The Way of the Warrior

Yamamoto Tsunemoto was a Samurai at a time when things were changing in Japan. The Tokugawa Shogunate no longer had need for mere warriors, but for administrators and leaders, men to run the government. Tsunemoto mourned the passing away of the old values, and foresaw a corruption of the Samurai ideals. He eventually retired to a monastery, and dictated Hakagure as a guide for the young Samurai of his clan, so they did not lose what he thought made a Samurai a Samurai. His most famous saying is that 'The Way of the Samurai is found in death.'

Obviously, he did not mean for them to rush right out and behave foolishly. He basically meant for them to not concern themselves with life or death, just 'do it'. He stated that philosophy was for the old, and young men should concern themselves with 'vitality'- action. The old Samurai often stressed that you cannot follow different ways- Miyamato Mushashi said, "The Way of the warrior does not include other Ways, such as ... certain traditions, artistic accomplishments and dancing. But even though these are not part of the Way, if you know the Way broadly you will see it in everything. Men [and women] must polish their particular Way".

So, as modern warriors in a chaotic society that seems to value thrill-seeking and temporary pleasures, how do we rise above? How can we attain the inner peace, the solid grounding that we need?

Many turn to religion, philosophy, alcohol, drugs, or live in a fantasy world. And, I don't mean the delusional world of the schizophrenic, I mean not facing your situation as it really is. For that is the rub: to live in a sheltered environment, like a monk, who couldn't put their philosophy in action? But when the bill collectors are calling non-stop, your boss is a total creep, all things seem to turn against you- what then? Will your chosen method for coping with reality help you deal with a cranky child, or a disconnect notice? How about a death, or a contentious marriage or relationship? How about when you really want to be with that 'certain one' and they don't feel the same about you? What then?

Well, the Way is in death- but not always a physical death. Developing the ability to face challenges as a challenge, not as a personal affront, is a good place to start. If you feel the world is against you, life is not fair, why can't you get all the good luck, etc.- you have lost. You are afraid of death- the death of your unattainable ideals and goals. Obviously, the world isn't going to oblige you by restructuring the nature of things to your advantage. It was here first, so you get what you get. My strategy is to change my goals and desires. My old ideas, the ones that keep me unhappy, discontent, feeling less than the other fellow- they need to be faced, conquered, and cast aside. Not easy! But this is a journey, remember- we start today, and don't fret over immediate results. As warriors, we develop our warrior spirit thru trials and test ourselves daily. The world is our battlefield, life our dojo. (Training hall- place of the way.)

You don't need to know how to fight or to use weapons to be a warrior. You need spirit, discipline, and faith in yourself. You need the courage to look at your life as it is, accept yourself and your life as is, and then....go out and change it. Think of it as a project. The needs and requirements have changed, so you alter the plans and keep working. We are works in progress, and sometimes the plans need to be changed.

Next blog, I will look at tools for change.