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 Through a series of flowing, dynamic Asana movements we cultivate strength and flexibility. Engaging in Asana to purify the mind, body and energise you
How to strengthen and develop Life-force
The human being has two points of concentration within the mind/body. The axis by which the mind and body unite in balance and stability, is through the functioning ability of these two points. The state in which our potential talent can manifest maximally, is balanced between tension and relaxation. This state can only be developed and maintained through: TANDEN in the body and, and BUSSHO in the mind.
is the balance point of all physical functions, and is the natural centre of gravity in all human beings. It governs the functioning of the nervous system, hormone system, body liquids, meridians, skeletal system and muscles.
is the human beings original mind . It is our conscience, (moral sense and principles) and our native intelligence. Bussho is the concentration centre for controlling the mind. Both Tanden and Bussho are the central points to our subconscious mind and they develop simultaneously.
Return to Naturalness
Everything should exist in a natural state. Health, for example is the natural body in a balanced condition, Happiness is the natural feeling of life. Peace is the feeling that all surrounding circumstances exist in their natural state.
Naturalness has to do with balance. By achieving a state of balance within the mind/body, and harmony with others, an overall state of concord can be achieved. This is a mutually beneficial relationship, and this kind of relationship cannot, of course, exist if one’s own condition is good while those around remain in trouble. Together with others we must experience and enjoy life, helping and encouraging one another to greater efforts.
The discipline which is called Meiso (meditation) Yoga is a synthesis of Oki Sensei’s
Experience in a number of fields. It includes, for example, elements taken from Indian Yoga, Christian worship, Zen Buddhism, as well as many others. Meiso Yoga is not just a collection of separate parts, but a unified whole.
Indian Yoga seeks to attain liberation from individual limitations through physical and mental relaxation. The transcendence which is attained is often, however, really only a greatly enlarged capacity for harmonization. It is simply the practice of detachment. True meditation is far more than this. The largely physical approach found in Zen Buddhism includes controlled breathing, relaxation, and strengthening of the Tanden. A strong Tanden heightens the functioning of the nervous system and the physical body. Such techniques are useful but alone they are insufficient to bring real peace of mind. The real teaching of Zen is not restricted to any one religion, and involves a balance of knowledge and action.
Dynamic yoga
The focal point of mind-body control is the Tanden: the centre point of the triangle formed by the navel, the third lumbar vertebrae and the tail bone. The strength of the lower body depends on how much power is focused in the pelvis, abdomen, and Tanden. The greater Tanden Power, the overall balance and stability. Lack of power in the Tanden is inclined to produce stiffness in the neck and shoulders, as well as mental fatigue and over-excitedness.
Observation of neurotic or emotionally disturbed people will show that power and tension are concentrated in the upper part of the body, particularly the face, neck and shoulders, rather than in the Tanden. A person deficient in Tanden Power is sure to have weak breathing. Furthermore their life-force being weak, they are unable to put much vigour into their daily activities.
The feet are primary in assisting the power of the Tanden. Together the feet and Tanden balance the hips and abdomen; therefore feet should be strengthened by daily exercise. Many modern day complaints, can be traced to feet that don’t offer correct support.
Dynamic Zen as Exercise
Oki-Do Yoga stresses the importance of balance between opposite kinds of stimulation:-
Tension and relaxation; heat and cold; stillness and movement. For example static Zen is practiced through seated meditation; Zazen, while moving meditation takes the form of Dozen. This exercise is also a balance of opposites:- hard (tensing) and soft (relaxing).
In the morning it is best to first practice the soft forms ( warming up exercises) which loosen the muscles, stimulate all systems and aid the elimination of waste (purification exercise). Later progress to the hard forms which use strength and tension to produce power, release energy and arouse a spirit of challenge.
After generally strengthening and revitalizing all the body, go on to find any special exercise to strengthen the weak points and correct imbalances. Just as no diet is perfect for everyone, no system or set of exercises is perfect for everyone. Besides the kind of movement, also the time and effort put into practice will vary from person to person. One person may need only 30 minutes a day while someone else may need 3 hours. You must study and decide for yourself. Listen to your body.
It is alright to exhaust your physical-mental energy. In fact, in curing disease and maintaining health this ‘emptiness’ is extremely beneficial as the expulsion of all your extra energy rids you of negativity and blockages in the body and mind. In the long run this will make you stronger of body, clearer of mind and more determined. The human being is a wonderful organism, but without giving it a chance to be fully used it can never reach its highest level.
Don’t keep your body chained up, let it attain its full potential. Without trying, you never know your capability. Without practice you never develop your capability. However if you really do not want to practice then it is better not to do so. Doing something unwillingly will do more harm than good. Good exercise like a good meal become injurious to the human system when it is made compulsory or taken with a negative attitude.
Movement mental and physical, is life itself . Be joyful in your practice. This is the key to strengthening and conserving your spirit. All exercises are for spiritual development.
This paper was received during Oki-Do teacher training with Peter Masters and has been edited and presented by Megan White. |
