This Sanchin Pilgrimage will be the first of its kind; a multi-part sanchin pilgrimage. This and the next sanchin pilgrimage will build upon each other. Here is the first component inspired by current political events.
Much is in the news about the financial crisis of many countries, political austerity measures and the public’s negative reaction to these often harsh and inequitable measures imposed upon them by their government. The daily reports of governmentally imposed austerity caused me to reflect on the entire concept of austerity in general. My reflection resulted in the idea of “individual austerity” or “personal austerity” and the subsequent strength that can be garnered from such practice. In this context, austerity (fully defined in Endnote # 1) is taken to mean “plainness and simplicity of life.”
The ability to foster individual austerity and the resultant individual strength of character is but one of the direct benefits of the practice of my dynamic-philosophy of Jiriki Kata-Do and specifically Sanchin.
THE AUSTERITY SANCHIN PILGRIMAGE
Remember, the group dynamic is not fulfilled by all of us being geographically present, rather, it is fulfilled by each of us performing Sanchin in the proscribed manner.
My Austerity-Sanchin “uniform”
Session Parameters:
Date: The week starting Monday, November 26th, 2012, and every day of that week
Time: early morning, preferably at sunrise and preferably Sanchin should be the first, or as close to the first, act performed each day.
Location: Any location may be used; however, as is my preference, I would suggest a location outdoors in nature;
Salient Points:
- Use Sanchin to simplify your life spiritually and mentally (get rid of “excess mental baggage) while challenging & building yourself physically
- Each day engage in one act of simplifying your life, ideas include,
- healthy eating (omit processed foods, do not eat fast-foods, or eat locally sourced foods),
- financial responsibility – trim-down your financial burdens (examples are: put a fixed amount of cash in your pocket as a self-imposed budget and purchase using only that cash and not a charge card, or, if you have unused “stuff” sitting in your garage and attic, then have a garage sale, not only will you clean house and have extra cash, you will be selling things you no longer use to some one that will make use of the product),
- spiritually, in addition to Sanchin, give yourself a spiritual breather (such as a quiet moment outside, listening to music, and the like);
- metaphysical awareness by spending time each day outdoors so that you appreciate not only the beauty of your natural environment, but also the manner in which you are connected to that environment; you are an integral part of nature.
- The last requirement of this Sanchin Pilgrimage is to remain in an enraptured physical, spiritual and metaphysical state throughout the day by way of the concept of “Zanshin” (the “remaining mind” which is discussed in my Sanchin DVD and Book).
Now you are able to take strength in your simple lifestyle. You are far better than those that cannot shed the burdens of over-living their physical, emotional and financial abilities. They will always be a slave to their weakness.
Once again, you may wish to not only perform the Sanchin Pilgrimage as scheduled, but may also revisit the specific pilgrimage and allow Sanchin to unlock the cage imposed upon your by the drama of daily life. Do this as an integral part of your regular Sanchin practice.
Here is a video you may enjoy as you build your personal austerity with sanchin this week. It is Sanchin as self-baptism at the Lower Salt River, Arizona, Link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3MFNsl4mWg
In closing, I remain strong in my austerity,
Sensei John Szmitkowski
ENDNOTES:
1. Austerity – noun ( pl. austerities )
- sternness or severity of manner or attitude: he was noted for his austerity and his authoritarianism.
- extreme plainness and simplicity of style or appearance: the room was decorated with a restraint bordering on austerity.
- (austerities) conditions characterized by severity, sternness, or asceticism: a simple life of prayer and personal austerity.
- difficult economic conditions created by government measures to reduce a budget deficit, esp. by reducing public expenditure: a period of austerity | [ as modifier ] : austerity measures.
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