The spirit of Shorinji Kempo

[HeatherMac]

I would like to know, if I may, what intrigues you most about Shorinji Kempo, and what is the main thing you as teachers, and students can recognize in your spirit that is in any of the books or teachings of Shorinji Kempo that you focus on primarily, or basically a simpler question would be what do you think about when you are teaching newer things to students? I don't think I should start, because I think I'm not the one who is at a level to know more about the spirit that goes with the teaching. I'm not really talking about the general mood of the class, I'm more talking about the appropriate action that comes from the spirit, like how does one keep the balance of Ken Zen Ichinyo throughout the class at all times, and that's what I wonder about sometimes because composure amazes me more than form, but maybe I shouldn't look at one closer than the other. How do I treat two things at once as equally important without frustration? Not saying that I'm frustrated. But, that's the mystery that I do not know and I would yet like to figure out. What is your view?

[sheb]

I'm sorry but I have some problems to understand what you mean ... what's your point? ... or don't you know by yourself what you want tot say ... I have sometimes the same problem.

[Luar]

I would like to know, if I may, what intrigues you most about Shorinji Kempo, and what is the main thing you as teachers, and students can recognize in your spirit that is in any of the books or teachings of Shorinji Kempo that you focus on primarily, or basically a simpler question would be what do you think about when you are teaching newer things to students? I don't think I should start, because I think I'm not the one who is at a level to know more about the spirit that goes with the teaching. I'm not really talking about the general mood of the class, I'm more talking about the appropriate action that comes from the spirit, like how does one keep the balance of Ken Zen Ichinyo throughout the class at all times, and that's what I wonder about sometimes because composure amazes me more than form, but maybe I shouldn't look at one closer than the other. How do I treat two things at once as equally important without frustration? Not saying that I'm frustrated. But, that's the mystery that I do not know and I would yet like to figure out. What is your view?


This sounds like the question for the Shodan exam, "What is your motivation for starting Shorinji Kempo and what is your present state of mind?"

[Luar]

I would like to know, if I may, what intrigues you most about Shorinji Kempo,


The people in it.



and what is the main thing you as teachers, and students can recognize in your spirit that is in any of the books or teachings of Shorinji Kempo that you focus on primarily


the spirit of cooperation with my fellow kenshi



, or basically a simpler question would be what do you think about when you are teaching newer things to students?


I think of two things - I think of how Sensei teaches it. Many times he wants us to learn the technique a certain way because it can only enhance your foundation later for more advance techniques. I have to respect that. The second, which is something I work hard on, is economy. I think it's best to give a simple but effective explanation rather than make it complicated. That's a a very hard thing to do.



I don't think I should start, because I think I'm not the one who is at a level to know more about the spirit that goes with the teaching. I'm not really talking about the general mood of the class, I'm more talking about the appropriate action that comes from the spirit, like how does one keep the balance of Ken Zen Ichinyo throughout the class at all times, and that's what I wonder about sometimes because composure amazes me more than form, but maybe I shouldn't look at one closer than the other. How do I treat two things at once as equally important without frustration? Not saying that I'm frustrated. But, that's the mystery that I do not know and I would yet like to figure out. What is your view?

By repeated practice of Shorinji Kempo. Please refer to the Key Attitudes of Learning Shorinji Kempo.