Regarding Demons

Many people are fighting their demons. Queens and Generals and Champions, oh my. People are being consumed by fear and anger and failing to learn or be open. Truth, and denial, and rationalizations abound. Much drama and uneccesary energy is being spent by all sides, and very little communication.

I reread an unwritten chapter of a book written by my former Seneschal, and defensive tactics and maneuvers (the first two battles) seem to be the only pursuit. Anger blinds, and allows the demon to be stronger, and pushes you away from the lesson.

Sigh. My demons? They're still there. Many have been integrated this last month. I have been forced to face much of myself. Dissertation. Money. Academics in general. My failings as a teacher. The resulting Chaos I have allowed to be caused. Relationships. However, I breathe. I learn, I take off my armour and lay down my weapons, and I embrace. I forget, I teach. I try to remember the lessons of the Tao and of my life.

One of my students, unfamiliar with the most difficult fourth battle, wonders if I am familiar with laying down my sword. That student states that, "A warrior's ultimate act is to lay down his sword". Perhaps that student is learning to lay down their sword, and perhaps they are learning their own Demon. Perhaps laying down their sword will help me help them learn, and they will be better perpared for their life. I wonder if other people around me could learn that lesson.


"The hardest thing in the world is to assume the mood of a warrior. It is of no use to be sad and complain and feel justified in doing so, believing that someone is always doing something it us. Nobody is doing anything to anybody, much less to a warrior." Carlos Castaneda

"To achieve the mood of a warrior is not a simple matter. It is a revolution. To regard the lion and the water rats and our fellow men as equals is a magnificent act of a warrior's spirit. It takes power to do that." Carlos Castaneda

"There are no contests in the Art of Peace. A true warrior is invincible because he or she contests with nothing. Defeat means to defeat the mind of contention that we harbor within." Morihei Ueshiba

True Victory Is Victory Over Self

I will perform kata every day. I will breathe as I perform kata. I will breathe when I am not performing kata. I will train Karatedo or another martial art 5 days a week, especially on Mondays and Wednesdays.

I will crossstrain in another martial art, probably weapons and/or a ‘softer’ discipline, but I will continue with Karatedo. I will read and re-read more martial philosophy. I will train more with the weapons I do know.

I will not be away from the Fortress of Solitude overnight more than once a week, unless I am on a trip. More things will flow away from the Fortress than will enter in. My altar and my house will be clean and uncluttered.

I will eat more healthy foods, and less unhealthy foods. I will eat less. I will drink less coffee. I will drink more water. I will sleep more. I will continue to watch little television. I will spend less time on the computer.

I will learn to dance three different styles. I will improve my running. I will formally learn Tantric principles and techniques. I will improve myself, because there are others who depend on me to be my best, and because I deserve to be my best. I will ruthlessly and tirelessly root out my Fears and I will learn them, embrace them, and reintegrate them to Self.


Musashi's Book of Five Rings
The nine basic attitudes from the first excerpt:

* Do not think dishonestly. Think honestly within yourself in your dealings with all men.
* The Way is in training. Constant training is the only Way to learn strategy.
* Become acquainted with every art. Become familiar with every art you come across.
* Know the Ways of all professions. Understand the Way of other disciplines.
* Distinguish between gain and loss/right and wrong in worldly matters.
* Develop intuitive/inner judgment and understanding for everything.
* Perceive those things which cannot be seen.
* Pay attention even to trifles. Overlook nothing, regardless of its insignificance.
* Do nothing which is of no use. Do not waste time idling or thinking.