THE EIGHTFOLD PATH
Introduction
Dedicated to the
Memory of
Tatsuo Shimabukuro
1908 - 1975
Included in the Four Noble Truths of Zen Buddhism is the eightfold
path, the way to nirvana. The final challenge to a student of any
style of karate is to enter into a state of nirvana (enlightenment.)
Nirvana is a complete killing of the three main ego drives for
money, fame, and immortality. It also signifies enlightenment and
the deliverance of the self from transmigration that destroys past
karma, which we will study in-depth at a later date.
The eightfold path is contained in the eight koan
of Isshinryu. It is against the laws of life, Zen, and the teachings
of the koan to have the audacity to give the explanation of these
koan to any student, because first the student learns nothing and
does not exercise his mind, and second, there is no one answer to
these koan.
You must always keep in mind that these offerings
are my honest understanding of this path I have chosen to follow; it
works for me.
All martial arts will benefit from the study of
these eight koan of Isshinryu, for they are not just the teachings
of Isshinryu but teachings of others far more learned than we could
imagine. Once these koan are instilled in your mind they will sprout
questions which will grow until a continuous search for knowledge
will dominate the life of those who choose to follow this path.
These eight koan and their study will create a new generation of
enlightened students which will give the immortality to one who
deserves it most, my Master, Tatsuo Shimabukuro.
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