kunitaro Posted October 8, 2012 Report Posted October 8, 2012 It is merely a small part of its ability.
Baka Gaijin Posted October 8, 2012 Report Posted October 8, 2012 Good afternoon Kunitaro san, This is the article in question; from paragraph 8 of the main body of text after the introduction: http://www.shinyokai.com/Essays_TameshigiriReigi.htm Cheers Malcolm PS The Catalpa Bow is a fascinating record of an almost vanished aspect of cultural heritage. Dr Blacker was researching in Japan during the 1960's Here is a pdf excerpt: https://eee.uci.edu/clients/sbklein/GHO ... nimals.pdf
chrisf Posted October 8, 2012 Report Posted October 8, 2012 Keith, I am aware of all that and agree with what you're saying however I have read that in some quarters it's considered that tameshigiri can resurrect aura or spirits and that spiritually cleansing ceremonies should be practiced before and after as the cutting is symbolic of a persons death and was curious as to whether that was what was being referred to.
sanjuro Posted October 9, 2012 Report Posted October 9, 2012 Hi Chris. Yeah, I got that after reading your post a third time. I'll admit folklore and mysticism wasn't something that entered into my thinking originally. Sorry, I didn't mean to treat your post on such a superficial level. It raises an interesting aspect though. Sword lore is sometimes overlaid by shinto and shamanistic folklore. Often, particularly in the West, we forget how deeply some of these ancient beliefs run.
kunitaro Posted October 9, 2012 Report Posted October 9, 2012 Malcolm san, Thank you for the link, This is the article in question; from paragraph 8 of the main body of text after the introduction: http://www.shinyokai.com/Essays_TameshigiriReigi.htm Malcolm Text is saying that "If using an older sword whose history is unknown, the sword should be inspected by an expert" is meaning they were using old (Japanese) sword after inspection by expert. The article was written in 1978 in USA.. there was a lot of bad conditioned and mono-steel machine made swords in US which people were using. However, The owner of the sword should be expert... At least till ww2. The sword man were Experts. as Dai Nippon Butoku-kai, or Chuo-Token-kai. After 1951, Japanese sword became An Art object and Budo became a sport. And Shinto (神道) doesn't use Incense.... Use Shime-Nawa to separate Sacred and worldliness. but, not 神道(Shinto) but 新道(Shindo) !?!? I guess, a lot of myth has created in 60' and 70' what do you think ? And Could you give your opinion about relation between Tameshigiri and "The Catalpa Bow" ? because, i don't get it.
Baka Gaijin Posted October 9, 2012 Report Posted October 9, 2012 Good morning Kunitaro san, Thank you for your insightful comments, they answer a number of questions. I had no idea that Shinto (神道) does not use incense. Do you mean at all, or as a form of purification? Now regarding Tameshigiri and The Catalpa Bow. The excerpt I included above was to give a taste of Dr Blacker's scholarly approach to quite an esoteric subject for us in the West, it is the only readily available pdf text from what is quite a large and complex Book . Dr Blacker researched a number of rituals involving induced trance states where adherants would perform acts where they were said to be protected from harm by their temporary possession by various levels of spiritual beings from Foxes to Bodhisatva, Elemental beings without name to Kamisama. There are a number of photographs in the book of festivals and gatherings on Mt Haguro & Mt Ontake in the early 1960's including the Goma Fire ritual and a ladder constructed of sword blades, festooned with Gohei and a Yamabushi climbing up the edges of the blades. There are many references to spirits contained within objects and well as people, together with observations of various practices including Kujikiri and Yorigitou exorcism. It's the only book written by a Westerner, I have found thus far which covers these subjects in a rational manner. Cheers
kunitaro Posted October 9, 2012 Report Posted October 9, 2012 There are many references to spirits contained within objects and well as people, together with observations of various practices including Kujikiri and Yorigitou exorcism. BTW, Kuji-kiri, Kuji is meaning 9 letters, which is part of my signature 臨兵闘者皆陣列在 Those letters are written(cut) on The Nakago of the sword made by Izumi no Kami Kanesada (Nosada)Late Muromachi period. 兵ノ闘イニ臨ム者 皆 陣列ノ前二在レ Hei (no) Tatakai (ni) Nozo (mu) mono, Mina, Jinretsu (no) mae (ni) a (re) All(each) of the man who are facing to Battle, should be the most front !
Baka Gaijin Posted October 9, 2012 Report Posted October 9, 2012 Good morning Kunitaro san, Thank you for showing the Nosada blade, it is truly fascinating. Perhaps a poetic insight into the heart of one of its long passed custodians. I have seen various invocations to Hachiman Dai Bosatsu or Fudo no Myoo for example, but never the Kuji-kiri. どうもありがとうございます Cheers
kunitaro Posted October 11, 2012 Report Posted October 11, 2012 I had no idea that Shinto (神道) does not use incense. Do you mean at all, or as a form of purification? Not at All. There is no incense smell in Shinto Shrine or Dojo. hope that we will be able to contribute to lore Legitimate Japanese Tradition through our NMB. Btw,
Baka Gaijin Posted October 12, 2012 Report Posted October 12, 2012 Again Kunitaro san どうもありがとうございます For extending the knowledge base.
David Flynn Posted October 12, 2012 Report Posted October 12, 2012 I think some maybe confusing Buddhism with Shinto.
kunitaro Posted October 16, 2012 Report Posted October 16, 2012 This we should follow. Bushido : Nitobe Innazo http://www.sacred-texts.com/shi/bsd/index.htm
John A Stuart Posted October 16, 2012 Report Posted October 16, 2012 No controversy there, eh? 1905 and the politics at that time!! Hmmmm. John
kunitaro Posted October 17, 2012 Report Posted October 17, 2012 Indeed. There is a lot of interesting controversy around that time. at same time. The Book of Tea by Okakura kakuzo. http://www.sacred-texts.com/bud/tea.htm was published. After the Samurai period The long isolation of Japan from the rest of the world, Those who cannot feel the littleness of great things in themselves are apt to overlook the greatness of little things in others. The average Westerner, in his sleek complacency, will see in the tea ceremony but another instance of the thousand and one oddities which constitute the quaintness and childishness of the East to him. He was wont to regard Japan as barbarous while she indulged in the gentle arts of peace: he calls her civilised since she began to commit wholesale slaughter on Manchurian battlefields. Much comment has been given lately to the Code of the Samurai, --the Art of Death which makes our soldiers exult in self- sacrifice; but scarcely any attention has been drawn to Teaism, which represents so much of our Art of Life. Fain would we remain barbarians, if our claim to civilisation were to be based on the gruesome glory of war. Fain would we await the time when due respect shall be paid to our art and ideals. Those two books are very good to observe, because they are written in English originally by Japanese person who are educated from original samurai period. we can lean the spirits of Samurai and spirits of art appreciation from those.
sanjuro Posted October 17, 2012 Report Posted October 17, 2012 I too echo these sentiments. I have cherished a copy of Inazo Nitobe's book since my early twenties when I bought it from a second hand book store. I still find it not only a very pleasant read, since the English style is fairly precise and common to the early 20th century, but also because I still find in its pages insights that have eluded me in previous readings. For so small a volume it holds much to be assimilated. I'm motivated now to go and find a copy of Okakura's book to compliment it.
FBJ Posted October 22, 2012 Report Posted October 22, 2012 Read what Taisaburo Nakamura said about iaido. Apologies for chiming in on this late, but I've read Nakamura's article several times and and much as I'm inclined to respect the opinions of those that came before, I still conclude that he isn't terribly wise. His conclusions are based a deeply narrow cognitive framework of Japanese swordsmanship in general. For starters, the core of his criticism seems to be centered on kneeling techniques. What's more, he almost completely dismisses the clear and obvious link between kendo and iaido. For anyone with even moderate experience in either, not seeing the similarities and encouraging study in both for the most comprehensive education in Japanese swordsmanship demonstrates that one's sentiments extend past their odd logic. He's just the sort of person that would join a iaido dojo with his head filled with preconceived notions and quit six months later. As a person that teaches iaido, I've seen it time and again.
kunitaro Posted October 25, 2012 Report Posted October 25, 2012 Japanese sword is made by 1) Material = Tamahagane (new and old method of Tatara and quality of Satetsu) 2) Sugata = Size and Shape (Haba, Kasane, Sori, Funbari, Ha-niku), same as Nakago. 3) Hamon = Treatment steel with fire and water (Nie-deki, Nioi-deki,Suguha, Midareba) and Sword Polisher. Koshirae is made by 1) Saya/Tsuka maker (wood craft) 2) Kinko 1 Habaki maker (metal craft) Kinko 2, Fittings maker Kinko 3, Tsuba maker 3) Nushi-shi (Lacquer craft) 4) Maki-shi (Tsuka binding) All of those skilled craftsmen with positive spirits in good balance makes a good Japanese sword.
cabowen Posted October 25, 2012 Report Posted October 25, 2012 Here is a very brief synopsis of Nakamura's credentials: Nakamura was awarded 10th dan hanshi battōdō by the International Martial Arts Federation, 7th dan kyoshi by the All Japan Kendō Federation, 8th dan hanshi, Jukendō and 8th dan hanshi, Tankendō. In 1992, by Imperial Decree he was awarded Japan's highest cultural award, Living National Treasure. As you can see, he was an expert at both iai and kendo. Additionally, he had what very few other modern martial artists can claim: a lot of actual practical, battlefield experience with the sword, which, if he had a few drinks in him, he would relate in detail. I would be very cautious in my criticisms of anyone with his depth and breadth of knowledge and experience.
Jean Posted October 25, 2012 Report Posted October 25, 2012 Chris, It just what I needed it for digestion after the tepanyaki :D
Jean Posted October 25, 2012 Report Posted October 25, 2012 I was very wise and drunk only three beers (about 2 pints)
kunitaro Posted October 27, 2012 Report Posted October 27, 2012 BTW, How do you get Tatamiomote or(and) Bamboo for Tameshigiri in Europe ?
Hans Kondor Posted October 27, 2012 Author Report Posted October 27, 2012 There are some shops in my country for example where I can order. I thought about to plant bamboo to my garden.
Jussi Ekholm Posted October 27, 2012 Report Posted October 27, 2012 For Tatami Omote I could recommend Karasu, http://karasu.se/KARASU_swordworks/Targets.html
Baka Gaijin Posted October 28, 2012 Report Posted October 28, 2012 Good morning Kunitaro san, Try this link: http://www.ninecircles.co.uk/Swords_and ... tting.aspx I would recommend them as a reputable company. Cheers
kunitaro Posted October 29, 2012 Report Posted October 29, 2012 Thank you. so, it is costing (a lot) to practice cutting.... Fresh Bamboo and Old tatami-omote are free in Japan.. but, shipping to Europe will cost.... I thought about to plant bamboo to my garden. That is good idea.
Ian Posted October 29, 2012 Report Posted October 29, 2012 Try this link: http://www.ninecircles.co.uk/Swords_and ... tting.aspx I would recommend them as a reputable company. They are very cheap, buy VERY soft These are more, but good http://www.karasu.se/KARASU_swordworks/Targets.html Fresh Bamboo and Old tatami-omote are free in Japan.. but, shipping to Europe will cost.... Welcome to our part of the world .Sorry I thought about to plant bamboo to my garden. Still waiting for mine!
Hans Kondor Posted October 29, 2012 Author Report Posted October 29, 2012 Hello Ian, what do you think, how much time it takes to have enough bamboo for cutting? It was told to me that they grow fast.
Ian Posted October 29, 2012 Report Posted October 29, 2012 what do you think, how much time it takes to have enough bamboo for cutting? It was told to me that they grow fast. maybe in a better climate. I wish I knew Any keen gardeners?
takakage Posted October 29, 2012 Report Posted October 29, 2012 Hi Nakayama hakudo sensei and minamoto yoshichika sword...... http://www.e-sword.jp/sale/2012/1210_1091syousai.htm
Recommended Posts