I've been going through old tablets full of notes from gasshukus, okugyos, mondos, etc. and I notice that my training has been less about adding new things and more about constantly re-examining the basics. A new student enamored by the mystery and wonder of this graceful and dynamic art can easily overlook the essence of the technique in pursuit of something fancier or more complicated. Meanwhile, a master will be fully aware of the simplest of details: the quality of the breath, the position of one's foot, the stillness of the mind... the elements of one's being, not so much doing.
We are in the new season of our training in preparation for test time. Whether we are being formally tested or not, we are all called upon to "check our work" and look more closely at ourselves and our practice so that the art may continue to grow and flourish through our mindful pursuit.
cool picture. where's that from?
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