that such is the basic principle of my life that I aim for.  Or, what I call here, The New Hero's Journey!!! And if so, then, how do I confirm the true love (or connection to the base/source/heart - so to speak)? Answer: Through the sense of intimacy... oneness .... Again, given that words have limitation, in the post, Deeper level of Connection and Communication,  I proposed various signs of "connection to the Heart" (shortened as follow):

-  Sense of being present, here and now

-  Vivid sense of inner body sensation, aliveness, liveliness 

-  Calm, clear and quiet mind

-  Body/muscle is totally relaxed

-  No ego/self; desirelessness, effortlessness, no boundaries

-  No doubt, questions, concerns

-  Mind and body are one; I am the universe

-  Sense of serenity, peace, feeling at home

-  Delusions/errors are nowhere to find; If there are, there is no significance.

-  Sense of living truthfully; being absolute

-  Sense of Ki (Life energy) flowing

-  Sense of oneness; non-duality; connection to unconscious/infinite potential

-  Sense of love, bliss, and intimacy to all

-  Sense of time lost its meaning/significance; everything is OK as it is

Then, finding the new DNA (and fully expressing the potential) will be assured as the following points are witnessed:

-  Brain and Heart find a connection

-  Heart to heart communication between people, and everything else is made possible
-  Kegon (interpenetration - everything is connected to everything else)

-  This deeper level communication may be manifested as wisdom and compassion

-  Paradox of human existence is resolved (in oneness)

-  Bliss in various activities, e.g., work, hobby, relationship, health, and the sense of genuine security in any situation 

-  Discover new meaning of intimacy, e.g., sexual union, non-sexual relationship, Aikido, etc.  The list is infinite.

-  All of these corresponds to "living truthfully" - the new hero's journey


To illustrate, here are but a few quotes related to such a state/process:

"Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places..." -  Pissarro

"Happiness that does not depend on anything"  - Daisetz Suzuki
"You are the master of your own destiny" - The Buddha

This experience/state/process whatever you may call, to me, is a realization of the whole, where nothing is missing, while all possibilities are being manifested. Yet, us being human, we may go in and out of such experience/state as our mind moves. That is the same as going between duality and oneness. Or, it is like going between mind and no mind. Or, it is like 1) mind, 2) mind but not losing the base ("mirror mind"), and 3) oneness (intimacy/melting into one/no mind). Although such description may be seen as unresolved or incomplete, I see it is so as humans.  In other words, as we go through ups and downs in life, we also appreciate to find the bliss....and find our way in life's journey. Only humans have this privilege. A Myokonin (a group of often poor, illiterate people in Shin sect of Buddhism in Japan) says, "Thank you for not taking all of my delusion away!"  In such words, I see the humble, yet bottomless appreciation of LIFE.

It is interesting when we see our own mind moving.. 

It is like us watching us in the mirror: objects in the mirror moves but not the mirror.

This is what I call the experience of "mirror mind"

Picasso said, "I've reached the moment.. when the movement of my thoughts
 interests me more than the thought itself"  

Taking this occasion, let me also talk about, what I call, the "Mirror mind." With mirror mind, the picture of the world we live in may look like this. We see the contents of the mind moving... as if it is a play on the mirror or movie screen.  Yet, screen or mirror itself does not move.  Interestingly, I found that mind (citta) has a meaning of container or envelope - which is like the image of screen or mirror where play of events takes place.  So, although we can relate to the play in the screen or mirror, it does not have an immediate impact to the watcher (as if he is just watching the movie - calmly and quietly).  There is no significance. This however points to transcending the paradox, where we see not just content, not just  mirror, but as a whole.  (Here, Kitaro Nishida, close friend of Daisetz Suzuki says, "self-identification of absolute paradox." or ”絶対矛盾の自己同一”)


Some call such state as "delusion is enlightenment." Why? Because the watcher see the delusion (mind movement) not as real. It is like a dream, unreal. This is because HE is connected to the source/heart/ground - the very secure ground. There is silence, eternal stillness, and serenity.  (again, the words are just a pointer and not to be scrutinized with mind/logic but to be felt as direct experience).  Again, although it appears that there may be two states, or observer and observed, this paradoxical situation is to be seen as one.  Instead of caught up in the mind, if one can watch his own mind, he is detached, and find the calm quiet mind - mirror mind.    Mr. Levenson said, "You won't be disturbed even if you are killed." This statement points to the functioning of the mirror mind. It is that base, the ground, the heart, true love - or "I am that I am" where "ultimate happiness" is found.

If such statement is not resonating with us now, we may realize that sometime as if from no where... if we keep our inquisitiveness and awareness sharp as if with the mind of new born child with calm and quiet mind....we may find us total openness/release to all of happenings without fear, defensiveness, ego, power, but true love.  (The message of Daisetz Suzuki on Love and Power is, as I believe, nothing but that!)

Perhaps as if adding legs to a snake, here are examples of those moments that may trigger or correspond with such state of being:

In Taichi - inner body sensation...sense the Ki/Chi (life energy) - Ki in Japanese; Chi in Chinese

In Meditation - same as above, mind and body as one, Awareness and equanimity

in Everyday events - sound of guitar, fresh breeze through the window, spider net in the sun - refer to my Poem, symphony of light, joy of life

In Nature - Feel one with nature, sense life energy, or Ki (Ki is Japanese; Chi in Chinese)

In Sex - In pure spiritual experience of intimacy - oneness with the partner, not just in orgasm in the conventional sense but spiritual ecstasy, is the pure moment of creation covered by bliss.

In Aikido - The master uses Ki, the life energy, based on compassion/true love. As if opponents are the extension of his mind and body, the master may read the mind of opponent as if he has a third eye, to resolve the situation harmoniously.  

In Sports, Art, and Business - Some common traits of masters are, effortless, desireless, witnessing, and faith (conscious of unconscious)

Note:

* I plan to write in the next post Re: Characteristics of the Masters (revisiting the Appendix form my book "Results from the Heart")

- True Love*:  I use this expression often, yet I have not defined quite clearly as IT is indescribable, yet to be experienced.  Other terms that may be used as synonym are: God, Law of universe, nature's way, Tao, emptiness, stillness, here/now, presence, ground, absolute, imperturbability, true self, original self before your father and mother were born, I am that (I am), etc.  Or, it may be felt at the moment as one notices one's mistake/delusion.  Or, to see things as they really are and not as they appears in our mind.

Art, Life and True Love

Here is an e-mail correspondence with my Aikido friend - first about Art and then what I call "True love," or primary relationship, the connection I discussed in the previous post:

==
(From Laura)

I have been sculpting for 2or 3 years now.
Well, aikido is a martial ART, is it not? A movement art.
So what does being artful mean? To me it means staying in the
moment and allowing  your experience of subtle dimensions to take shape in physical form.
To describe peace or beauty in form or action. To act from the void, see how it comes through you.
A lot of people call personal expression art, describing neurosis (Throwing up on a canvas)
and expecting the viewer to appreciate you for your creativity!! I don't call that art. Art is to teach!
To have the viewer (or experiencer) appreciate something beyond himself.
So aikido is a movement art. We try to stay centered and open to peace coming through KI
(energy) and guiding our actions, so that the viewer or partner, is changed by joining with you in the interaction.
Form follows energy which follows thought. The creation of anything comes from the idea or vision forming
the blueprint for the next denser dimension of energy (behavior,action, ki) to move and the densest form
rides or takes the shape of the action.

Here is another movement art I am involved in. You're going to laugh.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34CivLRIbpo

==

Well.. if so,,,, we can say that our life is itself an art, right?  Of
course!! You will agree!!!!

Yet, may I hear your view on LIFE if I may?

==
(From Laura)

Oh boy! Don't get me started!  Of course life is an artistic event.
I am the medium. WHO IS THE ARTIST?

I don't have time for writing poetry. I play cello and garden also.
I told E that, If I beg for cooking lessons, to tell me NO.

I do love poetry. My favorite poet is Rumi:

Today, like every other day, we wake up empty and frightened.
Don't open the door to the study and begin reading. Take down 
a musical instrument. Let the beauty we love be what we do.
There are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the earth.



I would love to kiss you.
The price of kissing is your life!
Now my love is running toward my life shouting,
What a bargain, let's buy it!


May I hear some of your poetry?

An Image of Art, Life, and True Love - i.e., New Hero's Journey

Oh Luara...Don't get me started....

I wrote many... but before that,  let me tell you my most favorite of all, Kabir - 17

http://www.oocities.org/capecanaveral/campus/4178/kabir17.html

and well....Here is one I wrote re: True Love

True Love

True love is unconditional

and accept everything as is

While in meditation, I re-discovered this unconditional love

and re-witnessed its miracle

When I meditate

simply observing what is going on...

there is that sensation in me that responds to my observation

Everywhere I observe, my body cells are happily jumping right then and there...

as if given an encouragement to play like children...

they are genuinely happy as they are

This is a joy of being touched by love... true love...

at the molecular levels, yet it extends to the end of the universe

In that sensation, I realize...

love is found and realized in total acceptance of what is happening

but, not like we may think of love...

as in the conventional manner

As we accept everything as it is and we are in tune with it...

everywhere, and unconditionally, love is prevailing

because it is simply a happening of absolute

Thy will be done.

We witness this as we meditate...

or whenever our mind is still

That sensation/power is universal

you, me and everyone, everywhere

When we witness that happening...

we realize that we are the Life itself –  fully alive!

and True Love is also realized...

as the foundation of life

With its compassionate and creative energy...

love heals everything, and create anew

Being one with Love

we realize that there is no single error in us

Floating in the swell of love,

we witness all sufferings and scars disappear!

In that sweet power of love,

nothing can resist but to surrender

And, as we surrender to love,

Love takes over

Ego is broken,

and the burdens we have carried explodes into a mist of speckles...

We see everything is connected, and melt into one, the absolute unity...

No duality, no good/bad, right/wrong, you/me, any more

Why?

Because it is as it is when love/absolute prevails as it should

How ridiculous, the mind may speak...

but, in that intimacy, such voice has no place to be!

So, you, me, the lucky ones...

simply float in that infinite swell of love, and witness the magic

being played out

Enjoy the taste of nectar called love

heal all the wounds, and be reborn as this magic takes over

--

When we realize True Love

All words lose their meaning, yet there is nothing missing any more!

After the healing and rebirth...

there is continued healing and rebirth...

--

Note: So, within what we think is love (called here as bilateral/horizontal

connection) is this True Love ready to emanate when the connection is

made in each individual.  Once, this is found, tested, and confirmed,

the sparks generated there may be found as most genuine - incomparable

to none.

This is the world of nirvana realized in the awakening of true love.

Yet, since we are as we are as humans, dusts accumulate and the

connection to the source may be weakened or lost.  So, the travelers

of life, be aware, find the right path, confirm the foundation, and

let True Love prevail!

==

(Note on Aikido terms:

-  uke: attacker with aggression

-  nage: one responding with aiki (do) - way of nature to harmonize all... with compassion)

==

Oh well done!

I should say well carried through, right?

I understand the difference between human love and divine love to be the absence or presence of a sense of separation from home.

Divine love being unity with the void, knowing where home is so securely that it overflows

in gratitude and love of life. Human love being a desperate grasping to be loved from another

because we feel separate from our source.Thus the human drama, the source of most of the

stories and movies and songs in pop culture.

The way we move and interact on the aikido mat is a moving meditation.

Since we are always filled with love, abundance and possibility, when we move in an

open full manner, every cell expressing confidence, higher power, KI, it feels like FLOATING..

When, as nage, we doubt the presence of ki, we squeeze for personal power, using our upper body and arms to manipulate uke.  When uke is treated like this, he has to defend himself with his own personal power, it ignites a fight. When the KI inside nage touches the KI inside uke, there is no separation. Only a sense of freedom.

Oh! Something natural is happening! It awakens uke to the source of power present throughout his whole body.

We're teaching as we touch and interact. Life long study! Same in any true art. Is there anything better to do in life?

                                        Your friend,

                                                 Laura

Hypnosis and Aikido - 2

In this post, we will look further into the core of Hypnosis and the art of Aikido.  The main focus is for us to know our human psyche better and orient us to change our behavior aiming for an enriched life.  Although some points may be seen as technical, or even counter intuitive for some, I am hopeful that this type of inquiry may possibly bring an eye-opening moment even for hard-nosed managers, power-hungry dictators or even  insensitive bureaucrats.
 (Did I say too much?)  Here, we will focus on two areas:

1)  Use of "Unfocused gaze" or "Soft eyes" (use of peripheral vision) as a way of intuitively assessing the situation by picking up the non-verbal cues:


"Peripheral vision is known to activate the body’s parasympathetic nervous system which decreases the heart and breathing rate.   The therapist then enters a state of deep relaxation and becomes centred.  At this point they become absorbed ‘in the moment’ and develop an almost spontaneous and unconscious response to the client’s behaviour where a conscious deliberation of which techniques to use becomes unnecessary.  The therapist has, in effect, freed themselves of technique and acts intuitively to assist the client.


Similarly the therapist can track discreet physiological shifts and movements in their patient and use this to increase rapport.  By matching the clients breathing rate, posture and voice the therapist can gain a stronger position of trust and influence at the unconscious level.  Peripheral vision allows for an entire range of physiological subtleties to be observed without overt eye movements.


In the martial arts classic ‘The Book of Five Rings’, Miyamoto Musashi said a true swordsman must see far away events as if near and near events as if from far away.  Specifically he highlighted two types of vision: ‘Ken’ and ‘Kan’.  Ken can be likened to fovial or tunnel vision which observes superficial activity.  However Kan is peripheral vision which perceives the underlying essence of things.   For Mushashi, Ken is like seeing with the eyes whereas Kan is seeing with the mind.


The ‘Kan’ state is reflected in the aikido principle of ‘know your partners mind’.  This basically states that knowing an attackers intention will provide a quicker and more effective defence than any rapid physical movement.   In the same sense, intuitively perceiving the client’s problem will allow for a more appropriate and responsive intervention in hypnotherapy." 

- From Hypnosis, Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, and Aikido

As mentioned at the end of the previous post, it points to the state of "no-ego," or having a "calm and quiet mind." while observing everything as they really are - not what they appear on surface.  By cultivating our entire mind-body in this manner, we can become more intuitive and insightful in assessing the situation so that wisdom and compassion can be better manifested. (i.e., truth reveals on its own when the screen of our mind is thrown away)


2)  The way to handle a difficult situation in a skillful manner:


Hypnotherapist, Erickson says: "There are many types of difficult patients who seek psychotherapy and yet are openly hostile... and unwill­ing to accept the therapy they have come to seek . . .[yet]  such resistance should be ... graciously accepted, since it is a vitally important communication of a part of their problems and often can be used as an opening into their defenses."


In Aikido, this is called blending in which the energy of an opponent's attack is never resisted or re­jected. The Aikidoist takes the mental position of welcoming  the attack, both as an opportunity to restore harmony and as a chance to practice the art. An im­portant reframing takes place in the mind of the Aikidoist: The usual notion of an attack being frightening... is replaced by an acceptance and appreciation.... In  both cases, the practitioner views resistance not as a problem one wishes would go away, but rather as essential "raw  energy" that can lead to ultimate solutions.


This acceptance of resistance means that one must remain flexible to adapt to what is occurring... Aikido is a process of not being drawn into a tug-of-war or a conflict. The Aiki­do solution to force-seeks-force may be stated as: Never put power at the point of contact. If an attacker grabs the wrist of an Aikidoist, the Aikidoist "gives" the wrist to the attacker. This causes the at­tacker to feel in control. He feels no force resisting him and so he does not experi­ence a heightening of tension and con­flict. His sense of power is not threatened. Yet, subtly, the Aikidoist is moving other parts of his body, radiating out smoothly from his hara [belly]. The result is that the at­ tacker usually feels totally in control un­til, quite suddenly, all balance  is inexplicably lost, and he tumbles to the ground.             (ibid)


What the above points to is the "Effortless effort" - following the Way.  If we forget our ego, our mind play and be in the moment, connected to the primary (e.g., true self, heart), There is resolution.

                                 
Gozo Shioda and Art of Aikido (3 min.)

* Note: For those who know my New Manufacturing Challenge book, or New Shop Floor Management book, there are stories related to this.  It is about empowerment and become the master of destiny.  BTW, one well known exercise in Toyota is called "Maru-kaite-chon" or white circle on the floor, in which Toyota a manager is instructed by Mr. Ohno, the father of Toyota Production System, to stand for a day, two or a week, just observing the production line (until he gets it! to know where the waste is! and how to address it)


* In my video at youtube called "Ten-mei," (from 15.40 for about 4 min.), or "Order from Heaven," I described my experience of something like me being in Aikido with Taiichi Ohno, where he did not exert his energy, yet I was thrown out by my own effort, and came up with new insight and conviction to move forward - with the idea of being the master of my own destiny.  This example may points a way of how we may breakthrough the impasse.

Hypnosis and Aikido - 1

Usually, I do not get a big "surprise" perhaps due to continuous practice of cultivating a calm and quiet mind.  But this one was an exception.

Few month ago, I read "My voice will go with you" by Milton Erickson - one of the most well known hypno therapists, and the founding president of the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis, I felt there was something very important in this book to understand human psyche.  As I read it, I felt as if I was tested by various Koans (puzzles used for Zen monks to attain Satori, or enlightenment).

Milton Erickson
(one of the most influential psychotherapists and hypnotherapists; 1901 – 1980)

Then, a few weeks ago, I started Aikido (as mentioned in previous post).  When I went to Dojo (practice hall) the first time, I immediately felt the strong connection of hypnosis and Aikido.  (...also Sex as mentioned in the previous post).  It was about having palms of hands together that no one else can separate them once the person is in the hypnotic state (or trance) - i.e., catalepsy.  In Aikido, very similar symptom happens, for example, when a person is well centered in his mind and body and extending Ki, or life energy, from the core.  Virtually, no one can penetrate, e.g., move him or lift him, or attack him.

The reason I sensed the connection between Aikido and Hypnosis came from years of practicing meditation and Tai-chi (Shibashi - 18 positions).  In a moment notice, I can easily feel Ki moving around in my body as if I am in that calm trance state.  By the way, the same is practiced in Tantric sex, Kundalini, Vipassana, Daoist sex, etc.  So, one thing in common to all of these is trance, intimacy, zone, or samadhi experience.  (This state is called "being conscious of unconscious" or "mind and body is one" in Zen.)

Now, back to my "surprise."  Sensing something about these connections but still unclear, I playfully Googled, "Hypnosis and Aikido."  Unexpectedly, I found there are about half a million search results which point that many people seem to be very aware of the connection.  Wow!!!  Amusing, and eye-opening!

Out of many interesting findings, I post a quote from a paper titled, "Ericksonian Hypnotherrapy, and Aikido" by Rod Windle and Michael Samkoin where they described the state of "centering" in Aikido as corresponding to the state of hypnotherapist doing the therapy.  (the list is partly modified to save space)

1. Physical relaxation with a balanced posture
2. Loose shoulders and absence of excess muscle tension
3. Loss of startle reflex
4. "Soft" eyes (simultaneous use of focus and peripheral vision)
5. Breathing by abdomen
6. Awareness of energies flowing in and out of the body
7. Perception of self and others non judgmentally and simultaneously
8. Increased ability to detect minimal psychological cues from others
9. Slowing or absence of internal dialogue
10. Spontaneously generated associations, ideas, or understandings of others

(from American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, Vol 34, Number 4, April 1992)

The bottom line is that awareness and cultivation of Ki, life energy can unleash vast potential in us, and manifested as love, compassion, wisdom, healing, etc.  I am very convinced that getting this connection (centering, which is akin to primary relationship previously mentioned) can help us to live better, e.g., healthier, safer, and with more fun, playful, and lively life!!!  Yes, we can change ourselves as well as help others, and guide ourselves for betterment.

What do you think?  Or, a better question may be.... "How do you feel?" or "May you connect to IT?" --- If not, may we inquire within?  Then, experiment and discover by yourself.  Perhaps, a good start of our new hero's journey!?

*  Lastly, May I suggest here that those ten points above may correspond to the state of "no-self," a meditative state of samdhi where the connection to the "primary" (call it, true self, or heart) is made?

Sex, Meditation and Aikido

Sex is something most of us are familiar with (although I feel there is depth to be explored like anything else in life).  Aikido is new to me (although I connected from the very first encounter just recently).  Yet, since realizing there are so much in common between the two, and that I believe such realization came from my meditation experience, I want to share my views as shown below:

If you want to catch someone's attention, the quickest way may be to talk something about sex.  In the meantime, influenced by TV, instant message and texting, etc., more people seem to be for instant gratification.  Quick everything!!  Even for sex?!  Oh, no!!! I need at the least 1.5 hours!  (Have I caught your attention?)  But seriously, if you are familiar with Tantric and Daoist sex, you know what I mean.  When we are totally absorbed in the act, whether sex, meditation, or else, there are experiences of being in the zone, intimacy, samadhi, oneness, or whatever you may call it.  And..., I also see playfulness, ecstasy and liveliness there although at the end it is beyond any description of words.

As I see it, in that state is yhe creativity where different elements come together to create a new meaning.  This, I would like to call the experience of "the absolute affirmation of life."  Yet, if having sex is an ego-driven act, and not tied to intimacy (both within oneself and between the two), we may not experience the connection to the core of our life, the miracle of two melting together.  It is simple; intimacy can not come from ego.  So, this connection is about the "primary relationship," I mentioned in the previous post.

Now, Aikido is known as martial art originated from Japan by Morihei Ueshita (1883 – 1969).  It is translated as "the way of harmony with the spirit/energy of the universe.”  Literally, it means "the way of meeting of Ki, the life energy" (this may sounds far-fetched for some but do you sense the common ground between sex and Aikido?)  And I found Aikido is much more than a conventional view of Martial Art as I realized in the interview video with Philip Stearns, 25-year veteran and Sen-sei (teacher), whom I met on the hiking trail the other day, and videotaped him later in that afternoon.  If you are intuitive, you may find the connection between sex, meditation and Aikido without much difficulty (11 min.).




Here are selected quotes of Philip Stearns from this video:
"Aikido is about connecting to the heart"
"I am responsible to what is happening there as I can change myself which affects the outcome."
"There is intimacy with sensation that we experience in nature"


In this video, I also commented to my experience in meditation, quoting the Zen saying; "Melting of the boundaries, mind and body had fallen off."  It was as if having sex, or become one with the universe.  Resonated from this encounter with Philip, few days later, I joined Aikido club in Santa Monica, and more confirmation has been made with what I call here, the new hero's journey.


In essence, what is being confirmed is about all activities in life can be based on compassion for betterment, even to the enemies.  Gozo Shioda, one of the most prominent teachers in history of Aikido says, when he was asked, "What is your strongest skill in Aikido?"  He said, "The enemy who came to kill me becomes my friend!"

On the journey, our hero may look at the external as well as internal (mind/body/spirit) and find a good connection (path) such that there is a way for a good balance and harmony.  We want to be happy as well as those others surrounding us.  We are linked with each other like in a intricate web.  We are whole (if look internally) and at the same time part of the whole (if look externally) and there is exchange of Ki (life energy) among all.  We are all connected.  And we have this innate ability to feel that connection, and express what is to be expressed through sex, Aikido, meditation, or else in the most genuine manner.  This is the life's miracles; and we are the miracles ourselves.  We can feel it, we can cultivate it, and we can live our life accordingly, following the bliss.

In sex, and in any intimate relationship, the New DNA (mentioned previously) may be cultivated and it builds the entirely new potential and new found meaning in it.  Intimacy, and joy of sex is but a scene of the life energy finding ways to explore the new horizon - as we experience the same in meditaion, and Aikido, just to name a few.  May we, as new hero's, therefore, explore this wonder of life?!  My answer is; why not?  Properly done, I believe sex, aikido and all of our life's experience can teach us who we are and what we can do as we follow the bliss in our new hero's journey.

Have Fun and Express Who We Are

I see playfulness, open mindedness, curiosity, following the bliss, intuition, creativity and wisdom are all related to each other.  Then, our hobby offers such a quality especially when we do not put emphasis on time or results.  If we are playful, we simply follow the bliss.  And, I hear in my heart that I should live like children in the sandbox.  Also, my intuition tells me that happy state of being is in tune with the songs of the nature and everything we do in living life can be seen in this fashion.  This is what I believe Confucius meant by saying: "at age 70, I followed my heart's desire without overstepping the boundaries of law."

What I also found profound is that even swordsmanship where life and death are at stake, this liveliness and playfulness can exist (at least many writings of masters of Zen and swordsmanship and my humble experience in Aikido indicate that).  So, from casual hobby of playing tennis (however, there is a moment when I put my 110%), to championship in golf, to management to swordsmanship, I see there is something in common as if finding creativity, liveliness and even love and compassion even in the extremity such as facing death.  I believe such experience leads to this saying when we break through the conventional wisdom: Man's extremity is God's opportunity.

Of course this is a paradox.  Playfulness and creativity while facing death - or never losing smile at any instance!  Or perhaps we may find that because of the state of extremity, we finally realize creativity, source of our existence, life energy, heart, love or compassion, etc. in its true sense - not any more in words or concept.  And such experience is what I like to call, the connection to the source so that our life is expressed in its most genuine manner!  There, we may find comfort and happiness in any situation we face, thus transcending the paradox.  The idea is not so much about the form of how we live, but whether or not we connect to the essence, which is invisible but essential to be truly and genuinely alive.

In hobby, we have light-hearted attitude.  Also, if we do what we like to do, there is more energy flows and liveliness felt - again when we follow the bliss.  When my son was about 17, I gave him my last advice, "Do what you like to do, and if that is to contribute to the society, perhaps you find a way to live while having fun. "

After all, don't you agree that quality at the source or heart, which everybody has, is utmost important?  And if or when we lose that connection, guess what?  You know the answer.  I sense a definite limit in our tendency toward instant gratification that I see more common these days.  We want to live truthfully.  I believe such is the path for our New Hero to take.

Good day, good journey,
Kiyoshi Suzaki