Warriors

[grim23]

So, I've been thinking about Warriors today. This is from a man I greatly respect. He's had a hard life, but he has joined a Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu dojo and in doing so has found a purpose and is in the process of turning his life around. I gifted him with a tanto when he earned his green belt, an appropriate gift for both his effort and his life change.


"My Creed to try to live my life by and the creed of the Bujinkan Family Dojo is:

Wherever I am,
everyone is a little bit safer because I am there.

Wherever I go,
anyone in need has a friend.

Whenever I return home,
everyone is happy to see me.

This was adopted by the Bujinkan from a man named Robert Humphrey. A USMC Soldier who fought and took a bullet in Iwo Jima, Japan in WWII. Honorary Samurai, and Bujinkan Black Belt, 10th Dan".


A warrior, to me, is not just a person who has learned to kill others. That's a fighter or a soldier. A warrior trains to not kill, to see a higher purpose, adapting a philosophy that allows him to keep going and protect and defend, as well as survive, adapt and overcome adversity. I know many warriors who have never fought anyone. I see warriors as fire fighters, emergency services workers, law enforcement...anyone who trains themselves to be able to help others. Musicians, tattoo artists, counselors, massage therapists...those using their skills to help others get over fear---that, to me, is a warrior.

Warriors help others overcome their demons, and in doing so, work on their own. Most warriors I know ceaselessly work on themselves and learn to embrace their fears and work through them so that they can face the next, stronger inner demon. They try things, they get knocked down, they learn, they try again and again, and they don't give up until they have completely learned the lesson the Universe is teaching them---they heal, and then they're ready for the next lesson. That's how they grow.

Just my thoughts.

Comments

[sienna555.livejournal.com]

Ah, you have defined "hero" or perhaps even "guru". "Warrior" if you follow the etymology, is --by definition-- "war-like." "War" being in the front of the word twists all other definition of it toward that of "killing." How can you ignore the context of "war" when it is part of the word?

But I agree that there are people who have the qualities you describe who should be catagorized as something special, honored, more dedicated than most individuals. On definitive terms of symantics, I refuse to lable them "warriors."

Namaste, brother.

[grim23]

I was using Castaneda's term, which resonates, for me better than hero or guru. I personally don't think of myself as a hero and definitely not as a guru. I don't even think of myself as a warrior much, anymore. I just am. :>

Namaste, O Kalyanamitra.