Newsletter
"The Source"
Don't
Fear Death?
by Shihan Richard J. Van Donk
Student
Cory Michael Wimberly wrote:
Grandmaster Hatsumi once said something to the effect of
"don't fear death."
I have a question about that quote. Does he mean one shouldn't
fear death, like one shouldn't fear an incoming punch because
you will freeze when faced with it when your only reaction
is fear?
So, one can still very much not want to die while still
not fearing death? (yes or no or have i missed the point?)
Shihan Van Donk answer:
Three things are certain. You where born, you now live
and you will die.This is a natural cycle and happens wether
you are preparded for it or not. The most preparation
seems to be in what is current with your posistion in
this cycle. You cannot borrow from time as you cannot
pay it back. There is a difference between responding
and reacting. Responding is when you are at choice. My
own understanding of Soke Hatsumi's statement is many
fold. I will address one of them here. Be free in life
and death. Life must be lived from freedom and not out
of survival. If your live is lived well you will approach
death the same as life. Every moment counts, thinking
unsupportive thoughts will only take your focus away from
living fullyas you desire.
Fear
is only enhanced anticipation because of a lack of knowledge.
As your taijutsu grows in ability you no longer fear the
punch. Simple distancing gives you more time and freedom.
When you live life making each moment count as a joyous
one full of gratitude for the gift of that precious breath
you will face the enivitable with pure divinity and ready
to transform into any form it takes. You can only prepare
for this by keeping your heart debt free and open to the
divine both insdie you and outside you.
HAPPY
TRAINING,
Shihan
Richard Van Donk-judan
American Bujinkan Dojo
And
here is Yoda, the mentor of mentors. His advice to all
who are trying is: "Try? Try? Try not. Do. Or do
not. There is no try."
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