Shugyo

Soke has recently been hinting a new theme. We have yet to have reached the full capacity of this years theme ( and may never do ), yet I thought I would pass on this fresh information. Soke from my understanding, has not gone into any depth as yet. So, I have done some research and will add a superficial explanation of what I have heard to date. It is important to keep our hearts focused on this years theme. I feel that in doing so, it may help us come to a greater appreciation of Rokkon Shou Jou in the future?

So, once you have read this, please forget it and continue training with the feeling of  Nawa no Kankaku / Kukan, and an ongoing goal of unifying ones  Sainou Kon Ki ( of which Soke said noone has obtained yet ! ).

The original meaning of Rokkon Shou Jou as used in Shugendo has a completely different meaning to the way Soke expresses it. Firstly, please understand this.

Secondly, I have offered a brief overview of the original meaning. I have done this for pure interest sake for those inclined to understand the most common understanding of Rokkon Shou Jou by the massess.

Thirdly, I have included the kanji as written by Soke. Soke has  expressed Rokkon Shou Jou in a completely different manner by using different kanji. The meaning has therefore completely changed.

Shugendo: Rokkon Shou Jou

The Shinto doctrine called “Rokkon Shojo haraikotoba (mantra of six roots of cleansing mind/heart purification): Kokoro no kessai”. 

The doctrine is translated as follows:

The eyes see many kinds of dirt, but the mind/heart does not see any.
The ears hear many kinds of dirt, but the mind/heart does not hear any.
The nose smells many kinds of dirt, but the mind/heart does not smell any.
The mouth talks many kinds of dirt, but the mind/heart does not talk any.
The body touches many kinds of dirt, but the mind/heart does not touch any.
The mind thinks many kinds of dirt, but the mind/heart does not think any.

Although this doctrine seems to suggest that our mind should not be captured by what we see or hear through our five senses and consciousness, It is not the only interpretation. It does not mean that the mind is not influenced by what the senses experience, but rather it means that the mind sees dirt—that is, pain, bad circumstances–in a different way than the eyes do. This notion can be the medicine to build the immunity of the mind

Rokkon Sho jo  六根清浄 refers to the Shugendja practise of purifying one’s self through the detachment of the six sences.

Rokkon 六根 refers to the six sences.

Sho jo 清浄 refers to purity and immaculate.

The concept of juhachi-kai, or 18 sensory domains consists of three parts. These are the 6  sensory organs, each of which has its respective consciousness, each of which has an object of sensation. The Six Sensory Organs are:

1. The Eyes
2. The Ears
3. The Nose
4. The Mouth
5. The Body
6. The Mind

Each of these gives rise to a sensory consciousness. The Six Sensory Consciousnesses are:

1. visual sense; sight or vision
2. auditory sense; hearing or audition
3. olfactory sense; smell or olfaction
4. gustatory sense; taste, or gustation
5. cutaneous sense; touch or tactition.
6. perception. Perhaps; Balance, Posture?

Each of these 6 faculties has a sensory object or phenomena

1. Shape & Color
2. Sound
3. Aroma
4. Flavor
5. Texture
6. Phenomena

By combining the 6 organs, their consciousnesses, and their objects; we have the eighteen {18} sensory realms or domains 十八界 {juhachi-kai}.

Bujinkan: Rokkon Shou Jou

The kanji used by Soke for Roku 六 is 禄.

It can be described as Stipend, or salary. For example: The Samurai recieved a fief of 300 koku. However, when it is combined with Kan such as Kanroku 貫禄, it can mean ” Regal Dignity”, or a person of high status,and influence.

Kon 根 is written as Tamashii, or the ” Soul “.

The kanji used by Soke for Shou 清 is written as  Warau, or “ Laugh”.

The kanji used  for Jou 浄 is written as 淨. This permeates the meaning of “ Pure, Clear,Cleansing or Purity “.

I will include some words from Soke that were captured by a resident friend ( Sleiman ) about Rokkon Shou Jou. I’m sure it will give us a greater appreciation of  the Rokkon Shou Jou of the Bujinkan.

” Soke said that his rokkon shou jou has nothing to do with shugendo/ja practice and that it was more to do with living and being able to smile which, incidentally, is a natural consequence of forgetting about budo.”

I ( Duncan ) will also add here that Soke stated more recently that the theme of Rokkon Shou jou is in fact ” the purification of the senses through laughter!”

As I have said, this is but a superficial taste of next years potential theme for the Bujinkan Dojo. As we know, Soke often changes, so please do not take this as gospel truth. Thank you.

Until then, keep training with all your ability, soul and capacity on this years theme!

Duncan