In light of the harmony of nature and the disintegration of culture we need a way to make sense of the world and our role in it. We use our training to do this. Our will, skillfully applied to the cultivation of our body and mind, every day, is our practice. By practicing we make our bodies healthy and strong, our minds calm and clear, our hearts virtuous and purposeful.
That way when we see a mountain, the moon, a flower, a person or a leaf, we can appreciate their beauty. When we meet madness, cruelty, murderers and thieves we can spot them, recognize them. Then, whether we engage, disengage, or change, we emerge victorious.
What is it that occupies our mind and our time? It is up to us. If we allow poison in to our lives, we will suffer and die. Sugar, porn, rage and resentment, greed, drugs and power-seeking are poisons. People who provide them are not free and we should not allow them to imprison us.
We need wisdom and skill to defend the borders of our hearts and minds against them. Then we can reap the spectacular rewards of training. We can move forward freely, with purpose, in virtue, without regret, despair, attachment, pain or shame. That way we are free to live with honor and die in peace. That’s why we train our body and mind, our heart and breath.
That’s what we do.
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Post copyright © 2025 Jeffrey Brooks, MountainKarateNC.com, Yamabayashi Ryu, Mountain Karate Dojo, in the mountains of western NC.
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read True Karate Dō by Jeffrey Brooks
“One of the best books I’ve read in years, inviting and compelling. Jeff Brooks moves effortlessly from martial arts to Buddhism to consciousness studies, self-transformation, and related fields in this wide-ranging and Illuminating study that has much to offer both novice explorers and veteran practitioners. A splendid achievement.”— Philip Zaleski, Editor, The Best Spiritual Writing series