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Yugen: Mystery, The Sword and the Lotus
Acrylic on Panel
Prints available at: www.artpal.com/stevebrumme
"Whatever the trials or dangers, even "Hell under the upraised sword," remain calm and remember the doctrine imparted to you by your teacher." From the Esoteric Principles written by Professor Henry Seishiro Okasaki, founder of Dan Zan Ryu Jujitsu.
Professor Seishiro Okasaki believed that the martial arts provided two very important functions. It imparted the knowledge of fighting techniques that would allow even a small person to stop a larger person from doing harm, and it caused a person to wake up his mind and spirit. This awakening experience he called Shabumi, as in to be fully aware and at peace. He was a Buddhist. Buddhism is not a religion, according to it's founder, Siddhartha. It is a training of the mind to become calm and aware of every moment by releasing desires and fears. He was aware that this is a skill, and to achieve this peace, one must practice. Learning fighting causes one to focus on each moment one is practicing. Therefore the practice becomes a meditation. He compared this growing body of martial knowledge to a lotus flower that grows unseen beneath the surface of the water until it floats to the top and blooms. The sword being lifted by two sparrows by threads represents the continuous reminder that we live in a world where danger is always present, often coming from unseen places. Be prepared. Learn the techniques that will give you the ability to stop a person with malevolent intent. The stone monolith with the kanji carved into the surface are the combat techniques written into his mokuroku scroll which Professor Seishiro Okasaki taught his students. As the stone rises from the water more of the techniques become apparent. The water represents the mind. To become a martial artists is to learn how to wake up to peace of mind, through the art of subduing an adversary. I studied Dan Zan Ryu Jujitsu for many years. And then I continued my martial arts studies in Shaolin Tang Lang Kung Fu for many more years. I am grateful to all my teachers who brought me through my lessons.
Acrylic on panel
Prints are available