The ancient Japanese Warrior-Monks and samurai were refined men and women, diligently seeking enlightenment through the practice of traditional martial, healing, philosophical and cultural arts. The levels of stress they faced were far higher than those we face in modern society, and included the frequent likelihood of violent death. Yet because they studied the "Eight Arts", including the philosophies of ancient wisdom studied in Kosho Shorei Ryu, they were able to handle these pressures, and actually thrive on them, facing even death with no fear.

How do we forge our will, tone our body, refine our movement, focus, balance and calm our mind? What practice do we modern people typically have? What diligent holistic practice do we use to combat the stress and self-imposed suffering we perpetuate at the hand of our ego? What do most of us do on a daily basis to keep our bodies healthy, our minds sharp, our emotions joyous and tranquil, and our spirit virtuous? More importantly, how deep is the context of our life? Do we serve anyone but ourselves?

Most of us, unfortunately, don't even think about these questions. I ask new patients each week to look deeply into their lives. I ask them to rate their level of happiness with their bodies, their overall health, relationships, and career. Then I ask them to name five things they'd do if they knew they were going to die in a year, and five long-term goals. Many patients can't answer these questions at all-- and these are people who have come to an acupuncture clinic looking for "holisitc wellness"! The ones who can answer often give very superficial, materialistic, and egoic answers.

New students in the Dojo often come in because they want to "learn to protect themselves", or "learn something new and interesting". They often enter the Dojo to study martial arts without even realizing it is actually self-confidence, self-esteem, self-worth, and wisdom that they seek. Many students who have studied with me for a couple of months tell me that, now that they have been introduced to them, they actually enjoy healing arts, energy-cultivation and/or brush-calligraphy at least as much as the martial arts, if not more! The human mind longs to be nourished!

The study of Kosho Shorei Ryu is a powerful antidote to a superficial life. It has been used for nearly 800 years to help people find a deeper context for their lives. It helps us to get out of our own way in life. To face our fears, doubts, worries, anxieties, self-centeredness and ignorance. Through the study of these ancient arts, we can cultivate the skills and virtues of the ancient Scholar-Warrior-Healer-Sage, and find freedom from self-imposed suffering. Then we can broaden and deepen the very context of our life, and truly fulfill our destiny, whatever it might be.

Read on. Enjoy what you discover. But remember, there is no substitute for mat-time and lots of austere training! An enlightened context for your life is not available on the internet. It will require lots of training, under an experienced teacher. It will also require the cultivation of real courage. The inner battle is not for the faint of heart. Get started now!