Thanks, David. I'm really enjoying Aikido, especially how it's practiced and taught at this particular dojo. Most challenging is learning how to roll forward and backward (over the neck and shoulders) without hurting myself. I've put this on hold until I have a few more months under my (white) belt. Bowing!
Thank you. I’m glad you have taken up the practice of Aikido. When I was 16 years old, I watched a pilot movie called kung fu. It changed my life that night. I went home, told my mother about the experience. I wanted to be like that man man; a Buddhist monk who knew kung fu. My mother handed me the book “ the Wisdom of China & India.” In it I read the Dhammapada. In the middle of the night I went onto the roof of my parents house and looked at that bright morning star and decided I needed to become a Buddhist monk and I needed to learn kung fu. There was no kung fu in Los Altos when I was 16 years old. Only karate and judo. I wanted kung fu. I also wanted to be a Buddhist monk. I found a Kobun Chino and haiku Zendo in Los Altos (after reading Zen Mind Beginners Mind). I then found out about a kung fu teacher, a Chinese man in Palo Alto at the YMCA. I started taking lessons and continued for the next 40+ years as his closest disciple. I considered him my teacher, my father, and my best friend. He died in 2015 and for a while I took over his school in Campbell.
I now practice tai chi, and a little of the kung fu every morning regardless of work or what my day looks like. It goes hand-in-hand with Zazen the practice of seeing in being in every moment good and bad Yin and yang. I’m very grateful for the teachings and continue to find piece from them. No harm just kindness and compassion whenever able. (Working at Costco at the door gives me endless opportunities!)
Hi Don, thank you for your comment and for subscribing. What a wonderful story of how your spiritual journey began (at least in this lifetime). Glad your mother gave you that book and supported your Way-seeking mind. I find the physicality of Aikido combined with the philosophy a beautiful complement to my Zen practice: finding harmony and unity amid difficult psycho-emotional and physical circumstances. Glad Costco is offering infinite opportunities to be kind and compassionate. Thank you for your practice. Bowing.
That’s a great story from Don.
I really loved this Zen in Ten. Most inspiring. Heather—how are you doing with Aikido. Is it difficult?
Thanks, David. I'm really enjoying Aikido, especially how it's practiced and taught at this particular dojo. Most challenging is learning how to roll forward and backward (over the neck and shoulders) without hurting myself. I've put this on hold until I have a few more months under my (white) belt. Bowing!
Thank you. I’m glad you have taken up the practice of Aikido. When I was 16 years old, I watched a pilot movie called kung fu. It changed my life that night. I went home, told my mother about the experience. I wanted to be like that man man; a Buddhist monk who knew kung fu. My mother handed me the book “ the Wisdom of China & India.” In it I read the Dhammapada. In the middle of the night I went onto the roof of my parents house and looked at that bright morning star and decided I needed to become a Buddhist monk and I needed to learn kung fu. There was no kung fu in Los Altos when I was 16 years old. Only karate and judo. I wanted kung fu. I also wanted to be a Buddhist monk. I found a Kobun Chino and haiku Zendo in Los Altos (after reading Zen Mind Beginners Mind). I then found out about a kung fu teacher, a Chinese man in Palo Alto at the YMCA. I started taking lessons and continued for the next 40+ years as his closest disciple. I considered him my teacher, my father, and my best friend. He died in 2015 and for a while I took over his school in Campbell.
I now practice tai chi, and a little of the kung fu every morning regardless of work or what my day looks like. It goes hand-in-hand with Zazen the practice of seeing in being in every moment good and bad Yin and yang. I’m very grateful for the teachings and continue to find piece from them. No harm just kindness and compassion whenever able. (Working at Costco at the door gives me endless opportunities!)
Thank you and happy practice !
Gassho,
Don Hopkins
San Jose
Hi Don, thank you for your comment and for subscribing. What a wonderful story of how your spiritual journey began (at least in this lifetime). Glad your mother gave you that book and supported your Way-seeking mind. I find the physicality of Aikido combined with the philosophy a beautiful complement to my Zen practice: finding harmony and unity amid difficult psycho-emotional and physical circumstances. Glad Costco is offering infinite opportunities to be kind and compassionate. Thank you for your practice. Bowing.